King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:3 Mean?

Exodus 12:3 in the King James Version says “Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: lamb: or, kid”

Exodus 12:3 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

2

This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

3

Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: lamb: or, kid

4

And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

5

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: of: Heb. son of a year

Read Exodus 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'congregation of Israel' (עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'adat yisrael') appears for the first time, indicating that God's redemptive act creates a community, not isolated individuals. The specific timing (tenth day) required advance preparation and examination of the lamb, foreshadowing Christ's public presentation before His crucifixion (John 12:1, 12-13).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This command unified all Israel in simultaneous preparation. The 'congregation' concept would become foundational to Israel's corporate identity as God's covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does redemption create community rather than private religion?
  2. What does the four-day examination period teach about the scrutiny Christ endured before His sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
דַּבְּר֗וּ1 of 17

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶֽל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל3 of 17
H3605

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

עֲדַ֤ת4 of 17

“ye unto all the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר6 of 17

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֶּֽעָשֹׂ֖ר7 of 17

“In the tenth”

H6218

ten; by abbreviated form ten strings, and so a decachord

לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ8 of 17

“day of this month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַזֶּ֑ה9 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְיִקְח֣וּ10 of 17

“they shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָהֶ֗ם11 of 17
H0
אִ֛ישׁ12 of 17

“to them every man”

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)

שֶׂ֥ה13 of 17

“a lamb”

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

לַבָּֽיִת׃14 of 17

“according to the house”

H1004

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

אָבֹ֖ת15 of 17

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

שֶׂ֥ה16 of 17

“a lamb”

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

לַבָּֽיִת׃17 of 17

“according to the house”

H1004

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

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 12:3 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 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:291 Corinthians 5:7Leviticus 1:2Leviticus 5:6John 1:36Genesis 4:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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