Exodus 18:17 kjv — And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

King James Version

"And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good."

— Exodus 18:17, King James Version

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Exodus 18:17 in Other Translations

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Exodus 18 — Context

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, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

17

And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

18

Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

19

Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

20

And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Exodus 18:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Exodus 18:17 say?
Exodus 18:17 in the King James Version reads: “And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.”
Where is Exodus 18:17 in the Bible?
Exodus 18:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus, chapter 18, verse 17.
Who wrote Exodus?
Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Exodus about?
Exodus tells of Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Through the plagues, the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the covenant at Sinai, God reveals himself as Redeemer and comes to dwell among his people in the tabernacle.
What are the major themes of Exodus?
Exodus explores themes including Deliverance, Covenant, Law, God's Presence, Worship, Redemption. These themes shape the meaning and context of Exodus 18:17.
What translation should I read Exodus 18:17 in?
Exodus 18:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Exodus 18:17?
Exodus 18:17 reads (KJV): “And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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