King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:1 Mean?

Exodus 12:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

Exodus 12:1 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

2

This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

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: lamb: or, kid


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The divine initiative in establishing Passover emphasizes God's sovereignty in redemption. This inaugural command, given while Israel remained enslaved, demonstrates that deliverance precedes obedience—grace before law. The dual address to both Moses and Aaron establishes the prophetic-priestly leadership pattern that would guide Israel through the exodus.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken in Egypt, likely in Goshen, during the final month of Israel's 430-year Egyptian sojourn (Exodus 12:40-41). This marks the beginning of Israel's sacred calendar.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's initiative in planning your redemption before you seek Him reflect His sovereign grace?
  2. What does the dual leadership of Moses and Aaron teach about the complementary roles of teaching and intercession in spiritual leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
לֵאמֹֽר׃1 of 9

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 9

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֣ה4 of 9

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽל5 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֔ן6 of 9

and Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ7 of 9

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֖יִם8 of 9

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לֵאמֹֽר׃9 of 9

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 12:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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