Exodus 12:18 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:18 mean?

Exodus 12:18 gives a specific instruction for the Israelites to eat only unleavened bread from the evening of the fourteenth day to the evening of the twenty-first day of the first month. This command sets the exact time frame for observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread, lasting seven days.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them detailed directions for the Passover celebration as they prepare to leave Egypt. The instruction is part of a larger set of laws about how to remember and mark their deliverance from slavery, emphasizing careful obedience to God's timing and details.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:18

• "first" (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon): This word marks the first month in the Hebrew calendar, which is called Nisan. It sets the timing for the festival and shows that this is the start of something new for the people.
• "even" (עָרֶב, erev): This word means "evening" and is used twice to mark the beginning and end of the period. In Hebrew tradition, a day begins at sunset, so "evening" is important for understanding when the command takes effect.
• "bread" (מַצָּה, matzah): This is the word for unleavened bread, which is bread made without yeast. The use of this word highlights the need for purity and haste, since the Israelites did not have time to let their bread rise before leaving Egypt.

Why Exodus 12:18 matters

• Exodus 12:18 clarifies the exact duration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which helps prevent confusion about when the festival starts and ends.
• The verse connects the act of eating unleavened bread directly to the historical event of the Exodus, making it a lasting reminder of God's deliverance.
• By repeating the timing and the food requirement, the verse emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions precisely, which is a recurring theme in the surrounding chapters.