יִתְרוֹ (yit.ro)

yit.ro

Jethro

H3503 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 9 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 9 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Yitro, rendered in English as Jethro, appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the book of Exodus. Lexical sources identify him as a Midianite priest and the father of Zipporah, Moses’ wife. The name itself carries the meaning "his abundance" or "his excellence," a fitting title for a man who provided crucial support to the Israelite leader during his time in the wilderness.

Jethro is most prominently known as Moses’ father-in-law and spiritual advisor. He is also referred to by the name Reuel in other passages, such as Numbers 10:29, where he is called Hobab. His significance lies not in military power but in his wisdom; he observes Moses’ exhausting burden of judging the people alone and recommends a system of delegated leadership, establishing a judicial structure that remains influential in religious tradition.

This encounter highlights Jethro’s role as an outsider who recognizes God’s work among Israel. After witnessing the deliverance at the Red Sea, he brings sacrifices to God and acknowledges the Lord’s supremacy. His advice to Moses demonstrates practical wisdom, showing how shared responsibility can sustain a community, while his reverence for God bridges the gap between different peoples.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Jethro’s name means "his abundance," a title that fits a man who brought stability to Moses during a time of great uncertainty. Before leading a nation, Moses spent years in the wilderness under Jethro’s care. This period was not wasted; it was a season of preparation where God shaped His servant away from the noise of Egypt. The name reminds us that God often uses ordinary relationships and quiet seasons to prepare us for extraordinary calls.

Later, when Moses was overwhelmed by judging the people alone, Jethro offered practical wisdom. He did not dismiss Moses’ burden but suggested a system of shared leadership. This act shows how God can use even those outside our immediate circle to guide us toward healthier ways of living and serving. It is a reminder that we do not have to carry every weight by ourselves.

Jethro also recognized God’s power after hearing of the deliverance at the Red Sea. He rejoiced and offered sacrifices, bridging the gap between his Midianite background and Israel’s faith. His story encourages us to remain open to God’s work in unexpected places and to welcome wisdom from diverse sources. May we find grace in our waiting seasons and courage to share our burdens with others.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Jethro9×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

יִתְר֨וֹ3×
יִתְרוֹ֙1×
יִתְרוֹ֒1×
יִתְר֥וֹ1×
יִתְר֛וֹ1×
יִתְר֖וֹ1×
יִתְר֔וֹ1×

Key Verses

Exodus 18:9
Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Yahweh had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.

This verse captures Jethro’s personal joy in God’s deliverance, showing how he moved from observer to participant in Israel’s faith.
Exodus 18:12
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron came with all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.

Here Jethro joins the elders in a meal before God, symbolizing a bridge between his priestly background and the worship of Yahweh.
Exodus 3:1
Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to God’s mountain, to Horeb.

This opening reference places Jethro as the provider of Moses’ livelihood during the formative years in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Jethro mean?

The Hebrew name Yitro means "his abundance" or "his excellence." This title reflects a man who provided significant support and wisdom to Moses during his time in the wilderness.

How is Jethro different from Reuel?

Jethro and Reuel refer to the same person, Moses’ father-in-law. While Exodus consistently uses the name Jethro, other passages like Numbers 10:29 use Reuel or Hobab. This variation likely reflects different tribal naming traditions or titles used within Midianite culture.

Why is Jethro important in the book of Exodus?

Jethro is crucial because he offers Moses practical advice on delegating leadership responsibilities when the workload becomes too heavy. His intervention helps establish a judicial system that allows Israel to function effectively, showing how shared responsibility sustains community.

Every Occurrence (9 verses across 1 books)

Exodus 9 verses

Exodus 3:1

Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of…

Exodus 4:18

Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who…

Exodus 18:1

Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his…

Exodus 18:2

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away,

Exodus 18:5

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with Moses’ sons and his wife to Moses into the wilderness where he was encamped, at…

Exodus 18:6

He said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, have come to you with your wife, and her two sons with her.”

Exodus 18:9

Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Yahweh had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of…

Exodus 18:10

Jethro said, “Blessed be Yahweh, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of…

Exodus 18:12

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron came with all the elders of Israel,…