Verse MeaningExodusComplex verse
Exodus 18:21: Meaning Explained
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and...
Exodus 18:21
“But you should also look for capable men from all the people — men who fear God, men of integrity who hate dishonest gain. Appoint them as leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
Find honest, brave people who believe in God. Pick men who hate cheating. Make them leaders in groups of different sizes.
What’s Happening Here
Jethro suggested delegating authority to trustworthy people at different levels.
Key Words
capableAble and skilled
integrityBeing honest and doing what's right
dishonest gainMoney or stuff gotten through cheating
Why It Matters
Good delegation requires finding the right people, those with character and values.
Did You Know?
This system created the first organized government structure for Israel.
Word Study
H2372
Moreover thou shalt provideתֶֽחֱזֶ֣ה
H5971
out of all the peopleהָ֠עָם
H2428
ableחַ֜יִל
H3373
such as fearיִרְאֵ֧י
H430
Godאֱלֹהִ֛ים
H571
of truthאֱמֶ֖ת
H8130
hatingשֹׂ֣נְאֵי
H1215
covetousnessבָ֑צַע
H7760
and placeוְשַׂמְתָּ֣
H8269
and rulersוְשָׂרֵ֥י
H505
of thousandsאֲלָפִים֙
H3967
of hundredsמֵא֔וֹת
H2572
of fiftiesחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים
H6235
of tensעֲשָׂרֹֽת׃
Cross References
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Read Exodus 18:21 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.