Exodus 12:24 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:24 mean?

Exodus 12:24 instructs the Israelites to keep the Passover ritual as a lasting rule for themselves and their descendants. The verse emphasizes that this observance is not just for the present generation but is meant to be continued by future generations as an ongoing tradition.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to leave Egypt. The "thing" refers to the Passover ceremony, which commemorates God sparing the Israelites during the final plague. By calling it an "ordinance" to be kept "for ever," the verse highlights the importance of remembering and passing down this event as a core part of Israel’s identity.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:24

• "observe" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to keep, guard, or pay careful attention to. The use of שָׁמַר here stresses that the Israelites are to be intentional and diligent in maintaining this practice, not treating it lightly or forgetting it over time.
• "ordinance" (חֹק, choq): This term often refers to a statute, decree, or established rule. By using חֹק, the verse frames the Passover as a binding command, not just a suggestion or a one-time event.
• "for ever" (עֹלָם, olam): This word can mean "forever," "perpetually," or "for a long duration." In this context, עֹלָם signals that the Passover is to be observed throughout all generations, reinforcing its lasting significance.

Why Exodus 12:24 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Passover is not just a response to a single event but is to become a foundational practice for the Israelite community.
• The emphasis on teaching it to "thy sons" highlights the importance of passing faith and tradition from one generation to the next, making the story of deliverance a living memory.
• By calling it an "ordinance," Exodus 12:24 connects this ritual to the broader system of laws and practices that define Israel’s relationship with God, showing its central place in their faith.