King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:14 Mean?

Exodus 12:14 in the King James Version says “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 12:14 · KJV


Context

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

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.

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.

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. man: Heb. soul


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command 'this day shall be unto you for a memorial' (zikaron, זִכָּרוֹן) establishes perpetual commemoration. The phrase 'feast to the LORD' indicates joyful celebration, not mournful remembrance. 'Throughout your generations' and 'by an ordinance for ever' (chukkat olam) emphasize permanence. Just as Passover annually recalled the exodus, the Lord's Supper recalls Christ's greater exodus (Luke 9:31).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This institution predates Israel's receiving the written law at Sinai, making Passover the foundational feast. It would be celebrated for over 3,400 years, continuing to Christ's time and beyond.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular observance of the Lord's Supper prevent you from forgetting your redemption in Christ?
  2. What makes remembering God's saving acts a celebration rather than mere historical recollection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהָיָה֩1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַיּ֨וֹם2 of 13

And this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֤ה3 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לָכֶם֙4 of 13
H0
לְזִכָּר֔וֹן5 of 13

shall be unto you for a memorial

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

תְּחָגֻּֽהוּ׃6 of 13

and ye shall keep

H2287

properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy

אֹת֖וֹ7 of 13
H853

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

חַ֣ג8 of 13

it a feast

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

לַֽיהוָ֑ה9 of 13

to the LORD

H3068

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

לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם10 of 13

throughout your generations

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

חֻקַּ֥ת11 of 13

by an ordinance

H2708

a statute

עוֹלָ֖ם12 of 13

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

תְּחָגֻּֽהוּ׃13 of 13

and ye shall keep

H2287

properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy


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 12:14 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 12:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study