*In this sacred chapter, the LORD speaks directly to His people in Egypt, guiding them toward a divine deliverance that echoes through every generation. The Passover lamb, without blemish, becomes the emblem of God's mercy, protecting those who trust in Him. As we read these verses, let us feel the weight of God's covenant and the promise that His grace covers all who obey. May this story of redemption stir your heart, drawing you closer to the One who gives Himself for our salvation.*
Exodus — Chapter 12 — KJV
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,
Simply PutThe LORD spoke (dabar, H1325) to Moses and Aaron in Egypt. This wasn't a casual chat; it was God delivering His plan directly. When He calls you by name, He means to bring you into the story of redemption.
2
This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
Simply PutThis month (chodesh, H3628) is declared the beginning of months. God’s calendar becomes a divine rhythm for His people, marking the start of their journey to freedom.
3
Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
Simply PutOn the tenth day (yom, H3117) each household must take a lamb. The lamb—an innocent kid (H1205)—signifies the substitutionary nature of Christ’s sacrifice for each family.
4
And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
Simply PutIf a household is too small, they must share the lamb with neighbors. The count (the numbers, H330) reflects God’s fairness and the communal responsibility of salvation.
5
Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Simply PutThe lamb must be without blemish (tamim, H8451) and a first-year male. God’s perfection mirrors the sinlessness of our Savior, who was without flaw.
6
And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
Simply PutKeep it until the fourteenth day; the whole assembly shall kill it in the evening. The timing (between two evenings, H846) points to the precise moment God intervenes.
7
And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
Simply PutTake some of the blood and strike it on the posts. The blood (dam, H1690) becomes a protective sign—God’s covenant seal over each home.
8
And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
Simply PutRoast the lamb with fire, eat unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. The fire (H475) purifies; the leavenless bread (matsah, H4355) reminds us of haste and purity; the bitter herbs (maror, H4776) recall life's hardships.
9
Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.
Simply PutDo not eat it raw or boiled; roast with fire. The correct preparation shows reverence for the sacrifice, just as we must handle Christ’s body with care.
10
And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
Simply PutNothing should remain until morning; any leftovers are to be burned. This total consumption (H3222) symbolizes the complete surrender of our old life.
11
And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover.
Simply PutEat with loins girded, shoes on feet, and staff in hand. The readiness (H4621) to move at a moment’s notice reflects the urgency of responding to God's call.
12
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Simply PutI will pass through Egypt and smite every firstborn, both man and beast. God’s judgment (natsal, H5272) against the Egyptian gods shows His supremacy over all powers.
13
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Simply PutThe blood shall be a token on your houses; when I see it, I will pass over you. The blood’s sign (H1690) protects—God “passes over” (natsal, H5272), sparing the faithful from destruction.
14
And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
Simply PutThis day shall be a memorial, kept as a feast throughout generations. The covenant (H3635) becomes an everlasting tradition to remind us of His deliverance.
15
Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
Simply PutSeven days you shall eat unleavened bread, removing all leaven from your houses. Leaven (H3650) symbolizes sin; its removal (cut off, H5041) signifies purification.
16
And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
Simply PutOn the first and seventh days there shall be a holy convocation; no work except what each must eat. The Sabbath (H1657) is a day of worship, focusing solely on sustenance provided by God.
17
And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
Simply PutObserve the feast of unleavened bread; for on this day I brought your armies out of Egypt. The feast (H3635) celebrates God's mighty power in delivering His people.
18
In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.
Simply PutOn the fourteenth day, eat unleavened bread until the twentieth day. This period (H382) recalls the complete experience of deliverance.
19
Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
Simply PutSeven days without leaven; anyone who eats leavened bread shall be cut off from Israel. Leaven (H3650) represents impurity; cutting off (Qal, H5041) shows the seriousness of holiness.
20
Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.
Simply PutYou shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations, unleavened bread only. The constant (H382) underscores the permanence of purity in worship.
21
Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
Simply PutMoses called the elders to draw out a lamb according to families and kill the Passover. The leadership (H3321) organizes the people in obedience.
22
And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
Simply PutTake hyssop, dip it in blood, and strike the lintel and posts; none shall go out until morning. Hyssop (H2999) was used for purification—symbolizing cleansing through blood.
23
For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Simply PutWhen the LORD sees the blood, He will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to enter. The divine protection (H5272) is activated by obedience.
24
And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.
Simply PutObserve this as an ordinance for you and your sons forever. The command (H3588) becomes a perpetual reminder of God's covenant.
25
And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.
Simply PutWhen you enter the promised land, continue this service as He has promised. The promise (H2032) ties past deliverance to future inheritance.
26
And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
Simply PutWhen your children ask about this service, you shall explain its meaning. The teaching (H245) preserves the memory across generations.
27
That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.
Simply PutSay it is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, who passed over your houses and delivered you. The explanation (H2032) acknowledges God's saving work.
28
And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
Simply PutThe children of Israel obeyed the LORD’s commands. Their obedience (H3321) showcases trust in divine instruction.
29
And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
Simply PutAt midnight, the LORD smote every firstborn—from Pharaoh's throne to captive’s prison and beasts. The exact timing (H846) underscores God's precise judgment.
30
And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
Simply PutPharaoh rose at night; a great cry filled Egypt, for no house was left without loss. The mourning (H3625) reflects the depth of divine intervention.
31
And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.
Simply PutPharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron, urging them to leave with the children of Israel. The plea (H639) reveals a reluctant recognition of God’s power.
32
Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.
Simply PutTake your flocks and herds, as you have said; bless me also. The departure (H6574) includes a request for divine favor.
33
And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.
Simply PutThe Egyptians hurried the people out, fearing death. Their urgency (H2695) shows how quickly desperation can push toward freedom.
34
And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
Simply PutThe people took their dough before it rose, wrapped in their garments. Their haste (H2999) demonstrates reliance on God’s timing over preparation.
35
And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
Simply PutThe Israelites borrowed silver, gold, and clothing from the Egyptians. The acquisition (H259) shows that God’s people can thrive even amid oppression.
36
And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
Simply PutThe LORD gave favor to the Israelites, so they lent from the Egyptians. Favor (H282) indicates divine blessing even in foreign lands.
37
And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
Simply PutIsrael journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot. The massive migration (H609) showcases God’s leading of a great nation.
38
And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
Simply PutA mixed multitude, flocks, and cattle accompanied them. The diversity (H3618) reflects the inclusivity of God's salvation.
39
And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.
Simply PutThey baked unleavened cakes from dough taken out of Egypt because they could not tarry. The haste (H2999) underscores reliance on divine direction rather than human schedule.
40
Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
Simply PutThe sojourning of Israel in Egypt lasted four hundred and thirty years. The duration (H282) reflects God's patience and timing.
41
And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
Simply PutAt the end of these years, all the LORD's hosts went out from Egypt. The exodus (H5426) marks a pivotal moment of divine deliverance.
42
It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
Simply PutThis night is to be observed by the LORD for bringing them out. The observance (H382) becomes a perpetual day of remembrance.
43
And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
Simply PutNo stranger may eat from the Passover. The exclusivity (H3321) emphasizes covenant purity.
44
But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
Simply PutAny servant bought for money, once circumcised, may eat. Circumcision (H2585) is the sign of covenant inclusion.
45
A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.
Simply PutA foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat. The restriction (H3321) maintains the sanctity of the communal sacrifice.
46
In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
Simply PutIn one house it shall be eaten; no flesh is to be taken out. The unity (H3321) underscores communal participation and respect for the sacrifice.
47
All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.
Simply PutAll Israel shall keep it. The preservation (H3321) ensures the tradition remains intact.
48
And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
Simply PutWhen a sojourner wishes to keep Passover, he must be circumcised. The requirement (H2585) underscores the need for entering into the covenant.
49
One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
Simply PutOne law for the homeborn and the sojourner alike. The equality (H3321) reflects God's inclusive justice.
50
Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
Simply PutAll Israel did as the LORD commanded. Their obedience (H3321) demonstrates trust in divine instruction.
51
And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.
Simply PutThe LORD brought Israel out of Egypt by their armies. The deliverance (H2032) confirms God's powerful leading of His people.
When your family asks, “What does this holiday mean to you?”, how can you share the story of freedom and gratitude in a way that feels authentic to your own life today?
✦ Cross-References
Leviticus 23:5This verse repeats the command to observe Passover in the first month, underscoring the same timing and requirement for a spotless lamb as Exodus 12.
Numbers 9:1Here God institutes the second Passover, mirroring Exodus 12’s instructions on the month and the blood-marked doorposts for those who missed the original feast.
Deuteronomy 16:1The Passover ordinance is reiterated before the Israelites enter Canaan, reinforcing the same feast of unleavened bread and bitter herbs highlighted in Exodus 12.
Matthew 26:17The Last Supper takes place on the first day of unleavened bread, directly linking the New Testament celebration to the Passover rites commanded in Exodus 12.
