Exodus 18:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:7 mean?

Exodus 18:7 describes Moses going out to greet his father-in-law, bowing respectfully, kissing him, and then the two men asking about each other's well-being before entering the tent together. The verse highlights a warm, respectful reunion between Moses and Jethro after a period apart.

Moses is the leader of Israel, and his father-in-law Jethro has just arrived at the Israelite camp. The actions—going out, bowing, kissing, and exchanging greetings—show the deep respect and affection between them. This meeting sets the stage for the important conversations that follow in the chapter, where Jethro will observe Moses’ leadership and offer advice.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:7

• "Did obeisance" is from שָׁחָה (shachah), which means to bow down or prostrate oneself. This is a gesture of deep respect, not worship, in this context.
• "Welfare" comes from שָׁלוֹם (shalom), meaning peace, well-being, or wholeness. When they ask about each other's welfare, they are genuinely concerned for each other's overall condition, not just asking a casual "how are you?"

Why Exodus 18:7 matters

• The verse shows that Moses, though a leader, honors his family ties and traditions, modeling humility and respect.
• The greeting rituals—bowing, kissing, and asking about shalom—reflect ancient Near Eastern customs, helping modern readers understand the depth of their relationship.
• This respectful encounter prepares the reader for Jethro’s later role as a wise counselor, showing that Moses values and welcomes input from others.