King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:16 Mean?

Exodus 12:16 in the King James Version says “And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to yo... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 12:16 · KJV


Context

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

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'holy convocation' (miqra-qodesh, מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ) means a sacred assembly where work ceases. Bracketing the feast with rest days (first and seventh) emphasizes that redemption leads to Sabbath rest. 'No manner of work' except food preparation teaches that while ceremony requires effort, salvation itself is received through rest, not works. This prefigures Christ's finished work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Holy convocations required gathering at local synagogues (later) or family groups (earlier). The work prohibition set these days apart from ordinary festival days.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the work prohibition during redemption celebrations picture salvation by grace rather than human effort?
  2. What does God's provision for necessary food preparation teach about balancing worship with practical life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וּבַיּוֹם֙1 of 24

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

הָֽרִאשׁוֹן֙2 of 24

And in the first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

מִקְרָא3 of 24

convocation

H4744

something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal

קֹ֖דֶשׁ4 of 24

there shall be an holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּבַיּוֹם֙5 of 24

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י6 of 24

and in the seventh

H7637

seventh

מִקְרָא7 of 24

convocation

H4744

something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal

קֹ֖דֶשׁ8 of 24

there shall be an holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה9 of 24
H1961

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

לָכֶ֑ם10 of 24
H0
כָּל11 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְלָאכָה֙12 of 24

to you no manner of work

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

לֹֽא13 of 24
H3808

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

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֥ה14 of 24

shall be done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בָהֶ֔ם15 of 24
H0
אַ֚ךְ16 of 24

in them save

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵֽאָכֵ֣ל18 of 24

must eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לְכָל19 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נֶ֔פֶשׁ20 of 24

that which every man

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

ה֥וּא21 of 24
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

לְבַדּ֖וֹ22 of 24
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֥ה23 of 24

shall be done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָכֶֽם׃24 of 24
H0

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 12:16 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 12:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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