King James Version

What Does Exodus 13:14 Mean?

Exodus 13:14 in the King James Version says “And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strengt... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: in: Heb. to morrow

Exodus 13:14 · KJV


Context

12

That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S. set: Heb. cause to pass over

13

And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem. lamb: or, kid

14

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: in: Heb. to morrow

15

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

16

And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The anticipated question 'What is this?' from future sons creates teaching opportunities. The prescribed answer explains firstborn consecration through exodus history: God's 'strength of hand' brought Israel out, slaying Egypt's firstborn but sparing Israel's. The phrase 'therefore I sacrifice' connects present practice to past deliverance. Ritual becomes catechesis, with each observance prompting explanation that transmits faith across generations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This question-and-answer format structures teaching around observable practices. Children's curiosity about visible distinctions (why redeem the donkey?) opens discussion about invisible spiritual realities (redemption, substitution).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your visible spiritual practices create opportunities to explain the gospel to others?
  2. What does structuring teaching around questions rather than lectures reveal about effective faith transmission?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהָיָ֞ה1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי2 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥3 of 17

asketh

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

בִנְךָ֛4 of 17

And it shall be when thy son

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

מָחָ֖ר5 of 17

thee in time to come

H4279

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣6 of 17

What is this that thou shalt say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה7 of 17
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

זֹּ֑את8 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣9 of 17

What is this that thou shalt say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֔יו10 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּחֹ֣זֶק11 of 17

unto him By strength

H2392

power

יָ֗ד12 of 17

of hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הֽוֹצִיאָ֧נוּ13 of 17

brought us out

H3318

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

יְהוָ֛ה14 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם15 of 17

from Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מִבֵּ֥ית16 of 17

from the house

H1004

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

עֲבָדִֽים׃17 of 17

of bondage

H5650

a servant


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 13:14 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 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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