But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

EXODUS 12:44KJV
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Exodus 12:44 (KJV)

What does Exodus 12:44 mean?

Exodus 12:44 says that a servant who has been purchased with money may eat the Passover meal, but only after he has been circumcised. This instruction sets a clear condition for participation in the Passover: even those not born into the community, if brought in as servants and circumcised, are allowed to join in this central observance.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron, giving them detailed rules about who may eat the Passover lamb. The context is the first Passover in Egypt, where God is establishing the boundaries of the community through this meal. The verse highlights that belonging to Israel’s covenant community is not just about birth, but also about accepting its signs and commitments, such as circumcision.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:44

  • "Servant" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word refers to a bondservant or slave, someone under the authority of another. The use of עֶבֶד here clarifies that the rule is about those who are part of the household but not family by birth.
  • "Bought" (מִקְנַת, miqnat): This word means "acquired" or "purchased." It emphasizes that the servant’s status comes through a transaction, not lineage.
  • "Circumcised" (מָל, mal): This verb means to cut or circumcise. Circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant with Abraham, so this requirement marks the servant as part of the covenant community.
  • "Eat" (אָכַל, akhal): This verb simply means to eat, but in this context, it refers specifically to partaking in the Passover meal, which was a significant act of belonging.

Why Exodus 12:44 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Passover was not just a family meal but a covenant meal, with clear boundaries about who could participate.
  • It shows that inclusion in Israel’s religious life was possible for outsiders, but only through accepting the covenant sign of circumcision.
  • The verse helps explain later debates and practices about who could join Israel’s worship and community, showing that faith and commitment, not just ancestry, were key.

Where else these words appear

“bought” Hebrew H4736 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
  • Genesis 23:18 Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.
  • Jeremiah 32:11 So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which was open:

“circumcised” Hebrew H4135 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 17:10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
  • Genesis 34:15 But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;
  • Joshua 5:4 And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.