Exodus 12 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

The events of this chapter are known as the Passover. They are remembered in the celebration of Passover. (See: passover)

1. Instruction v. 1–28
   • v. 1–20: Yahweh gives instructions
     • v. 1–11: how to eat this Passover
     • v. 12–13: description of the plague
     • v. 14–20: directions for future celebration of Passover
   • v. 21–28: Moses repeats Yahweh’s instructions to Israelites
2. Narrative v. 29–42: Passover and Exodus
3. Instruction v. 43–49: which foreigners may eat Passover
4. Summary Narrative v. 50–51

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Unleavened bread

The concept of unleavened bread is introduced in this chapter. Its significance stems from its connection to the events in this chapter. (See: unleavenedbread)

Ethnic segregation

The Hebrew people were to be separate from the rest of the world. Because of this, they separated themselves from other people groups. At this time, these foreigners were looked upon as unholy. (See: holy)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Passover

Pronoun usage

In the long quotation (verses 3–20) that Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron to convey to the Israelites, he speaks of them in the third person (“they must”) in 12:3–4 and 12:7–8 and to them in the second person (“you must”) for all the rest of the instruction. Some languages may need to keep the pronoun person consistent throughout the quotation.

You plural

In this chapter, almost every occurrence of “you” or “your” is plural. Each one refers to all the Israelites. Those that are not will be marked. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form throughout unless otherwise noted. (See: figs-youdual)