Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

EXODUS 12:20KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“leavened” Hebrew H2556 · used in 8 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 12:39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.
  • Psalms 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

“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:

“habitations” Hebrew H4186 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 10:30 And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east.
  • Leviticus 25:29 And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem it.
  • Job 29:7 When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!