Bible Strands
Exodus 18:11
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jethro speaks to Moses after recounting God’s deliverance of Israel from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. He makes this declaration immediately before bringing a burnt offering and sharing a meal with Moses and the elders of Israel.
The words — The Hebrew עַתָּה ('a.Tah) and יָדַ֔עְתִּי (ya.Da'.ti) establish a present realization: "Now I know." The phrase גָדוֹל יְהוָה מִכּל הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (ga.Dol Yah.weh mi./kol ha./'E.lo.Him) literally states Yahweh is great over all the gods.
The thread — This theme of Yahweh’s supremacy over all other deities recurs in Psalms 95:3 and 2 Chronicles 2:5. It echoes the rhetorical question in Exodus 15:11 regarding who among the gods is like Yahweh.
Why it lands — The text states that Jethro’s recognition of Yahweh’s greatness stems directly from the specific act of delivering Israel from Egyptian arrogance. It requires the reader to acknowledge that divine supremacy is confirmed through historical intervention, not abstract theology.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
Cross-references
- Psalms 95:3 For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.
- Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
- 2 Chronicles 2:5 The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
- Psalms 135:5 For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods.
- Luke 1:51 He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
- 1 Chronicles 16:25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
- Psalms 97:9 For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.
- Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
- 2 Kings 5:15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”
- Nehemiah 9:10 You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day.