Exodus 18:20
New International Version
Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.

New Living Translation
Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.

English Standard Version
and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.

Berean Standard Bible
Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.

King James Bible
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

New King James Version
And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.

New American Standard Bible
then admonish them about the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do.

NASB 1995
then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do.

NASB 1977
then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk, and the work they are to do.

Legacy Standard Bible
then warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they shall go and the work they shall do.

Amplified Bible
You shall teach them the decrees and laws. You shall show them the way they are to live and the work they are to do.

Christian Standard Bible
Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do.

American Standard Version
and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Contemporary English Version
and you should teach them God's laws and show them what they must do to live right.

English Revised Version
and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You must instruct them in the laws and the teachings, show them how to live, and tell them what to do.

Good News Translation
You should teach them God's commands and explain to them how they should live and what they should do.

International Standard Version
You are to teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they're to go and the things they're to do.

Majority Standard Bible
Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.

NET Bible
warn them of the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.

New Heart English Bible
You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do.

World English Bible
You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you have warned them [concerning] the statutes and the laws, and have made known to them the way in which they go, and the work which they do.

Young's Literal Translation
and thou hast warned them concerning the statutes and the laws, and hast made known to them the way in which they go, and the work which they do.

Smith's Literal Translation
And teach them the laws and the precepts and make known to them the way they shall go in it, and the work which they shall do.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And to shew the people the ceremonies and the manner of worshipping, and the way wherein they ought to walk, and the work that they ought to do.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and to reveal to the people the ceremonies, and the rituals of worship, and the way by which they should progress, and the work that they should do.

New American Bible
Enlighten them in regard to the statutes and instructions, showing them how they are to conduct themselves and what they are to do.

New Revised Standard Version
teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you shall warn them to keep the ordinances and laws that you may show them how to conduct themselves and the works that they must do.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you should warn them so that they keep the commandments and the Law, and show them the way to go in it and the works to do.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou shalt testify to them the ordinances of God and his law, and thou shalt shew to them the ways in which they shall walk, and the works which they shall do.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jethro Advises Moses
19Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. 20Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do. 21Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:1
Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.

Deuteronomy 6:1-2
These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, / so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged.

Deuteronomy 11:1
You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments.

Deuteronomy 31:12-13
Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. / Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Psalm 25:4-5
Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Psalm 119:33-34
Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep them to the end. / Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.

Proverbs 4:1-2
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. / For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.

Isaiah 2:3
And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 48:17
Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go.

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Luke 24:47
and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.

John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 20:20-21
I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, / testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

And you shall teach them ordinances and laws, and shall show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

teach

Exodus 18:16
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

Deuteronomy 4:1,5
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you…

Deuteronomy 5:1
And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.

the way

1 Samuel 12:23
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 143:8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

work

Deuteronomy 1:18
And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.

Ezekiel 3:17
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jump to Previous
Clear Decisions Decrees Duties Guiding Laws Making Ordinances Perform Rules Show Statutes Teach Teaching Walk Warned Way Wherein Work
Jump to Next
Clear Decisions Decrees Duties Guiding Laws Making Ordinances Perform Rules Show Statutes Teach Teaching Walk Warned Way Wherein Work
Exodus 18
1. Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses
7. Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord
9. Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice
13. He gives good counsel, which is accepted
27. Jethro departs














Teach them the statutes and laws
This phrase emphasizes the importance of imparting God's commandments to the people. In the context of Exodus, Moses is advised by his father-in-law Jethro to delegate responsibilities and educate the Israelites in God's decrees. The statutes and laws refer to the divine instructions given to Moses, which include moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. This teaching is foundational for the covenant community, establishing a framework for righteous living. The emphasis on teaching aligns with Deuteronomy 6:7, where parents are instructed to diligently teach God's commandments to their children, highlighting the generational transmission of faith.

and show them the way to live
This phrase underscores the practical application of God's laws in daily life. It is not enough to know the statutes; the Israelites must also understand how to live them out. This guidance is akin to the wisdom literature found in Proverbs, which offers practical advice for living a life pleasing to God. The "way to live" can be seen as a precursor to the concept of "walking in the Spirit" found in Galatians 5:16, where believers are called to live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This phrase also foreshadows Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way" in John 14:6, embodying the perfect example of living according to God's will.

and the work they must do
This final phrase highlights the importance of action and responsibility within the community. The work refers to the duties and tasks necessary for maintaining order and justice among the people. In the historical context, this would include the administration of justice, community service, and religious observance. The concept of work is integral to the biblical narrative, beginning with God's command to Adam to tend the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to do good works as a reflection of their faith (Ephesians 2:10). This phrase also points to the active role of believers in God's redemptive plan, as they are called to be co-laborers with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage and guide them through the wilderness.

2. Jethro
Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and offers wise counsel on leadership and governance.

3. Israelites
The people of God, recently freed from slavery in Egypt, who are learning to live as a covenant community under God's laws.

4. Mount Sinai
The location where Moses receives the Law from God, a significant place of divine revelation and instruction.

5. The Wilderness
The setting for the Israelites' journey, representing both physical and spiritual challenges as they learn to trust and obey God.
Teaching Points
The Role of Leadership in Teaching
Moses is instructed to teach the people, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to impart God's truth and guide others in righteous living.

The Importance of God's Law
The statutes and laws are not merely rules but a way of life that reflects God's character and purposes for His people.

Living Out God's Commands
The phrase "the way to live" implies that God's laws are practical and applicable to daily life, not just theoretical knowledge.

Work as Worship
The "work they must do" suggests that all aspects of life, including work, are opportunities to serve and honor God.

Community and Accountability
Teaching and living out God's laws are communal activities, requiring mutual support and accountability among believers.Verse 20. - Thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws. Or, "statutes and laws," as in ver. 16. It is not quite clear how these differ. Some regard "statutes" as connected with religion, and laws as regulations with respect to civil and social matters. Others explain the first as "specific" and the second as "general enactments." The way wherein they must walk. The general line of conduct which all axe bound to pursue. The work that they must do. The special task which each has to perform individually.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Teach
וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֣ה (wə·hiz·har·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2094: To gleam, to enlighten

them the statutes
הַחֻקִּ֖ים (ha·ḥuq·qîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute

and laws,
הַתּוֹרֹ֑ת (hat·tō·w·rōṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

and show
וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣ (wə·hō·w·ḏa‘·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

them the way
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ (had·de·reḵ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

to live
יֵ֣לְכוּ (yê·lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and the work
הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה (ham·ma·‘ă·śeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property

they must do.
יַעֲשֽׂוּן׃ (ya·‘ă·śūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 6213: To do, make


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OT Law: Exodus 18:20 You shall teach them the statutes (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 18:19
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