King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:15 Mean?

Exodus 23:15 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Exodus 23:15 · KJV


Context

13

And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

14

Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

15

Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

17

Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Israel's festival calendar (Passover, Weeks, Tabernacles) celebrated God's provision and redemption. The appointed times (מוֹעֲדִים, mo'adim) gathered covenant people to remember God's faithfulness and anticipate future fulfillment. Festivals combined worship, rest, and fellowship—integrating spiritual and social life. These celebrations typologically point to Christ: Passover (His sacrifice), Weeks/Pentecost (Spirit's outpouring), Tabernacles (God dwelling with us). Christian worship continues this pattern of remembrance and anticipation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern religions held seasonal festivals, but Israel's feasts distinctly commemorated historical redemption (exodus) rather than merely agricultural cycles. The festivals reinforced covenant identity across generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אֶת1 of 21
H853

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

חַ֣ג2 of 21

the feast

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

מַצּ֜וֹת3 of 21

of 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

תִּשְׁמֹר֒4 of 21

Thou shalt keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

שִׁבְעַ֣ת5 of 21

seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִים֩6 of 21

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תֹּאכַ֨ל7 of 21

thou shalt eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מַצּ֜וֹת8 of 21

of 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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוִּיתִ֗ךָ10 of 21

as I commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לְמוֹעֵד֙11 of 21

thee in the time appointed

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

חֹ֣דֶשׁ12 of 21

of the month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽאָבִ֔יב13 of 21

Abib

H24

green, i.e., a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month abib or nisan

כִּי14 of 21
H3588

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

ב֖וֹ15 of 21
H0
יָצָ֣אתָ16 of 21

for in it thou camest out

H3318

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

מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם17 of 21

from Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְלֹֽא18 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵרָא֥וּ19 of 21

and none shall appear

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

פָנַ֖י20 of 21

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

רֵיקָֽם׃21 of 21

me empty

H7387

emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly


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 23:15 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 23:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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