King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:34 Mean?

Exodus 12:34 in the King James Version says “And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. kneadingtroughs: or, dough”

Exodus 12:34 · KJV

Context

32

Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.

33

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

34

And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. kneadingtroughs: or, dough

35

And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

36

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Taking 'dough before it was leavened' demonstrates the haste of departure—no time for normal preparation. The phrase 'their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders' pictures a people ready for immediate travel, carrying raw supplies. This unplanned departure without provisions required faith in God's sustenance and led to the later miracle of manna.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Kneading troughs (misharot) were wooden bowls for preparing bread. Carrying these and dough in their outer garments shows the suddenness of departure after 430 years of settlement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does leaving with unleavened dough picture the Christian call to immediate obedience without perfect preparation?
  2. What does carrying raw materials rather than finished supplies teach about depending on God for daily provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א1 of 11

“took”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הָעָ֛ם2 of 11

“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

אֶת3 of 11
H853

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

בְּצֵק֖וֹ4 of 11

“their dough”

H1217

dough (as swelling by fermentation)

טֶ֣רֶם5 of 11
H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יֶחְמָ֑ץ6 of 11

“before it was leavened”

H2556

to be pungent; i.e., in taste (sour, i.e., literally fermented, or figuratively, harsh), in color (dazzling)

מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛ם7 of 11

“their kneadingtroughs”

H4863

a kneading-trough (in which the dough rises)

צְרֻרֹ֥ת8 of 11

“being bound up”

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

בְּשִׂמְלֹתָ֖ם9 of 11

“in their clothes”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

עַל10 of 11
H5921

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

שִׁכְמָֽם׃11 of 11

“upon their shoulders”

H7926

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

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 12:34 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 12:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 8:3

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