King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:27 Mean?

Exodus 12:27 in the King James Version says “That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in E... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 12:27 · KJV


Context

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.

29

And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon ; and all the firstborn of cattle. dungeon: Heb. house of the pit


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prescribed answer, 'It is the sacrifice of the LORD's passover,' identifies the core meaning. The rehearsal of history—'passed over...when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses'—makes past events present reality. The people's response, 'bowed the head and worshipped,' demonstrates that understanding God's redemption leads to humble adoration. Faith recognizes God's distinguishing grace that spared them while judging Egypt.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This explanation became the liturgical foundation for the Passover seder. The worshipful response models how proper instruction should lead to heartfelt devotion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does rehearsing God's redemption in Christ move you from intellectual knowledge to worshipful adoration?
  2. What does 'delivered our houses' teach about God's salvation extending to families, not merely individuals?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֡ם1 of 21

That ye shall say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זֶֽבַח2 of 21

It is the sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

פֶּ֨סַח3 of 21

passover

H6453

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

ה֜וּא4 of 21
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

לַֽיהוָ֗ה5 of 21

of the LORD'S

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 21
H834

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

פָּ֠סַח7 of 21

who passed

H6452

to hop, i.e., (figuratively) skip over (or spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp, to dance

עַל8 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּתֵּ֣ינוּ9 of 21

our houses

H1004

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

בְנֵֽי10 of 21

of the 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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙11 of 21

of Israel

H3478

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

מִצְרַ֖יִם12 of 21

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּנָגְפּ֥וֹ13 of 21

when he smote

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

אֶת14 of 21
H853

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

מִצְרַ֖יִם15 of 21

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְאֶת16 of 21
H853

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

בָּתֵּ֣ינוּ17 of 21

our houses

H1004

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

הִצִּ֑יל18 of 21

and delivered

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

וַיִּקֹּ֥ד19 of 21

bowed the head

H6915

to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

הָעָ֖ם20 of 21

And the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ׃21 of 21

and worshipped

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)


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 12:27 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 12:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study