King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:11 Mean?

Exodus 12:11 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 12:11 · King James Version

Context

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

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. to destroy: Heb. for a destruction

Read Exodus 12 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The 'loins girded' posture indicates readiness for immediate travel, staff in hand as pilgrims, sandals protecting feet for the journey, eating 'in haste' (Hebrew 'chipazon,' חִפָּזוֹן—alarmed hurry). This is 'the LORD's passover' (pesach YHWH), not merely a commemorative meal but the decisive moment of redemption. The eating posture embodies both urgency and faith that deliverance is imminent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Middle Eastern meals were typically leisurely, reclining affairs. This standing, hurried posture radically departed from normal custom, expressing expectation of immediate exodus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Passover's posture of readiness challenge complacency in your Christian walk?
  2. In what ways does viewing life as a journey rather than a destination affect your daily priorities?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְכָכָה֮1 of 15

“And thus”

H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

וַֽאֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם2 of 15

“and ye shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֹתוֹ֒3 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מָתְנֵיכֶ֣ם4 of 15

“it with your loins”

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

חֲגֻרִ֔ים5 of 15

“girded”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

נַֽעֲלֵיכֶם֙6 of 15

“your shoes”

H5275

properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

בְּרַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם7 of 15

“on your feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וּמַקֶּלְכֶ֖ם8 of 15

“and your staff”

H4731

a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)

בְּיֶדְכֶ֑ם9 of 15

“in your hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַֽאֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם10 of 15

“and ye shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֹתוֹ֙11 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּחִפָּז֔וֹן12 of 15

“it in haste”

H2649

hasty flight

פֶּ֥סַח13 of 15

“passover”

H6453

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

ה֖וּא14 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לַֽיהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“it is the LORD'S”

H3068

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

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 12:11 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 12:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 12:271 Corinthians 5:7Ephesians 6:151 Peter 1:13Luke 12:35Matthew 26:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 12 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes