Exodus 12:38 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:38 mean?

Exodus 12:38 describes how, when the Israelites left Egypt, a "mixed multitude" of people went with them, along with large numbers of animals—flocks, herds, and much cattle. This verse highlights that not only Israelites but also people of other backgrounds joined the exodus, and that the group left with significant livestock.

In context, this verse comes as Moses recounts the Israelites’ departure from Egypt after the first Passover. The "mixed multitude" refers to non-Israelites—possibly Egyptians or others—who chose to leave with the Israelites. The mention of abundant livestock emphasizes the scale and resources of the departing group, showing that the exodus was a large and diverse movement.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:38

• "mixed" (עֵרֶב, ʿerev): This word means a mixture or mingling, often understood as a group of people from various backgrounds. Its use here points to the presence of non-Israelites among those leaving Egypt, suggesting the exodus was not limited to ethnic Israelites.
• "multitude" (רַב, rav): This word means "many" or "a great number." It emphasizes that the group leaving Egypt was large and not just a small band.
• "flocks" (צֹאן, tson) and "herds" (בָּקָר, baqar): These words specify the types of animals, showing that the group had both sheep/goats and cattle. The detail suggests the Israelites were not leaving as destitute slaves but as people with substantial possessions.
• "very much" (מְאֹד כָּבֵד, me’od kaved): These words together mean "very much" or "very heavy," here describing the abundance of cattle. It underscores the wealth and resources the group took with them.

Why Exodus 12:38 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that only Israelites left Egypt; it shows that people from other backgrounds also joined the journey, making the group more diverse than sometimes assumed.
• The mention of large flocks and herds highlights that the Israelites were leaving with significant resources, not as empty-handed refugees.
• By including the "mixed multitude," Exodus 12:38 connects to later stories in the Bible where the presence of non-Israelites among the people of Israel becomes significant, especially in questions of identity and community.