Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” New Living Translation When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” English Standard Version When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” Berean Standard Bible When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” Berean Literal Bible And the father-in-law of Moses saw all that he was doing to the people, and he said, “What is this thing that you are doing to the people? Why do you sit by yourself, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” King James Bible And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? New King James Version So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” New American Standard Bible Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” NASB 1995 Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?” NASB 1977 Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?” Legacy Standard Bible And Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, so he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?” Amplified Bible When Moses’ father-in-law saw everything that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why are you sitting alone [as a judge] with all the people standing around you from dawn to dusk?” Berean Annotated Bible When his (drawn out) father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening? Christian Standard Bible When Moses’s father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, “What is this you’re doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible When Moses’ father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, “What is this thing you’re doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?” American Standard Version And when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand about thee from morning unto even? Contemporary English Version Jethro saw how much Moses had to do for the people, and he asked, "Why are you the only judge? Why do you let these people crowd around you from morning till evening?" English Revised Version And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand about thee from morning unto even? GOD'S WORD® Translation When Moses' father-in-law saw everything Moses was doing for the people, he asked, "Why are you doing this for the people? Why do you sit here alone, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?" Good News Translation When Jethro saw everything that Moses had to do, he asked, "What is all this that you are doing for the people? Why are you doing this all alone, with people standing here from morning till night to consult you?" International Standard Version When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning until evening?" NET Bible When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this that you are doing for the people? Why are you sitting by yourself, and all the people stand around you from morning until evening?" New Heart English Bible When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, "What is this thing that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning to evening?" Webster's Bible Translation And when Moses's father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? Why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning to evening? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” World English Bible When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, “What is this thing that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning to evening?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the father-in-law of Moses sees all that he is doing for the people and says, “What [is] this thing which you are doing for the people? Why are you sitting by yourself, and all the people standing by you from morning until evening?” Berean Literal Bible And the father-in-law of Moses saw all that he was doing to the people, and he said, “What is this thing that you are doing to the people? Why do you sit by yourself, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” Young's Literal Translation and the father-in-law of Moses seeth all that he is doing to the people, and saith, 'What is this thing which thou art doing to the people? wherefore art thou sitting by thyself, and all the people standing by thee from morning till evening?' Smith's Literal Translation And Moses' father-in-law will see all which he did for the people, and he will say, What this thou doest to the people? Wherefore wilt thou sit alone by thyself, and all the people stand by thee from morning to evening? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when his kinsman had seen all things that he did among the people, he said: What is it that thou dost among the people? Why sittest thou alone, and all the people wait from morning till night. Catholic Public Domain Version And when, of course, his kinsman saw all that he did among the people, he said: “What is this that you do among the people? Why do you sit alone, while all the people stand before you, from morning, even until evening?” New American Bible When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this business that you are conducting for the people? Why do you sit alone while all the people have to stand about you from morning till evening?” New Revised Standard Version When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said to him, What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit in judgment all alone, and all the people stand by you from morning to evening? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Father in Law of Moshe saw everything that he did for the people and he said to him, “What is this matter that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone and all the people stand over from you from dawn and unto evening?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said: 'What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand about thee from morning unto even?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Jothor having seen all that Moses did to the people, says, What is this that thou doest to the people? wherefore sittest thou alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning till evening? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jethro Advises Moses13The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening. 14When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” 15“Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied.… Cross References When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, Deuteronomy 1:9-12 At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. / The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. / May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. … Numbers 11:11-17 So Moses asked the LORD, “Why have You brought this trouble on Your servant? Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid upon me the burden of all these people? / Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth, so that You should tell me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries an infant,’ to the land that You swore to give their fathers? / Where can I get meat for all these people? For they keep crying out to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ … he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? 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. 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.” Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. Why do you sit alone as judge, 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. Deuteronomy 17:8-11 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, … 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.” with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” Acts 28:23 So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Deuteronomy 1:16-18 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.” / And at that time I commanded you all the things you were to do. Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ … Acts 6:1-4 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / 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 … Numbers 11:14-17 I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. / If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.” / Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. … 1 Kings 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” 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.” Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” / “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. / But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Treasury of Scripture And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that you do to the people? why sit you yourself alone, and all the people stand by you from morning to even? no reference Jump to Previous Alone Evening Father-In-Law Judge Law Morning Moses Moses's Seated Sit Sittest Sitting Stand Standing Thyself Waiting WhereforeJump to Next Alone Evening Father-In-Law Judge Law Morning Moses Moses's Seated Sit Sittest Sitting Stand Standing Thyself Waiting WhereforeExodus 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 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, was a Midianite priest, indicating a diverse cultural and religious background. His observation of Moses' leadership highlights the importance of external perspectives in governance. This moment occurs after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, during their journey to Mount Sinai. Jethro's visit signifies a familial bond and respect for Moses' role, while also introducing the concept of shared leadership, which is later formalized in the appointment of judges (Exodus 18:21-22). he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is leading the Israelites and serving as their judge, handling disputes and teaching God's laws. 2. Jethro Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and observes his leadership style, offering wise counsel. 3. The Israelites The people of God, who are in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, seeking guidance and judgment from Moses. 4. Wilderness of Sinai The location where this event takes place, a significant setting for the Israelites' journey and their covenant with God. 5. Judging the People The event where Moses is seen judging the people from morning till evening, highlighting the burden of leadership he carries. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselJethro's advice to Moses underscores the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel from others, especially those with experience and insight. Delegation and Shared Leadership Moses' initial approach to leadership was unsustainable. This passage teaches the importance of delegating responsibilities to prevent burnout and ensure effective governance. Humility in Leadership Moses demonstrates humility by listening to Jethro's advice, reminding us that true leaders are open to learning and adapting. Balancing Work and Rest The passage highlights the need for balance in work and rest, as Moses' continuous judging from morning till evening was not sustainable. Community and Support The role of community in supporting leaders is crucial. This passage encourages believers to support their leaders and share in the responsibilities of the community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 18:14?2. How can we apply Jethro's advice to our own leadership responsibilities today? 3. What does Exodus 18:14 teach about the importance of wise counsel in leadership? 4. How does Jethro's question connect with Proverbs 15:22 on seeking advice? 5. In what ways can we avoid becoming overwhelmed like Moses in Exodus 18:14? 6. How can church leaders implement Jethro's advice to improve ministry effectiveness? 7. Why did Jethro question Moses' leadership method in Exodus 18:14? 8. How does Exodus 18:14 reflect on effective leadership and delegation? 9. What historical context surrounds Jethro's advice to Moses in Exodus 18:14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18? 11. Who was Moses' father-in-law? 12. Why would Moses need leadership advice from a non-Israelite (Exodus 18:13–26) after direct guidance from God elsewhere in Exodus? 13. Who was Jethro in the Bible? 14. Deuteronomy 1:13-16 details a system of judges set up by Moses; how does this align with other biblical accounts about Israel's leadership structure? What Does Exodus 18:14 Mean When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the peopleJethro’s eyes take in a ceaseless flow of Israelites lining up for counsel, and he immediately recognizes both devotion and danger. • Scripture underscores that outsiders often perceive God’s work among His people—think Rahab’s confession in Joshua 2:9-11 or Nebuchadnezzar’s astonishment in Daniel 3:24-25. • Moses’ single-handed service fulfills the shepherd’s heart God formed in him (Exodus 3:1; Acts 7:35-36), yet the size of the flock far exceeds one man’s capacity (Numbers 11:14-15; Deuteronomy 1:9-12). • Observation becomes the gateway to accountability; Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Jethro’s watchful love positions him to speak life-giving correction. he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people?” The question is not condemnation but invitation to reflection. • Proverbs 20:5 teaches, “The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” Jethro draws out Moses’ motives. • God often sends wise counselors—Nathan to David (2 Samuel 12:1-7) or Barnabas to Saul (Acts 9:27)—to recalibrate leaders before fatigue or pride can sabotage ministry. • By focusing on “for the people,” Jethro affirms Moses’ servant heart while hinting that true service must also be sustainable (Galatians 6:2, 5). Why do you sit alone as judge, Jethro pinpoints the structural flaw. • Scripture warns against solitary leadership: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 celebrates the strength of two; Jesus sends disciples out in pairs (Mark 6:7). • Moses’ current model mirrors patriarchal custom (Genesis 31:53-55), yet Israel’s new size demands delegated authority—anticipated later in Deuteronomy 1:13-17 and echoed when the early church appoints deacons (Acts 6:1-4). • Single-person judging can also tempt toward self-reliance; Psalm 127:1 cautions, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” The workload threatens both leader and congregation. • Endless waiting strains the people—compare the crowd pressing on Jesus in Mark 3:10 or Paul’s all-night discourse in Acts 20:7-9. • Moses faces physical and emotional drain; even Elijah collapsed after victory (1 Kings 19:4-8). God’s pattern includes rest (Exodus 20:9-10) and shared load-bearing (Numbers 11:16-17). • The scene sets the stage for Jethro’s forthcoming advice (Exodus 18:17-23), a template for orderly governance later mirrored in church eldership (Titus 1:5). summary Exodus 18:14 captures a critical leadership crossroads. Jethro observes Moses’ wholehearted but unsustainable solo judging and, through probing questions, exposes the need for shared responsibility. The verse affirms diligent service yet warns against isolation, foreshadowing God-ordained structures that distribute authority, protect leaders from burnout, and ensure timely justice for the people. Wise counsel, humble listening, and corporate stewardship emerge as timeless lessons for God’s household today. (14) Why sittest thou thyself alone?--The emphatic word is "alone." Why dost thou not, Jethro means, devolve a part of the duty upon others?Verse 14. - Why sittest thou thyself alone etc. A perverse ingenuity has discovered that the emphatic words in this passage are "sittest" and "stand," Jethro having blamed Moses for humiliating the people by requiring them to stand up while he himself sat! But the context makes it abundantly clear that what Jethro really blames, is Moses sitting alone and judging the whole people single-handed.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When [his]מֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver father-in-law חֹתֵ֣ן (ḥō·ṯên) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2859: To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage saw וַיַּרְא֙ (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that [Moses] ה֥וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was doing עֹשֶׂ֖ה (‘ō·śeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make for the people, לָעָ֑ם (lā·‘ām) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock he asked, וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “What מָֽה־ (māh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what is this הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that that אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you are אַתָּ֤ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you doing עֹשֶׂה֙ (‘ō·śeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make for the people? לָעָ֔ם (lā·‘ām) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Why מַדּ֗וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘) Interrogative Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason? do you אַתָּ֤ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you sit יוֹשֵׁב֙ (yō·wō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry alone [as judge], לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ (lə·ḇad·de·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 910: Isolation, separation with all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock standing נִצָּ֥ב (niṣ·ṣāḇ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand around עָלֶ֖יךָ (‘ā·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against you from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of morning בֹּ֥קֶר (bō·qer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning till עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while evening?” עָֽרֶב׃ (‘ā·reḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6153: Evening Links Exodus 18:14 NIVExodus 18:14 NLT Exodus 18:14 ESV Exodus 18:14 NASB Exodus 18:14 KJV Exodus 18:14 BibleApps.com Exodus 18:14 Biblia Paralela Exodus 18:14 Chinese Bible Exodus 18:14 French Bible Exodus 18:14 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 18:14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he (Exo. 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