Exodus 18:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Lower judges handle routine cases; complex matters go to Moses; this shared burden makes his work manageable.
The Context of Exodus 18:22
Delegation allows routine cases to be resolved locally while important matters reach Moses.
What Does Exodus 18:22 Mean?
The system is two-tiered: subordinates judge all cases ('at all seasons'), but 'every great matter' is escalated to Moses. This ensures he retains authority on significant issues while relieving him of routine caseloads.
The phrase 'they shall bear the burden with thee' shows that burden-sharing is not a loss of leadership but a multiplication of it. Shared responsibility strengthens, rather than weakens, the structure.
Exodus 18:22 in the Original Language
nasa (נָשָׂא), 'bear the burden' — to carry, lift, and sustain responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 18:22
What does Exodus 18:22 mean?
Lower judges handle routine cases; complex matters go to Moses; this shared burden makes his work manageable.
What is the context of Exodus 18:22?
Delegation allows routine cases to be resolved locally while important matters reach Moses.