Exodus 18:21

But in addition, you should choose some other men to help you. Choose men who have reverence for God and who will not accept bribes. Appoint some of them to make decisions for groups of ten people, some for groups of 50 people, some for groups of 100 people, and some for groups of 1,000 people.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

In Context

20You should also teach the people what God has commanded and instructed you. You should also explain to them how they should conduct their lives, and the things that they should do.

22Allow them to serve permanently to settle disputes for the people. The difficult matters the people can bring to you; but the matters that are not difficult, they can decide themselves. That will make the work easier for you, as they help you do that work.

Read all of Exodus 18

Cross References

Genesis 42:18On the third day, Joseph went to the prison and said to them, “I am a man who fears that God will punish me if I do not do what I promise. So do what I tell you, and I will spare your lives.

Exodus 18:25Moses/I chose capable men from among the Israeli people.

Numbers 10:4If only one trumpet is blown, it means that only the twelve leaders of the tribes must gather together.

Deuteronomy 1:15So I took the wise and respected men that your ancestors chose from your tribes, and I appointed them to be your leaders. I appointed some to ◄rule/have authority► over 1,000 people, some to have authority over 100 people, some to have authority over 50 people, and some to have authority over ten people. I also appointed other officers from throughout your tribes.

Joshua 22:14They also sent one leader from each of the ten tribes that were still at Shiloh. Each of them was a leader of his clan.

1 Samuel 8:12Some of them will be commanders of his soldiers, but others will work for him like slaves. He will force some of them to plow his fields and then later harvest his crops. He will force others to make his weapons and equipment for his chariots.

Matthew Henry on Exodus 18:14-27

Jethro's Advice to Moses. ( b. c. 1491.) 13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. 14 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? 15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: 16 When they have a matter,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Exodus 18:21