King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:26 Mean?

Exodus 12:26 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?”

Exodus 12:26 · KJV

Context

24

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

25

And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.

26

And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

27

That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

28

And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

Read Exodus 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The anticipated question 'What mean ye by this service?' recognizes that rituals provoke curiosity, especially from children. The question creates a teaching moment where liturgy becomes catechesis. God designs ceremonies to be pedagogical—actions that demand explanation, ensuring the story is told. This principle underlies all Christian sacraments, which are enacted proclamations inviting inquiry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish practice developed this into formal questions during the Passover seder. The youngest child traditionally asks the 'Four Questions,' prompting the retelling of the exodus story.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your spiritual practices create opportunities to explain the gospel to your children or others?
  2. What visible actions in your life would cause someone to ask, 'Why do you do this?'

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהָיָ֕ה1 of 9
H1961

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

כִּֽי2 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֹאמְר֥וּ3 of 9

“shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם4 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵיכֶ֑ם5 of 9

“And it shall come to pass when your children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מָ֛ה6 of 9
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה7 of 9

“unto you What mean ye by this service”

H5656

work of any kind

הַזֹּ֖את8 of 9
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לָכֶֽם׃9 of 9
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 12:26 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 12:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 13:14-15Deuteronomy 32:7Psalms 145:4Psalms 78:3-6Isaiah 38:19Joshua 4:21-24

Test Your Knowledge

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

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