Exodus 18:14 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?"

◄ Exodus 18:14 ►

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?”

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?”

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?"

Majority 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?”

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?

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 Version
and 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?”

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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?'

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 Moses
13The 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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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. ...

Deuteronomy 1:9-18
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. ...

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?”

2 Chronicles 19:5-10
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.” ...

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.”

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Ephesians 4:11-12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

1 Timothy 3:1-13
This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ...

Titus 1:5-9
The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. / An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. ...

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 24:6
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

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?

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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

Berean Study Bible

When his father-in-law saw
The phrase highlights the role of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who is a Midianite priest. The Hebrew root for "saw" is "ra'ah," which implies not just physical sight but also understanding and insight. Jethro's observation is significant because it comes from an outsider's perspective, offering a fresh and wise viewpoint. Historically, this moment underscores the importance of community and family in providing counsel and support, even to great leaders like Moses.

all that Moses was doing for the people
This phrase emphasizes the extensive responsibilities Moses had taken upon himself. The Hebrew word for "doing" is "asah," which means to make or accomplish. Moses was not just leading; he was actively involved in the daily lives and disputes of the Israelites. This reflects the burdens of leadership and the potential for burnout, a timeless lesson for leaders in any era.

he said, 'What is this you are doing for the people?
Jethro's question is both direct and probing. The Hebrew word for "doing" here is again "asah," reinforcing the active role Moses played. Jethro's inquiry is a catalyst for change, prompting Moses to reflect on his methods. This moment is a reminder of the value of questioning and accountability in leadership, encouraging leaders to evaluate their effectiveness and seek better ways to serve.

Why do you sit alone as judge
The phrase "sit alone" highlights Moses' solitary role in judging the people. The Hebrew word for "sit" is "yashab," which can mean to dwell or remain. This suggests a static position, indicating that Moses was entrenched in his role. The concept of sitting as a judge also reflects ancient Near Eastern practices where leaders would sit at the city gates to render decisions. Jethro's question challenges the sustainability of this model, advocating for shared leadership.

while all the people stand around you
This phrase paints a vivid picture of the scene, with Moses seated and the people standing. The Hebrew word for "stand" is "amad," which implies waiting or enduring. The image of the people standing around Moses from morning till evening suggests a bottleneck in leadership, where the needs of the many are not efficiently met. This scenario underscores the necessity for delegation and the empowerment of others to share in leadership responsibilities.

from morning till evening?
The phrase indicates the exhaustive nature of Moses' workday. The Hebrew words "boker" (morning) and "ereb" (evening) frame the day, suggesting a relentless and unsustainable pace. This detail highlights the human limitations of even the most dedicated leaders and the need for rest and balance. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of sustainable practices in leadership and the wisdom of seeking help and sharing burdens.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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?

Pulpit Commentary

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

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OT Law: Exodus 18:14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he (Exo. Ex)