That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

EXODUS 12:27KJV
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Exodus 12:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:27 mean?

Exodus 12:27 tells the Israelites to explain that the Passover sacrifice is a way of remembering how the LORD protected their families in Egypt by passing over their houses when He struck down the Egyptians. The verse ends by describing the people's response: they bowed their heads and worshipped in reverence.

In this verse, Moses is instructing the Israelites on what to say when their children ask about the meaning of the Passover ritual. The focus is on God's act of deliverance—He spared the Israelite households while bringing judgment on Egypt. The people's reaction shows their deep respect and gratitude for what God had done for them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:27

  • "Passover" (פֶּסַח, pesach) refers to the special sacrifice and meal marking God's act of "passing over" the Israelite homes. This word highlights both the event and the ritual that commemorates it.
  • "Passed over" (פָּסַח, pasach) is the verb used for God sparing the Israelite houses. It carries the sense of skipping or protecting, emphasizing God's intentional act of mercy.
  • "Delivered" (נָצַל, natsal) means to rescue or save. This word underlines that God did more than just spare the Israelites—He actively brought them out of danger.
  • "Worshipped" (שָׁחָה, shachah) means to bow down or show deep respect. The physical act of bowing the head and worshipping shows the people's humble acknowledgment of God's power and kindness.

Why Exodus 12:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Passover is not just a ritual, but a memorial of a specific act of salvation—God's protection and deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.
  • The explanation given here sets a pattern for future generations: the story of God's rescue is meant to be retold and remembered, keeping the community connected to its history.
  • The people's immediate response of bowing and worshipping shows that understanding God's actions leads to reverence and gratitude, not just ritual observance.

Where else these words appear

“passed” Hebrew H6452 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
  • 2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
  • 1 Kings 18:26 And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

“head” Hebrew H6915 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 24:26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.
  • Exodus 34:8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.
  • 1 Kings 1:31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.

“passover” Hebrew H6453 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • Numbers 33:3 And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.
  • 2 Chronicles 30:18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

“smote” Hebrew H5062 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 8:2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
  • 1 Samuel 4:2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:24 And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;