Exodus 4:18
New International Version
Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Let me return to my own people in Egypt to see if any of them are still alive.” Jethro said, “Go, and I wish you well.”

New Living Translation
So Moses went back home to Jethro, his father-in-law. “Please let me return to my relatives in Egypt,” Moses said. “I don’t even know if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.

English Standard Version
Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

New American Standard Bible
Then Moses departed and returned to his father-in-law Jethro, and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

NASB 1995
Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

NASB 1977
Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brothers who are in Egypt and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Amplified Bible
Then Moses went away and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please, let me go back so that I may return to my relatives in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then Moses went back to his father-in-law, Jethro, and said to him, “Please let me return to my relatives in Egypt and see if they are still living.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my relatives in Egypt and see if they are still living.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

American Standard Version
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 that are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Contemporary English Version
Moses went to his father-in-law Jethro and asked, "Please let me return to Egypt to see if any of my people are still alive." "All right," Jethro replied. "I hope all goes well."

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro. Moses said to him, "Please let me go back to my own people in Egypt. I would like to see if they're still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "You may go."

Good News Translation
Then Moses went back to Jethro, his father-in-law, and said to him, "Please let me go back to my relatives in Egypt to see if they are still alive." Jethro agreed and told him good-bye.

International Standard Version
Moses left and returned to his father-in-law Jethro. Moses told him, "Please let me go and return to my own people in Egypt so I can see whether they're still alive." Jethro told Moses, "Go in peace."

Majority Standard Bible
Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.

NET Bible
So Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, "Let me go, so that I may return to my relatives in Egypt and see if they are still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace."

New Heart English Bible
Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, "Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

World English Bible
Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Moses goes and turns back to his father-in-law Jethro, and says to him, “Please let me go, and I return to my brothers who [are] in Egypt, and I see whether they are yet alive.” And Jethro says to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses goeth and turneth back unto Jethro his father-in-law, and saith to him, 'Let me go, I pray thee, and I turn back unto my brethren who are in Egypt, and I see whether they are yet alive.' And Jethro saith to Moses, 'Go in peace.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will go and turn back to Jethro his father-in-law, and will say to him, I will go now and turn back to my brethren which are in Egypt, and I will see whether they are yet living. And Jethro will say to Moses, Go in peace.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moses went his way, and returned to Jethro his father in law and said to him: I will go and return to my brethren into Egypt, that I may see if they be yet alive. And Jethro said to him: Go in peace.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moses went forth, and he returned to Jethro, his father in law, and he said to him, “I shall go and return to my brothers in Egypt, so that I may see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to him, “Go in peace.”

New American Bible
After this Moses returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Let me return to my kindred in Egypt, to see whether they are still living.” Jethro replied to Moses, “Go in peace.”

New Revised Standard Version
Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me go back to my kindred in Egypt and see whether they are still living.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses returned, and went to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, Let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt and see whether they are still alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe returned and he went on to Yatherwan his Father in Law and said to him, “I shall return, I shall go to my brothers who are in Egypt, and I shall see if they are yet alive”, and Yatherwan said to Moshe, “Go in peace.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said unto him: 'Let me go, I pray thee, and unto my brethren that are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive.' And Jethro said to Moses: 'Go in peace.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses went and returned to Jothor his father-in-law, and says, I will go and return to my brethren in Egypt, and will see if they are yet living. And Jothor said to Moses, Go in health. And in those days after some time, the king of Egypt died.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Moses Leaves for Egypt
18Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied. 19Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.”…

Cross References
Acts 7:29-30
At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. / After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.

Hebrews 11:27
By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.

Numbers 10:29-32
Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.” / “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.” / “Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. ...

Genesis 31:3
Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”

Matthew 2:19-20
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. / “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child’s life are now dead.”

1 Kings 19:19-21
So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.

Genesis 24:54-56
Then he and the men with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.” / But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.” / But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.”

Luke 9:61-62
Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.” / Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Genesis 31:55
Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home.

Acts 7:23-25
When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. / And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. / He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not.

Genesis 28:15
Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

1 Samuel 15:6
And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites.

Genesis 45:9
Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay.

Matthew 10:23
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Genesis 46:29-30
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”


Treasury of Scripture

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

Jethro.

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.

let me go.

1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

and see.

Genesis 45:3
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.

Acts 16:36
And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

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Exodus 4
1. Moses's rod is turned into a serpent.
6. His hand is leprous.
10. He loathes his calling.
13. Aaron is appointed to assist him.
18. Moses departs from Jethro.
21. God's message to Pharaoh.
24. Zipporah circumcises her son.
27. Aaron is sent to meet Moses.
29. The people believe them.














Then Moses went back
The phrase "Then Moses went back" signifies a pivotal moment of obedience and transition. Moses, having encountered God at the burning bush, is now acting on the divine commission. The Hebrew root for "went back" (שׁוּב, shuv) often implies a return or a turning back, symbolizing Moses' readiness to embrace his God-given mission. This action marks a shift from his life in Midian to his role as a leader and deliverer of Israel.

to his father-in-law Jethro
Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a significant figure in Moses' life, representing wisdom and counsel. The name Jethro (יִתְרוֹ, Yitro) can mean "his abundance" or "excellence," reflecting his status and character. Jethro's role as a priest of Midian suggests a man of spiritual insight, which Moses respects by seeking his permission. This interaction underscores the importance of honoring familial and social relationships even when called to divine tasks.

and said to him, 'Please let me return
Moses' request, "Please let me return," is marked by humility and respect. The Hebrew word for "please" (נָא, na) is a polite entreaty, indicating Moses' deference to Jethro's authority. This approach highlights the value of seeking permission and blessing from those in authority, even when one is under divine mandate. It reflects a balance between divine calling and human relationships.

to my brothers in Egypt
The phrase "to my brothers in Egypt" reveals Moses' identification with the Israelites. Despite his upbringing in Pharaoh's palace, Moses acknowledges his kinship with the Hebrew people. This identification is crucial for his role as a leader and deliverer. The term "brothers" (אַחַי, achai) emphasizes solidarity and shared destiny, reminding us of the importance of community and belonging in fulfilling God's purposes.

to see if they are still alive
Moses' concern "to see if they are still alive" reflects his compassion and sense of responsibility. This phrase indicates a genuine care for the well-being of his people, aligning with God's heart for the oppressed. The Hebrew word for "alive" (חַי, chai) not only refers to physical life but also to vitality and flourishing. Moses' mission is not just about survival but about leading the Israelites into a life of freedom and abundance.

Jethro said to Moses, 'Go in peace.'
Jethro's response, "Go in peace," is a blessing and a release. The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses wholeness, safety, and well-being. Jethro's blessing signifies his approval and support, providing Moses with the assurance needed to embark on his mission. This phrase encapsulates the harmony between divine calling and human affirmation, encouraging us to pursue our God-given paths with confidence and peace.

Moses . . . returned to Jethro.--Heb., to Jether. When Moses married Zipporah, he was probably adopted into the tribe, of which Reuel, and after him Jethro, was the head. The tribal tie was close, and would make the asking of permission for even a temporary absence the proper, if not even the necessary, course Apart from this, Moses would have had to "return," in order to restore the flock, which he was tending, to its owner. (See Exodus 3:1.)

My brethren.--Not "my nation," for Moses could not doubt that some survived; nor "my actual brothers," for he had but one brother; but, "my relations," or "my family," my kith and kin. Let me go and see whether my relatives survive, or whether they have succumbed to the tyranny of the Pharaoh. It is certain that this was not Moses' sole motive, not even his main motive for wishing to return to Egypt; but, as it was among his motives, he was within his right in putting it forward, and omitting to mention others.

Jethro said, Go in peace.--Jethro's character is altogether one of which kindness and peacefulness are the main elements. If he be identified with Reuel, the pleasing picture drawn in Exodus 2:18-21 will furnish traits towards his portraiture. Even without this, the present passage and the notice in Exodus 18 sufficiently delineate him. He is a sort of second Melchizedek, both priest and king, a worshipper of the true God, and one in whose presence both Moses and Aaron are content to play a secondary part (Exodus 18:9; Exodus 18:12). But he never asserts himself; he is always kind, gentle, acquiescent, helpful. He might easily have made a difficulty at the present point of the narrative, have demurred to the weakening of the tribe by the withdrawal of an important member from it, have positively refused to allow of the departure of 'Zipporah and her children. But his words are simply "Go in peace." He consents, and does not mar the grace of his act by any show of reluctance. He lets Moses take his wife and children. He afterwards receives them back, and protects them (Exodus 18:2); and, finally, when his protection is no more needed, he restores them to their natural guardian, by a spontaneous act, as it would seem. . . .

Verses 18-25. - If Moses had, as we have supposed, been accepted into the Midianitish nation, he would need permission to withdraw himself from the tribal head. This head was now Jether, or Jethro, Moses' connexion by marriage, perhaps his brother-in-law, perhaps a less near connexion. Nations and tribes were at this time anxious to keep up their numbers, and jealous of the desertion even of a single member. Jethro, however, made no opposition to the return of Moses to Egypt, even though he designed to be accompanied by his wife and sons (ver. 20). Scripture gives no indications of the motives which actuated him. Perhaps the Midianites were at this time straitened for want of room. Perhaps the peculiar circumstances of Moses were held to justify his application for leave. Verse 18. - My brethren probably means here "my relations" (compare Genesis 13:8; Genesis 29:12). Moses could scarcely doubt but that some of his countrymen were still living. It would not have been for the interest of the Egyptians to exterminate them. Go in peace means, "you have my leave - I do not oppose your going."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Moses
מֹשֶׁ֜ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

went
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

back
וַיָּ֣שָׁב ׀ (way·yā·šāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his father-in-law
חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ (ḥō·ṯə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2859: To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage

Jethro
יֶ֣תֶר (ye·ṯer)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3503: Jethro -- Moses' father-in-law

and said to him,
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Please
נָּ֗א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

let me return
וְאָשׁ֙וּבָה֙ (wə·’ā·šū·ḇāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

my brothers
אַחַ֣י (’a·ḥay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

in Egypt
בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם (bə·miṣ·ra·yim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

and see
וְאֶרְאֶ֖ה (wə·’er·’eh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

if they are still
הַעוֹדָ֣ם (ha·‘ō·w·ḏām)
Adverb | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

alive.”
חַיִּ֑ים (ḥay·yîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

“Go
לֵ֥ךְ (lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in peace,”
לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (lə·šā·lō·wm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

[Jethro] replied.
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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