Exodus 18:7
New International Version
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and then went into the tent.

New Living Translation
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent.

English Standard Version
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.

Berean Standard Bible
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.

King James Bible
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

New King James Version
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent.

New American Standard Bible
Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other about their welfare, and went into the tent.

NASB 1995
Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.

NASB 1977
Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare, and went into the tent.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.

Amplified Bible
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down [in respect] and kissed him. They asked each other about their well-being and went into the tent.

Christian Standard Bible
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and then kissed him. They asked each other how they had been and went into the tent.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and then kissed him. They asked each other how they had been and went into the tent.

American Standard Version
And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and did obeisance, and kissed him: and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

Contemporary English Version
When they arrived, Moses went out and bowed down in front of Jethro, then kissed him. After they had greeted each other, they went into the tent,

English Revised Version
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. Moses bowed with his face touching the ground and kissed Jethro. After they asked each other how they were, they went into the tent.

Good News Translation
so Moses went out to meet him, bowed before him, and kissed him. They asked about each other's health and then went into Moses' tent.

International Standard Version
When Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, he bowed low and kissed him, and they greeted one another. Then they went into the tent.

Majority Standard Bible
So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.

NET Bible
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him; they each asked about the other's welfare, and then they went into the tent.

New Heart English Bible
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and did obeisance, and kissed him: and they asked each other of their welfare: and they came into the tent.

World English Bible
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Moses goes out to meet his father-in-law, and bows himself, and kisses him, and they ask of one another of welfare, and come into the tent;

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses goeth out to meet his father-in-law, and boweth himself, and kisseth him, and they ask one at another of welfare, and come into the tent;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will go forth to the meeting of his father-in-law, and will worship him and kiss him: and they will ask each his friend of peace; and they will come into the tent.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he went out to meet his kinsman, and worshipped and kissed him: and they saluted one another with words of peace. And when he was come into the tent,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And going out to meet his kinsman, he reverenced and kissed him. And they saluted each other with peaceful words. And when he had arrived at the tent,

New American Bible
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and then kissed him. Having greeted each other, they went into the tent.

New Revised Standard Version
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law; he bowed down and kissed him; each asked after the other’s welfare, and they went into the tent.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and did obeisance and kissed him, and they asked each other of their welfare; and they went into the tent.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe went out to meet his Father in Law, and he bowed to him and he kissed him and they invoked, each man, the peace of his fellow, and they entered the tent.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses went forth to meet his father-in-law, and did him reverence, and kissed him, and they embraced each other, and he brought them into the tent.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Visit of Jethro
6He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.” 7So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent. 8Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them.…

Cross References
Genesis 14:18-20
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High— / and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

Genesis 33:4
Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.

Genesis 43:26-28
When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him. / He asked if they were well, and then he asked, “How is your elderly father you told me about? Is he still alive?” / “Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him.

Genesis 45:14-15
Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced. / Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him.

Genesis 46:29
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

1 Samuel 20:41
When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.

2 Samuel 19:39
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.

2 Kings 4:29
So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”

2 Kings 10:15
When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot,

Matthew 26:49
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Luke 1:40-41
where she entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. / When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Luke 7:45
You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived.

Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

John 11:20
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home.


Treasury of Scripture

And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

went

Genesis 14:17
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

Genesis 46:29
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.

Numbers 22:36
And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.

did obeisance

Genesis 18:2
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Genesis 19:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Genesis 33:3-7
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother…

kissed

Genesis 29:13
And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.

Genesis 31:28
And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.

Genesis 33:4
And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

welfare.

Genesis 43:27
And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?

2 Samuel 11:7
And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.

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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














So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law
The phrase highlights Moses' respect and honor towards Jethro, his father-in-law. In the Hebrew context, family relationships were deeply valued, and the act of going out to meet someone was a sign of respect and hospitality. The Hebrew root for "went out" (יָצָא, yatsa) implies a deliberate action, indicating Moses' eagerness and willingness to honor Jethro. This reflects the biblical principle of honoring one's elders and family, a value deeply embedded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12).

and bowed down
Bowing down was a common gesture of respect and reverence in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew word used here is "שָׁחָה" (shachah), which often denotes worship or deep respect. While Moses was a leader chosen by God, he still demonstrated humility and respect towards Jethro. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and respect in relationships, regardless of one's status or position.

and kissed him
The act of kissing, in this context, is a cultural expression of affection and greeting. In the Hebrew tradition, a kiss was a sign of peace and goodwill. The Hebrew word "נָשַׁק" (nashaq) conveys a sense of warmth and familial love. This gesture underscores the importance of maintaining loving and peaceful relationships within the family, reflecting the biblical call to love one another (John 13:34).

They greeted each other
This phrase indicates a mutual exchange of pleasantries and respect. The Hebrew root "שָׁאַל" (sha'al) can mean to inquire or ask, suggesting that their greeting involved a genuine interest in each other's well-being. This mutual respect and concern are foundational to strong relationships and community, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18).

and went into the tent
The tent, in this context, symbolizes a place of hospitality and fellowship. In the nomadic culture of the Israelites, the tent was not just a dwelling but a place of meeting and sharing. The Hebrew word "אֹהֶל" (ohel) signifies a temporary dwelling, reminding us of the transient nature of life and the importance of community and fellowship. This act of going into the tent together signifies a deeper level of communion and discussion, reflecting the biblical value of fellowship and unity among believers (Acts 2:42).

(7) Moses went out . . . And did obeisance.--Oriental etiquette required the going forth to meet an honoured guest (Genesis 18:2; Genesis 19:1, &c). The obeisance was wholly voluntary, and marks the humility of Moses, who, now that he was the prince of his nation, might well have required Jethro to bow down to him.

And kissed him.--Kissing is a common form of salutation in the East, even between persons who are in no way related. Herodotus says of the Persians: "When they meet each other in the streets, you may know if the persons meeting are of equal rank by the following token: if they are, instead of speaking they kiss each other on the lips. In the case where one is a little inferior to the other, the kiss is given on the cheek" (Book i. 134). (Comp. 2Samuel 15:5; 2Samuel 19:39; 2Samuel 20:9; Matthew 26:48-49; Acts 20:37, &c.; and for the continuance of the custom to the present day, see the collection of instances given in the article Kiss, in Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, vol. ii., p. 46.) . . .

Verse 7. - Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. Oriental ideas of politeness require such a movement in case of an honoured or even of a welcome visitor (see Genesis 18:2; Genesis 19:1; Genesis 32:6; Genesis 33:1; Luke 15:20; etc.). It was evidently the intention of Moses to receive Jethro with all possible marks of honour and respect. He not only went out to meet him, but did obeisance to him, as to a superior. They asked each other of their welfare. Rather "exchanged salutations;" addressed each other mutually with the customary phrase "Peace he unto you." Came into the tent - i.e., went together into the tent of Moses, which had been already glanced at in the word "encamped" (verse 5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

went out to meet
וַיֵּצֵ֨א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

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

and bowed down
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙ (way·yiš·ta·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate

and kissed him.
וַיִּשַּׁק־ (way·yiš·šaq-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

They greeted
וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ (way·yiš·’ă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

each
אִישׁ־ (’îš-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

other
לְרֵעֵ֖הוּ (lə·rê·‘ê·hū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

and went
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

into the tent.
הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃ (hā·’ō·hĕ·lāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 168: A tent


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OT Law: Exodus 18:7 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 18:6
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