Exodus 12:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:20 mean?

Exodus 12:20 commands the Israelites not to eat anything leavened during the Passover, but only to eat unleavened bread wherever they live. This instruction is part of the rules for observing Passover, emphasizing a strict separation from leavened food throughout all their homes.

God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses as they prepare to leave Egypt. The context is the first Passover, a defining moment when the Israelites are about to be freed from slavery. The verse highlights the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, with unleavened bread symbolizing purity and a break from their old life in Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:20

• "Leavened" (חָמֵץ, chametz) refers to anything made with yeast or allowed to rise. The word points to a complete ban on any food that has been fermented or contains leaven, not just bread.
• "Habitations" (מּוֹשָׁב, moshav) means all places where the Israelites live, not just a single city or house. This makes the command universal for the entire community, wherever they are settled.
• "Bread" (מַצָּה, matzah) specifically means unleavened bread, a flatbread made without yeast. The use of this word underlines the specific type of bread to be eaten, not just any bread without leaven.

Why Exodus 12:20 matters

• Exodus 12:20 clarifies that the command to avoid leavened food is not limited to a single meal or location but applies everywhere the Israelites live, showing the seriousness and totality of the Passover observance.
• The verse connects to the larger theme of Exodus, where God sets apart the Israelites as His people through specific, repeated actions and symbols.
• Understanding the original words for "leavened" and "habitations" helps clear up any confusion about what foods are forbidden and where the rule applies, emphasizing the thoroughness of the command.