Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. New Living Translation They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. English Standard Version And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. Berean Standard Bible Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. Berean Literal Bible And they shall judge the people at all times. And it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, and every small matter they shall judge themselves. And it will be lightened from you, and they will bear up with you. King James Bible And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. New King James Version And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. New American Standard Bible Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that they will bring to you every major matter, but they will judge every minor matter themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will carry the burden with you. NASB 1995 “Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. NASB 1977 “And let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. Legacy Standard Bible And they will judge the people at all times. And it will be that every major matter they will bring to you, but every minor matter they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. Amplified Bible They shall judge the people at all times; have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them judge every minor dispute themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. Berean Annotated Bible Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. Christian Standard Bible They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every major case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you. Holman Christian Standard Bible They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you. American Standard Version and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge themselves: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. Contemporary English Version These judges can handle the ordinary cases and bring the more difficult ones to you. Having them to share the load will make your work easier. English Revised Version and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge themselves: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation Let them be the ones who usually settle disagreements among the people. They should bring all important cases to you, but they should settle all minor cases themselves. Make it easier for yourself by letting them help you. Good News Translation Let them serve as judges for the people on a permanent basis. They can bring all the difficult cases to you, but they themselves can decide all the smaller disputes. That will make it easier for you, as they share your burden. International Standard Version They are to judge the people at all times. Let them bring every major matter to you, but let them judge every minor matter. It will lighten your burden, and they'll bear it with you. NET Bible They will judge the people under normal circumstances, and every difficult case they will bring to you, but every small case they themselves will judge, so that you may make it easier for yourself, and they will bear the burden with you. New Heart English Bible Let them judge the people at all times. It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So shall it be easier for you, and they shall share the load with you. Webster's Bible Translation And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring to thee, but every small matter they shall judge: So shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHave these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. World English Bible Let them judge the people at all times. It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So shall it be easier for you, and they shall share the load with you. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they have judged the people at all times; and it has come to pass, they bring every great matter to you, and they judge every small matter themselves; and lighten it from off yourself, and they have borne with you. Berean Literal Bible And they shall judge the people at all times. And it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, and every small matter they shall judge themselves. And it will be lightened from you, and they will bear up with you. Young's Literal Translation and they have judged the people at all times; and it hath come to pass, every great matter they bring in unto thee, and every small matter they judge themselves; and lighten it from off thyself, and they have borne with thee. Smith's Literal Translation And they judged the people in all time: and it will be every great word they will bring to thee, and every small word they shall judge: and it will be light for thee, and they shall lift up with thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho may judge the people at all times: and when any great matter soever shall fall out, let them refer it to thee, and let them judge the lesser matters only: that so it may be lighter for thee, the burden being shared out unto others. Catholic Public Domain Version who may judge the people at all times. Then, when anything greater will have occurred, they may refer it to you, and let them judge the lesser matters only. And so it may be lighter for you, the burden being divided among others. New American Bible Let these render decisions for the people in all routine cases. Every important case they should refer to you, but every lesser case they can settle themselves. Lighten your burden by letting them bear it with you! New Revised Standard Version Let them sit as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every important case to you, but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet them judge the people at all times; and when they have an important matter, let them come to you; but every small matter they shall judge for themselves; so it shall be easier for you, and they shall bear the burden with you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they shall be judges to the people in every time and when a great matter will come to you, those shall judge all small matters and it will unburden you and they will bear it with you. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And let them judge the people at all seasons; and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge themselves; so shall they make it easier for thee and bear the burden with thee. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they shall judge the people at all times, and the too burdensome matter they shall bring to thee, but they shall judge the smaller cases; so they shall relieve thee and help thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jethro Advises Moses…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. 22Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. 23If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.”… Cross References Have these men judge the people at all times. Deuteronomy 16:18-20 You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. / Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. / Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 2 Chronicles 19:5-7 He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” Deuteronomy 1:16-17 At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. / Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” Then they can bring you any major issue, Deuteronomy 17:8-10 If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. / You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. / You must abide by the verdict they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you, Deuteronomy 21:5 And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault. 2 Chronicles 19:8 Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. but all minor cases they can judge on their own, 1 Corinthians 6:4-5 So if you need to settle everyday matters, do you appoint as judges those of no standing in the church? / I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers? 2 Chronicles 19:10 For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt. Deuteronomy 25:1 If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned. so that your load may be lightened 1 Kings 12:4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. as they share it with you. Numbers 11:17 And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself. Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Acts 6:2-4 So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them / and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Deuteronomy 1:13-15 Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” / And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.” / So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. Treasury of Scripture And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for yourself, and they shall bear the burden with you. at all seasons Exodus 18:26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. great Leviticus 24:11 And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) Numbers 15:33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. Numbers 27:2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, they shall Exodus 18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Numbers 11:17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone. Jump to Previous Bear Burden Case Cases Causes Decide Decisions Difficult Dispute Easier Great Hard Important Judge Judges Load Major Matter Minor Questions Seasons Serve Share Simple Small Themselves Thyself Times Way WeightJump to Next Bear Burden Case Cases Causes Decide Decisions Difficult Dispute Easier Great Hard Important Judge Judges Load Major Matter Minor Questions Seasons Serve Share Simple Small Themselves Thyself Times Way WeightExodus 18 1. Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses7. 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 Have these men judge the people at all times. This directive from Jethro to Moses emphasizes the establishment of a judicial system among the Israelites. The concept of appointing judges is foundational in maintaining order and justice within the community. This system prefigures the later establishment of judges in Israel, as seen in the Book of Judges. It reflects God's desire for structured leadership and accountability, ensuring that justice is accessible to all. The phrase "at all times" suggests a continuous and consistent application of justice, which is crucial for maintaining societal stability. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. He is the central figure in this passage, receiving advice from his father-in-law. 2. Jethro Moses' father-in-law, a priest of Midian, who provides wise counsel to Moses on how to manage the burden of leadership. 3. Israelites The people of God, who are in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They are the ones being judged and led by Moses. 4. Judges Appointed leaders among the Israelites who are tasked with handling minor disputes, allowing Moses to focus on more significant issues. 5. Wilderness The setting where the Israelites are journeying towards the Promised Land, a place of testing and reliance on God. Teaching Points The Wisdom of DelegationJethro's advice to Moses underscores the importance of delegation in leadership. Leaders should not bear the burden alone but should empower others to share in the responsibilities. Shared Responsibility By appointing judges, Moses lightened his load, which is a practical example of shared responsibility. This principle can be applied in various contexts, including church leadership, family, and work environments. Empowering Others Delegation is not just about reducing workload but also about empowering others to grow and serve. It allows others to use their gifts and develop their leadership skills. Listening to Wise Counsel Moses' willingness to listen to Jethro's advice demonstrates humility and openness to wisdom from others, even those outside the immediate community of faith. Sustainable Leadership Effective leadership involves creating systems that are sustainable and prevent burnout. This passage teaches the importance of creating structures that support long-term success. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 18:22?2. How does Exodus 18:22 guide us in delegating responsibilities within the church? 3. What qualities should leaders possess according to Exodus 18:22's advice on selecting judges? 4. How can Exodus 18:22's principles be applied in family decision-making processes today? 5. Compare Exodus 18:22 with Acts 6:3 on appointing leaders. What similarities exist? 6. How does implementing Exodus 18:22's advice prevent leadership burnout in ministry? 7. How does Exodus 18:22 reflect on the delegation of authority in religious leadership? 8. What historical evidence supports the judicial system described in Exodus 18:22? 9. How does Exodus 18:22 influence modern Christian views on leadership and responsibility? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18? 11. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible that supports the judicial structure described in Exodus 18:21–22? 12. How does the Moses Model structure church leadership? 13. Exodus 22:18: How can the command 'Do not allow a sorceress to live' be reconciled with modern standards of religious freedom and human rights? 14. Why is there no mention of any other civilizations, such as Babylon or Egypt, being judged in the same manner as described in Ezekiel 22:15, despite historical records of their own atrocities? What Does Exodus 18:22 Mean Have these men judge the people at all timesMoses had been standing alone from dawn to dusk (Exodus 18:13-14). Jethro’s counsel calls for a standing team of qualified men, ensuring justice is available “at all times.” • Leadership is multiplied rather than centralized, mirroring later instructions in Deuteronomy 1:9-18 where chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens are appointed. • Numbers 11:16-17 shows the Lord Himself affirming the same pattern, taking of the Spirit on Moses and placing it on seventy elders so “they will bear the burden of the people with you.” • The New Testament echoes this rhythm of delegation in 2 Timothy 2:2, urging Timothy to “entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Then they can bring you any major issue Not every case is equal in complexity or consequence. Moses remains the final earthly court for matters that could threaten covenant faithfulness. • Exodus 18:26 records the plan in action: “They judged the people at all times; the difficult cases they would bring to Moses.” • Deuteronomy 17:8-10 prescribes the same principle for future judges—hard cases go up to the priests and the judge at the central sanctuary. • In Acts 15:2 a “major issue” (circumcision of Gentiles) is brought to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, illustrating continuity in God’s design for layered authority. but all minor cases they can judge on their own Routine disagreements can be settled locally, cultivating discernment and responsibility among the people. • Luke 16:10 reminds us, “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much,” validating the training ground of small cases. • 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 challenges believers to handle everyday disputes rather than taking them before secular courts, applying the same principle in church life. • Matthew 25:21 celebrates servants proven trustworthy in “a few things,” underscoring how minor judgments prepare leaders for larger assignments. so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you The aim is relief, not abdication. Shared leadership protects both shepherd and flock. • Galatians 6:2 commands, “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” capturing the heart of Jethro’s counsel. • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 explains, “Two are better than one… if either falls, one can help the other up,” highlighting mutual support. • Even our Lord models burden-sharing: “Take My yoke upon you… My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30), inviting us into partnership rather than solitary toil. summary Exodus 18:22 presents a timeless template for godly leadership: establish trustworthy representatives, reserve the hard cases for higher authority, give people space to solve ordinary matters, and lighten the leader’s load through shared responsibility. By honoring these instructions we safeguard justice, foster growth, and reflect the burden-sharing heart of God throughout His Word. (22) At all seasons.--Not on occasional court days, as had been the custom of Moses, but day by day continually.Every great matter they shall bring unto thee.--It must have been left to the judges themselves to decide what were "great" and what were "small matters." Under ordinary circumstances, courts would be inclined to extend their jurisdiction, and take enlarged views of their competency; but the difficulties of desert life were such as to counteract this inclination, and induce men to contract, rather than widen, their responsibilities. When the wilderness life was ended, the judicial system of Jethro came to an end also, and a system at once simpler and more elastic was adopted. Verse 22. - Let them judge the people at all seasons. Instead of occasional court-days, on which Moses sat from morning to evening hearing causes, judgments were to be given continually by the rulers of tens, fifties, etc., the accumulation of untried causes being thus avoided, and punishment following promptly on the committal of an offence. The elaborately minute organisation was only suited for the period of the wanderings, and was of a semi-military character, such as might have suited an army on the march When the Israelites became settled dwellers in Palestine, such a multiplicity of judges was unnecessary, and was discontinued. So shall it be easier. Literally, "So make it easier." Compare ver. 18.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Have [these men] judgeוְשָׁפְט֣וּ (wə·šā·p̄ə·ṭū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate the people הָעָם֮ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock at all בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every times. עֵת֒ (‘êṯ) Noun - common singular Strong's 6256: Time, now, when Then וְהָיָ֞ה (wə·hā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be they can bring יָבִ֣יאוּ (yā·ḇî·’ū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go you אֵלֶ֔יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to any כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every major הַגָּדֹל֙ (hag·gā·ḏōl) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent issue, הַדָּבָ֤ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause but all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every minor הַקָּטֹ֖ן (haq·qā·ṭōn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant cases הַדָּבָ֥ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause they can judge יִשְׁפְּטוּ־ (yiš·pə·ṭū-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate on their own, הֵ֑ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They so that your load may be lightened וְהָקֵל֙ (wə·hā·qêl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling as they share וְנָשְׂא֖וּ (wə·nā·śə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take it with you. אִתָּֽךְ׃ (’it·tāḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among Links Exodus 18:22 NIVExodus 18:22 NLT Exodus 18:22 ESV Exodus 18:22 NASB Exodus 18:22 KJV Exodus 18:22 BibleApps.com Exodus 18:22 Biblia Paralela Exodus 18:22 Chinese Bible Exodus 18:22 French Bible Exodus 18:22 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 18:22 Let them judge the people at all (Exo. 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