And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

EXODUS 12:4KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 12:4 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:4 mean?

Exodus 12:4 explains that if a family is too small to eat an entire Passover lamb by themselves, they should join with their nearest neighbor and share the lamb, making sure there is enough for everyone according to how much each person can eat. This instruction ensures that the lamb is fully consumed and not wasted, and that each person is provided for.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron, giving detailed instructions for the first Passover meal in Egypt. The focus is on practical arrangements for the meal, showing concern for both the proper observance of the ritual and the needs of each household. The verse highlights the importance of community cooperation and careful planning in following God's commands.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:4

  • The word for "household" (בַּיִת, bayit) and "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) both refer to a family unit or those living together, emphasizing that the Passover was meant to be celebrated within close family or community groups.
  • "Lamb" (שֶׂה, seh) is the animal at the center of the Passover meal; the instruction is specifically about sharing this sacrificial animal, not substituting something else.
  • "Souls" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh) refers to individual people, making it clear that the count is by persons, not just by households.
  • "According to his eating" (פִּי אָכְלוֹ, pi okhlo) means each person's appetite or portion, stressing that the sharing should be practical and based on real needs, not just numbers.

Why Exodus 12:4 matters

  • Exodus 12:4 clarifies that the Passover was not just a private or individual event, but could involve sharing and cooperation between families, reflecting a sense of community.
  • The verse prevents waste of the sacrificial lamb, showing that God's instructions were both spiritual and practical.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by showing how carefully the Israelites were to follow God's instructions, down to the number of people eating and the amount of food prepared.

Where else these words appear

“number” Hebrew H4373 · used in 2 verses

  • Leviticus 27:23 Then the priest shall reckon unto him the worth of thy estimation, even unto the year of the jubile: and he shall give thine estimation in that day, as a holy thing unto the LORD.

“neighbour” Hebrew H7934 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 3:22 But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.
  • Psalms 79:4 We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
  • Jeremiah 6:21 Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.

“little” Hebrew H4591 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 16:17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
  • Numbers 26:54 To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him.
  • Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

“lamb” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Leviticus 5:7 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.