This day came ye out in the month Abib.

EXODUS 13:4KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 13:4 (KJV)

What does Exodus 13:4 mean?

Exodus 13:4 identifies the time when the Israelites came out of Egypt: a day in the month called Abib. Moses names the month as part of his instruction to the people about remembering their departure from slavery.

The words “this day” make the occasion immediate for Moses’ listeners. Following his call to remember in verse 3, Moses gives them a place in the year by which to recognize the time of their departure.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 13:4

  • “Abib” — אָבִיב (aviv): The word can refer to young grain, especially grain in the ear. As a month name, Abib places the departure in the spring grain-growing season.

Why Exodus 13:4 matters

  • The date helps explain when the people were to keep the observance Moses describes. In verse 5, he tells them to keep that observance “in this month,” pointing back to Abib.
  • The month links the departure to a yearly remembrance. Verse 10 says to keep the instruction “from year to year,” so the events were to be recalled at an appointed time rather than on any chosen day.

Where else these words appear

“Abib” Hebrew H24 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 9:31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
  • Exodus 23:15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread:(thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)
  • Leviticus 2:14 And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears.