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Exodus 18:11

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Exodus 18:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all gods; yea, in the thing wherein they dealt proudly against them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all gods; yea, in the thing wherein they dealt proudly against them.
Exodus 18:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Exodus 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And Moses told his father-in-law all that Jehovah had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel`s sake, all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how Jehovah delivered them.
9And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Jehovah had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.
10And Jethro said, Blessed be Jehovah, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh; who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
11Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all gods; yea, in the thing wherein they dealt proudly against them.
12And Jethro, Moses` father-in-law, took a burnt-offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses` father-in-law before God.
13And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood about Moses from the morning unto the evening.
14And 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?
← Exodus 18:10Exodus 18:12 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, etc.] He knew the Lord before, and that he was the only true God, and greater than all that were so called; but now he had a fresh instance of it, a clear proof and demonstration of it, and so more plainly and fully knew it, and was assured of it, that he was greater than all the idols of the Gentiles, and particularly than the gods of the Egyptians; since he had saved his people Israel out of their hands, and when they could not protect and defend the Egyptians neither from plagues nor from destruction; nay, could not secure themselves, being all destroyed by the mighty Jehovah, (see <021212>Exodus 12:12), as also that he is greater than…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Greater than all gods - See Exodus 15:11. The words simply indicate a conviction of the incomparable might and majesty of Yahweh. For in ... above them - i. e. the greatness of Yahweh was shown in those transactions wherein the Egyptians had thought to deal haughtily and cruelly against the Israelites. Jethro refers especially to the destruction of the Egyptian host in the Red Sea. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now know I that JEHOVAH is greater than all gods - That the God of Israel is greater than all pretenders; all deities, that usurp divine honours: he silenceth them, subdues them all, and is himself the only living and true God. He is also higher than all princes and potentates, who also are called gods, and has both an incontestable authority over them, and an irresistible power to control them; he manages them all as he pleaseth, and gets honour upon them how great soever they are. Now know I: he knew it before, but now he knew it better; his faith grew up to a full assurance, upon this fresh evidence; for wherein they dealt proudly - The magicians or idols of Egypt, or Pharaoh and his…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Now I: Exo 9:16; Kg1 17:24; Kg2 5:15 the Lord: Exo 15:11; Ch1 16:25; Ch2 2:5; Psa 95:3, Psa 97:9, Psa 135:5 in the thing: Exo 1:10, Exo 1:16, Exo 1:22, Exo 5:2, Exo 5:7, Exo 14:8, Exo 14:18 proudly: Exo 9:17, Exo 10:3; Sa1 2:3; Neh 9:10, Neh 9:16, Neh 9:29; Job 40:11, Job 40:12; Psa 31:23; Psa 119:21; Dan 4:37; Luk 1:51; Jam 4:6; Pe1 5:5 Exodus 18:12”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification