Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

EXODUS 12:15KJV
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Exodus 12:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:15 mean?

Exodus 12:15 commands the Israelites to eat only unleavened bread for seven days and to remove all leaven from their homes at the start of this period; anyone who eats leavened bread during these seven days is to be separated from the community of Israel. This instruction is part of the regulations for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, closely connected to the Passover.

God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed instructions for the Israelites as they prepare to leave Egypt. The verse sets a strict rule about not having or eating anything with leaven (yeast) during this week, emphasizing the seriousness by stating that anyone who disobeys will be "cut off" from Israel. This shows the importance of obedience and the distinctiveness of this event in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:15

  • "Leaven" (שְּׂאֹר, se’or) refers to any substance that causes dough to rise, like yeast. Removing it symbolized a break from the old life in Egypt and a fresh start.
  • "Unleavened bread" (מַצָּה, matzah) is bread made without yeast, representing purity and haste—since the Israelites left Egypt quickly and did not have time for bread to rise.
  • "Cut off" (כָּרַת, karat) means to be separated or excluded from the community, showing the seriousness of the command and its consequences for disobedience.

Why Exodus 12:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the removal of leaven is not just symbolic but required physical action, showing the importance of preparation and obedience.
  • It highlights the unity and identity of Israel as a people set apart, with clear boundaries for community membership.
  • The command connects to the larger story of the Exodus, marking a turning point where Israel’s identity is shaped by God’s instructions and their response to them.

Where else these words appear

“leaven” Hebrew H7603 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 12:19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
  • Exodus 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
  • Leviticus 2:11 No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.

“bread” Hebrew H2557 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
  • Exodus 34:25 Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning.
  • Leviticus 7:13 Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.

“even” Hebrew H389 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Exodus 12:16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
  • Judges 7:19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

“bread” Hebrew H4682 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
  • Leviticus 2:5 And if thy oblation be a meat offering baken in a pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.
  • Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: