Old Testament
Exodus 18:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
along with her 2 sons. The first was named Gershom, because Moses had said, "I have been a foreigner in a foreign land."
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And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:
What Exodus 18:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about Moses' family, specifically his two sons. The first son is named Gershom, which reflects Moses' feelings of being an outsider. When Moses named him, he expressed his experience of living in a foreign land, highlighting his struggles and sense of displacement. This name serves as a reminder of his journey and the challenges he faced while away from his homeland. It also emphasizes the theme of identity and belonging, as Moses navigated his life in a new environment. Naming his son Gershom was a way for Moses to acknowledge his past and the hardships he endured. It shows how our experiences shape us and how we carry those stories with us, even into our families. This verse invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the names we give to our experiences, as they often hold deeper meanings about who we are and where we come from. Understanding this can help us connect with our own identities and the stories we share with others in our lives.
How to apply Exodus 18:3 to your life
Consider the names and labels you carry in your life. Reflect on how your experiences shape your identity and the stories you tell. Embrace your journey, and remember that your past can inform your present and future. Share your story with others to foster connection and understanding. Your experiences matter and can inspire those around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Jethro Visits Moses (Exodus 18:1–27)
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Moses
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Exodus 18:3
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 18:3 mean?
Exodus 18:3 introduces Moses' family, specifically his first son Gershom. The name Gershom reflects Moses' feelings of being a foreigner, symbolizing his experiences and struggles while living in a foreign land.
What is the significance of the name Gershom in Exodus 18:3?
The name Gershom means 'foreigner' or 'alien,' highlighting Moses' sense of displacement and his journey as an outsider in a strange land. It serves as a reminder of his past experiences and the challenges he faced.
How does Exodus 18:3 relate to themes of identity?
Exodus 18:3 relates to identity by showing how Moses' experiences as a foreigner influenced the name he gave his son. It reflects the idea that our past experiences can shape our sense of self and how we identify with our journeys.
What can we learn from Exodus 18:3 about family and names?
Exodus 18:3 teaches us that names can carry deep meanings and reflect our personal stories. It encourages us to consider how our experiences shape our identities and the significance of the names we give to our loved ones.
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