King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:4 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

6

And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. in: Heb. between the two evenings

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **If the household be too little for the lamb.**—There would be cases where the family would not be large enough to consume an entire lamb at a sitting. Where this was so, men were to club with their neighbours, either two small families joining together, or a large family drafting off some of its members to bring up the numbers of a small one. According to Josephus (*Bell. Jud.,* vi. 9, § 3), ten was the least number regarded as sufficient, while twenty was not considered too many. **Every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.**—Rather, *shall ye count.* In determining the number for any given Paschal meal, ye shall “count men according to their eating,” admitting more or fewer, as they are likely to consume less or more.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 12:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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