King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:21 Mean?

Exodus 12:21 in the King James Version says “Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your famil...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. lamb: or, kid”

Exodus 12:21 · KJV

Context

19

Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.

20

Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

21

Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. lamb: or, kid

22

And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.

23

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Read Exodus 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' calling 'all the elders of Israel' establishes a leadership chain for transmitting God's commands. The instruction to 'draw out' (mashach) and 'take' a lamb emphasizes both separation from the flock and personal appropriation. Each household taking a specific lamb for their specific household pictures individual appropriation of Christ—general belief must become personal faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The elders served as tribal and family heads who would instruct their households. This leadership structure ensured consistent instruction across all Israel's tribes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you personally 'taken' Christ as your own Passover lamb, not merely acknowledging Him generally?
  2. What role do spiritual elders play in faithfully transmitting God's word to the next generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּקְרָ֥א1 of 14

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֛ה2 of 14

“Then Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לְכָל3 of 14
H3605

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

זִקְנֵ֥י4 of 14

“for all the elders”

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל5 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר6 of 14

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֑ם7 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִֽשְׁכ֗וּ8 of 14

“unto them Draw out”

H4900

to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

וּקְח֨וּ9 of 14

“and take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָכֶ֥ם10 of 14
H0
צֹ֛אן11 of 14

“you a lamb”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם12 of 14

“according to your families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

וְשַֽׁחֲט֥וּ13 of 14

“and kill”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

הַפָּֽסַח׃14 of 14

“the passover”

H6453

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

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 12:21 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 12:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 12:3Exodus 3:16Ezra 6:20Luke 22:7-132 Kings 23:21Exodus 19:7

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