King James Version

What Does Exodus 12:8 Mean?

Exodus 12:8 in the King James Version says “And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

Exodus 12:8 · KJV


Context

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

7

And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

9

Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

10

And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Three elements comprise the Passover meal: roasted lamb, unleavened bread (matzah), and bitter herbs (maror). The roasting with fire suggests purifying judgment, the unleavened bread indicates haste and purity (1 Cor 5:7-8), and bitter herbs memorialize slavery's bitterness. Together they present salvation's full picture: judgment borne, purity required, bondage remembered.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roasting (rather than boiling) was the fastest preparation method and allowed the meal to be eaten immediately. Bitter herbs likely included chicory, endive, or horseradish—plants common in Egypt.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the bitter herbs remind you to never forget the bondage from which Christ has delivered you?
  2. What does the requirement to consume all three elements teach about embracing the full message of the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יֹֽאכְלֻֽהוּ׃1 of 11

And they shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

הַבָּשָׂ֖ר3 of 11

the flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

בַּלַּ֣יְלָה4 of 11

in that night

H3915

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

הַזֶּ֑ה5 of 11
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

צְלִי6 of 11

roast

H6748

roasted

אֵ֣שׁ7 of 11

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וּמַצּ֔וֹת8 of 11

and unleavened bread

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

עַל9 of 11
H5921

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

מְרֹרִ֖ים10 of 11

and with bitter

H4844

a bitter herb

יֹֽאכְלֻֽהוּ׃11 of 11

And they shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)


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 12:8 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 12:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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