Book of Exodus — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 40 · Written by: Moses · Approximate date: c. 1440 BC · Theme: Redemption & Deliverance

Summary of the Book of Exodus

Exodus tells the dramatic story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt through Moses, the revelation of Jehovah's name, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and the construction of the Tabernacle as Jehovah's dwelling place among his people.

The book of Exodus is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 40 chapters. It was written by Moses approximately c. 1440 BC. The central theme running throughout Exodus is redemption & deliverance — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Exodus

  • Ex 3:14
  • Ex 6:3
  • Ex 20:2–3

Notable Passages in Exodus

Exodus 3:14

Jehovah reveals his name and the meaning 'I Will Become What I Choose to Become,' underscoring the importance of knowing and using Jehovah's personal name.

Exodus 6:3

Jehovah emphasizes that his name distinguishes him from all other gods, a key NWT proof-text for restoring the divine name throughout Scripture.

Exodus 20:2–3

The first two commandments establish that Jehovah alone is God and must have exclusive devotion — the bedrock of pure worship.

Study Questions for Exodus

As you read the book of Exodus, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Jehovah's revelation of his name at Exodus 3:14–15 and 6:3 teach about the importance of using and honoring Jehovah's personal name?
  2. How did the ten plagues demonstrate Jehovah's superior power over Egypt's gods, and what does this teach about true worship?
  3. What is the significance of the Passover for Israel, and how does it foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as 'our Passover lamb'?
  4. How do the Ten Commandments reflect Jehovah's standards of righteousness, and which principles still apply to Christians today?
  5. What does the detailed construction of the Tabernacle teach about the importance Jehovah places on proper, organized worship?

How to Study Exodus with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 40 chapters of Exodus in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Exodus as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Exodus

The book of Exodus is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures

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