Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jethro’s declaration isn’t just acknowledging God’s power, but specifically how it was demonstrated: through the downfall of those who acted arrogantly. This means his newfound certainty stems from seeing God’s justice enacted against pride, not just abstract might.
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, has come to visit and has heard all about God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. After hearing Moses recount all the hardships and God's powerful interventions, Jethro offers praise and sacrifices. This leads to Jethro's profound declaration that the LORD is indeed greater than all other gods, especially evident in how God triumphed over the Egyptians' arrogant pursuit.
Jethro's words, 'Now I know,' aren't just a casual observation. They signal a profound shift in his understanding. What does it mean to truly know God?
Before this moment, Jethro likely had a general understanding of God, perhaps as a powerful tribal deity or even through the patriarchal faith passed down. However, the dramatic events at the Red Sea weren't just a historical account for him; they were a visceral, undeniable demonstration.
An Experiential Leap
Jethro doesn't just say the Lord is 'strong.' He declares God is 'greater than all gods.' What does this tell us about the spiritual landscape Jethro inhabited, and how does it apply today?
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Jethro's world was filled with gods – the gods of Egypt, the gods of Midian, and likely many others. He held a polytheistic view, where different deities had dominion over different realms or peoples. The exodus shattered this limited worldview.
The Unveiling of True Supremacy
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His self-existence and faithfulness to His people. It is the name by which He made Himself known to Israel, signifying His sovereignty and holiness.
elohim · Hebrew Noun
A term used in Scripture to refer to either the true Creator God or, in a derogatory sense, to false deities, idols, or supernatural entities that people erroneously worship. In this context, it highlights the incomparable supremacy of Yahweh over all competing powers.
ziyd · Hebrew Verb
To act with pride, presumption, or insolence, often against God or His people. It describes a heart attitude that defies God's authority and exalts itself.
Jethro's confession in this verse isn't just theological speculation; it's a direct, awe-struck response to the miraculous destruction of the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. This event vividly demonstrated that the God of Israel was not just another deity, but sovereign over all powers, especially the gods and rulers of Egypt who had so arrogantly oppressed His people.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery, the Israelites, led by Moses, are dramatically freed from Egyptian bondage through God's mighty acts.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Passage of the Red Sea
God parts the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross on dry ground, then causes it to collapse on the pursuing Egyptian army, annihilating Pharaoh's forces.
c. 1446 BC
Jethro's Visit to Moses
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and a Midianite priest, hears about God's deliverance of Israel and travels to Moses' camp with Moses' wife and sons.
c. 1446 BC
Jethro's Counsel to Moses
Observing Moses' overwhelming workload, Jethro advises him to establish a system of judges and leaders to handle smaller disputes, freeing Moses for larger matters.
This verse echoes Jethro's declaration, directly asking 'Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?' showing that the awe-inspiring power of God displayed in the Exodus was already a recognized theme.
Daniel 2:47King Nebuchadnezzar makes a similar profound realization about Daniel's God being 'God of gods and Lord of kings' after witnessing divine intervention, mirroring Jethro's newfound understanding of Jehovah's supreme authority.
Joshua 2:10The Canaanites, including Rahab, had heard about the God of Israel's mighty acts, particularly the parting of the Red Sea. This shows that the 'knowing' of the LORD's power extended beyond those directly involved, confirming Jethro's testimony.
1 Kings 18:39During the confrontation on Mount Carmel, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal by stating, 'The LORD, he is God!' This echoes Jethro's affirmation and highlights the ongoing struggle to recognize the true God's superiority over all others.
Nehemiah 9:10The people of Israel recount God's mighty deliverance from Egypt, specifically mentioning how He 'showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants and all the people of his land, for you know that they dealt arrogantly with them.' This directly links the arrogance of the Egyptians to God's superior power, just as Jethro recognized.
pulpitExodus 18:11: "Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them."
Verse 11. - Now know I that the Lord is greater than all gods. It would seem that Jethro, like the generality of the heathen, believed in a plurality of gods, and had hitherto regarded the God of the Israelites as merely one among many equals. Now, he renounces this creed, and emphatically declares his belief that Jehovah is above all other gods, greater, higher, mo…
clarkeExodus 18:11: "Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them."
Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods - Some think that Jethro was now converted to the true God; but it is very probable that he enjoyed this blessing before he knew any thing of Moses, for it is not likely that Moses would have entered into an alliance with this family had they been heathens. Jethro no doubt had the true patriarchal religion. Wherein th…
Jethro’s declaration isn’t just acknowledging God’s power, but specifically how it was demonstrated: through the downfall of those who acted arrogantly. This means his newfound certainty stems from seeing God’s justice enacted against pride, not just abstract might.
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, has come to visit and has heard all about God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. After hearing Moses recount all the hardships and God's powerful interventions, Jethro offers praise and sacrifices. This leads to Jethro's profound declaration that the LORD is indeed greater than all other gods, especially evident in how God triumphed over the Egyptians' arrogant pursuit.
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, has come to visit and has heard all about God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. After hearing Moses recount all the hardships and God's powerful interventions, Jethro offers praise and sacrifices. This leads to Jethro's profound declaration that the LORD is indeed greater than all other gods, especially evident in how God triumphed over the Egyptians' arrogant pursuit.
"Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.”" — Jethro’s declaration isn’t just acknowledging God’s power, but specifically how it was demonstrated: through the downfall of those who acted arrogantly. This means his newfound certainty stems from…
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Last reviewed October 2026