Exodus 12 26

Exodus 12:26 kjv

And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

Exodus 12:26 nkjv

And it shall be, when your children say to you, 'What do you mean by this service?'

Exodus 12:26 niv

And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?'

Exodus 12:26 esv

And when your children say to you, 'What do you mean by this service?'

Exodus 12:26 nlt

Then your children will ask, 'What does this ceremony mean?'

Exodus 12 verses

Exodus 12 26 Meaning

Exodus 12:26 anticipates a future inquiry from the children of Israel regarding the unique service of Passover. This verse highlights the divine intention for the Passover to be a perpetually observed memorial and a powerful teaching tool, ensuring that the miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage is remembered and passed down through generations. It underscores the importance of intergenerational instruction in God's mighty acts of salvation.

Exodus 12 26 Context

Exodus chapter 12 details the establishment of the Passover ordinance in Egypt, just before the tenth and final plague: the death of the firstborn. The preceding verses (Exo 12:1-20) lay out specific instructions for its observance—the selection of a lamb, the marking of doorposts with its blood, eating unleavened bread, and remaining indoors. The ritual served as both a protective sign for the Israelites and a commemoration of God "passing over" their homes while striking the Egyptians. Verse 26, therefore, is not just an instruction for that singular night but an anticipation of the Passover as a perpetual ordinance for all future generations (Exo 12:24). It frames the ritual as a foundational event that must be understood and taught, linking the past divine act to the present faith and practice of Israel.

Exodus 12 26 Word Analysis

• And when: Indicates a future occurrence, anticipating the establishment of a regular practice and the inevitable questions arising from it.
• your children: (Hebrew: bəneḵem, בְּנֵיכֶם) Literally "your sons," but commonly refers to descendants or children in general. This emphasizes the intergenerational nature of faith and the importance of parental responsibility in conveying truth. It underscores the covenant community's continuity.
• say: (Hebrew: ’āmərū, אָמְרוּ) Points to a future, direct verbal inquiry. This indicates that the ritual's performance is intended to spark curiosity and provide an opportunity for teaching, not just silent observance.
• to you: Directs the inquiry to the parents or the observing generation, placing the responsibility of explanation squarely upon them. It highlights the primary role of the family in spiritual instruction.
• 'What do you mean: (Hebrew: mah, מַה) An interrogative particle "what," signifying a desire for explanation, significance, or purpose. It is a genuine, inquisitive question indicating curiosity.
• by this service? (Hebrew: hā-‘avōḏāh hazzōṯ, הָעֲבֹדָה הַזֹּאת)
  • hā-‘avōḏāh: The definite article "the" combined with ‘avōḏāh is a rich term. It means "service," "work," "labor," or "worship." In the context of the Exodus, it also strongly echoes "bondage" or "slavery" that Israel endured in Egypt (Exo 1:14). Here, it refers to the solemn ritual and worship associated with Passover. The deliberate use of this term transforms forced ‘avodah (slavery) into free ‘avodah (worship/service to God), emphasizing redemption from one to the other.
  • hazzōṯ: "this" or "this one," directly referring to the specific and unique ritual acts being performed at Passover—the blood, the lamb, the unleavened bread, the hurried eating. It anchors the question to the observable actions.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • 'What do you mean by this service?': This entire phrase, structured as a direct question from children, is a powerful pedagogical device. It indicates God's foreknowledge and design that the Passover should be more than a ritual; it must be an act infused with meaning, communicated across generations, preventing it from becoming an empty tradition. It is a divine prompt for ongoing education and remembrance.

Exodus 12 26 Bonus Section

The "question" format observed here and elsewhere (Deut 6:20; Josh 4:6) reflects a structured catechetical pattern embedded in Israelite life, foreshadowing the later Passover Seder's four questions (Ma Nishtana). This divinely inspired structure turns annual commemorations into interactive learning experiences, designed to imprint theological truths deeply. It encourages active participation and intellectual engagement rather than passive observation. This anticipatory question also serves as a polemic against the mute idols of Egypt; Israel's God performs mighty acts and provides clear explanations for His ways, in contrast to deities that demanded unreasoning subservience.

Exodus 12 26 Commentary

Exodus 12:26 provides insight into God's masterful design for preserving the memory of His greatest act of redemption in the Old Testament: the Exodus. Rather than merely commanding a ritual, God embedded within the Passover instructions a clear intergenerational pedagogical framework. The anticipated question from the children, "What do you mean by this service?" transforms the ceremonial practice into a dynamic moment of teaching. This reveals that the meaning and narrative behind the ritual are paramount, not just the performance of the ritual itself. The term "service" (‘avōḏāh) links the physical actions to their profound spiritual purpose, moving Israel from forced slavery under Pharaoh to willing service and worship of Yahweh. This command highlights the crucial role of parents as primary spiritual educators, ensuring that each succeeding generation understands their identity as God's redeemed people and His enduring faithfulness. It emphasizes the living transmission of faith through personal witness and storytelling, guarding against spiritual amnesia.