King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:10 Mean?

Exodus 12:10 in the King James Version says “And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 12:10 · KJV


Context

8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

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.

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.

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.

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. gods: or, princes


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The requirement to consume all or burn the remainder 'until the morning' prevented the lamb from corrupting or being treated casually. Hebrew 'nothár' (נוֹתָר) means 'left over'—nothing could remain for later use. This urgency prefigures Christ's completed work—salvation cannot be partially accepted or saved for later. The morning burning ensured nothing sacred was profaned.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the desert climate, meat could spoil quickly. The complete consumption or burning also prevented any possibility of Passover elements being mixed with Egyptian cultic practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the urgency of consuming the lamb that very night challenge procrastination in accepting Christ?
  2. What does burning the leftovers teach about the completeness and finality of Christ's sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

וְהַנֹּתָ֥ר2 of 11

And ye shall let nothing of it remain

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ3 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

עַד4 of 11
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּ֖קֶר5 of 11

of it until the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְהַנֹּתָ֥ר6 of 11

And ye shall let nothing of it remain

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִמֶּ֛נּוּ7 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

עַד8 of 11
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּ֖קֶר9 of 11

of it until the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

בָּאֵ֥שׁ10 of 11

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

תִּשְׂרֹֽפוּ׃11 of 11

ye shall burn

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire


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 12:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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