King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:22 Mean?

Exodus 12:22 in the King James Version says “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 sid... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 12:22 · KJV


Context

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.

24

And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'hyssop' (ezov, אֵזוֹב) was a common plant with absorbent properties, perfect for sprinkling blood. Its use in cleansing ceremonies (Leviticus 14:4, Numbers 19:6, Psalm 51:7) made it associated with purification. The 'basin' (saf, סַף) held the lamb's blood. The three-fold application (two side posts, upper lintel) and the prohibition to leave the house 'until morning' created a blood-sealed refuge where judgment could not enter.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hyssop (possibly marjoram) grew abundantly and had bushy branches ideal for applying liquids. Its later use at Christ's crucifixion (John 19:29) creates typological connection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the hyssop branch, a humble plant, teach that God uses simple means to apply saving grace?
  2. What does remaining inside the blood-marked house teach about abiding in Christ for safety from judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וּלְקַחְתֶּ֞ם1 of 25

And ye shall take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֲגֻדַּ֣ת2 of 25

a bunch

H92

a band, bundle, knot, or arch

אֵז֗וֹב3 of 25

of hyssop

H231

hyssop

וּטְבַלְתֶּם֮4 of 25

and dip

H2881

to dip, to immerse

הַדָּ֖ם5 of 25

it in the blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

אֲשֶׁר6 of 25
H834

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

בַּסָּ֑ף7 of 25

that is in the bason

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

וְהִגַּעְתֶּ֤ם8 of 25

and strike

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

אֶל9 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמַּשְׁקוֹף֙10 of 25

the lintel

H4947

a lintel

וְאֶל11 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁתֵּ֣י12 of 25

and the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַמְּזוּזֹ֔ת13 of 25

side posts

H4201

a door-post (as prominent)

מִן14 of 25
H4480

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

הַדָּ֖ם15 of 25

it in the blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

אֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 25
H834

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

בַּסָּ֑ף17 of 25

that is in the bason

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

וְאַתֶּ֗ם18 of 25
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹ֥א19 of 25
H3808

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

תֵֽצְא֛וּ20 of 25

of you shall go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אִ֥ישׁ21 of 25

and none

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִפֶּֽתַח22 of 25

at the door

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

בֵּית֖וֹ23 of 25

of his house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עַד24 of 25
H5704

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

בֹּֽקֶר׃25 of 25

until the morning

H1242

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


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 12:22 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 12:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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