King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:42 Mean?

Exodus 12:42 in the King James Version says “It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. a night: Heb. a night of observations

Exodus 12:42 · KJV


Context

40

Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.

41

And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

42

It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. a night: Heb. a night of observations

43

And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:

44

But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This night is 'much to be observed' (leil shimurim, לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים—a night of watching). God 'watched' to bring them out; Israel must 'observe' by remembering. The reciprocal watching creates a memorial where both divine vigilance and human remembrance meet. The phrase 'throughout their generations' ensures perpetual commemoration. This night becomes Israel's defining moment, annually re-experienced.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse establishes Passover night as the most significant date in Jewish calendar. The 'night to be remembered' created a liturgical center around which Israel's worship year revolved.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that God 'watched' for you during your redemption deepen appreciation for His saving work?
  2. What specific ways do you 'observe' the anniversary of your conversion or spiritual milestones?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
הַלַּ֤יְלָה1 of 16

It is a night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים2 of 16

to be much observed

H8107

an observance

הוּא֙3 of 16
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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה4 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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

לְהֽוֹצִיאָ֖ם5 of 16

for bringing

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ6 of 16

them out from the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם7 of 16

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

הֽוּא8 of 16
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

הַלַּ֤יְלָה9 of 16

It is a night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

הַזֶּה֙10 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לַֽיהוָ֔ה11 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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

שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים12 of 16

to be much observed

H8107

an observance

לְכָל13 of 16
H3605

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

בְּנֵ֥י14 of 16

of all 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל15 of 16

of Israel

H3478

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

לְדֹֽרֹתָֽם׃16 of 16

in their generations

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling


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 12:42 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 12:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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