And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

EXODUS 4:18KJV
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Exodus 4:18 (KJV)

What does Exodus 4:18 mean?

Exodus 4:18 describes Moses asking his father-in-law Jethro for permission to return to Egypt to check on his relatives, and Jethro responding by giving Moses his blessing to go in peace. This verse shows Moses preparing to leave Midian after his encounter with God at the burning bush.

In this verse, Moses speaks respectfully to Jethro (his father-in-law and former employer) before leaving Midian, where he had lived for years. Moses explains his desire to see if his people in Egypt are still alive, showing concern for their well-being. Jethro’s reply, “Go in peace,” is a warm and supportive send-off, marking a significant turning point as Moses begins his journey back to Egypt to lead the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 4:18

  • The word for “peace” is שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of wholeness, well-being, and blessing. Jethro’s words are not just permission but a heartfelt wish for Moses’ safety and success.
  • The verb “go” is יָלַךְ (yalak), which is a common word for movement but here emphasizes Moses’ deliberate action in starting a new phase of his life.
  • The phrase “see whether they be yet alive” uses the word חַי (chai), meaning “alive” or “living,” highlighting Moses’ concern for the survival of his people in Egypt.

Why Exodus 4:18 matters

  • Exodus 4:18 clears up that Moses did not leave Midian abruptly or disrespectfully; he sought and received Jethro’s blessing, showing responsibility and respect for family ties.
  • The verse highlights Moses’ concern for his “brethren” in Egypt, setting the stage for his role as their leader and deliverer.
  • This moment connects the private call of Moses at the burning bush with his public mission, showing the transition from preparation to action in the story.

Where else these words appear

“Jethro” Hebrew H3500 · used in 8 verses

  • Judges 8:20 And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.
  • 1 Kings 2:32 And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:32 And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children.

“Jethro” Hebrew H3503 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
  • Exodus 18:2 Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,
  • Exodus 18:9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

“yet” Hebrew H5750 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
  • Genesis 46:30 And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
  • Judges 2:14 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

“law” Hebrew H2859 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
  • Exodus 18:15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
  • Judges 19:4 And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.