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Jethro

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Moses’ father-in-law and Midianite priest who advised him on leadership

Detailed Definition
Jethro, also called Reuel, rejoiced at Israel’s deliverance and counseled Moses to delegate judicial duties, establishing a system of elders. In poetry, Jethro embodies wise counsel from outside Israel, the harmony of faith across cultures, and the practical wisdom that sustains prophetic leadership—often symbolizing the value of collaborative governance and interfaith respect.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Jethro’s counsel (Exodus 18) illustrates wise delegation; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "The Seraphim," Jethro symbolizes the priest of Midian who recognizes Yahweh; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Jethro’s advice models prudent leadership; In John Keble’s "Lyra Innocentium," Jethro represents the outsider who contributes wisdom; In Christina Rossetti’s "Advent," Jethro’s reunion with Moses prefigures familial joy; In T.S. Eliot’s "Four Quartets," Jethro’s desert tent becomes a site of counsel.
Additional Notes
Jethro: Moses’ father-in-law, priest of Midian; advised Moses on delegation (Exodus 18). In poetry, Jethro symbolizes wise counsel, cross-cultural respect, and the recognition of Yahweh by outsiders (“now I know…” Exod 18:11). His name (also Reuel or Hobab in some texts) reflects layered tradition—ideal for poems on mentorship, administrative wisdom, or the universality of good judgment.
Also Known As
Jethro priest of Midian Reuel Hobab (variant traditions)
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