Exodus 12 37

Exodus 12:37 kjv

And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.

Exodus 12:37 nkjv

Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children.

Exodus 12:37 niv

The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.

Exodus 12:37 esv

And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.

Exodus 12:37 nlt

That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children.

Exodus 12 verses

Exodus 12 37 Meaning

Exodus 12:37 marks the initial movement of the Israelites from their enslaved state in Egypt. It specifies their departure point, first destination, and, critically, quantifies the large number of men capable of walking, thereby indicating the immense scale of the people whom God supernaturally brought out of bondage. This signifies the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham to multiply his descendants into a great nation, now freed by God's mighty hand.

Exodus 12 37 Context

Exodus 12:37 immediately follows the cataclysmic tenth plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt—and the institution of the Passover. Pharaoh, having finally relented under divine judgment, urgently compels the Israelites to leave (Exo 12:31-33). The Israelites, by divine instruction (Exo 12:35-36), had already "plundered" the Egyptians by requesting and receiving precious items, setting the stage for their departure not as impoverished slaves, but carrying wealth. This verse signals the historical and theological moment of liberation, a foundational event in Israel's national identity, moving them from four centuries of slavery to their journey as a sovereign people led by God into the wilderness, eventually toward the Promised Land. The enumeration underscores the scope of the nation being born out of this divine intervention.

Exodus 12 37 Word analysis

• And the children of Israel: Refers to the direct descendants of Jacob, God's chosen people, who have now grown into a vast population in Egypt. This collective identity emphasizes their nationhood rather than a disparate group of individuals.
• journeyed: From the Hebrew root נָסַע (nasa'), meaning to pull up pegs, to break camp, to set out. This implies an organized and purposeful movement, not a panicked flight. It signifies the commencement of a divinely orchestrated journey rather than a disoriented escape.
• from Rameses: Hebrew: רַעְמְסֵס (Raʿməses). This was a prominent store-city in Goshen, built or developed by Israelite forced labor (Exo 1:11). It serves as the definitive point of departure from their long history of bondage in Egypt. Its specific naming roots the event in historical geography.
• to Succoth: Hebrew: סֻכּוֹת (Sukkōṯ). Meaning "booths" or "tents." This was their first temporary encampment after Rameses, suggesting a stage for initial regrouping. The name foreshadows the dwelling in temporary shelters during the 40 years of wilderness wandering, later commemorated in the Feast of Tabernacles.
• about six hundred thousand men on foot: Hebrew: כְּשֵׁשׁ־מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף הַרַגְלִי (kəshēš-mēʾōṯ ʾeleph hāraglî).
  • "about" (כְּ): Indicates an approximation, common in large biblical numbers, suggesting magnitude rather than exactness.
  • "six hundred thousand" (שֵׁשׁ־מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף): A monumental number, particularly significant given their origins as a small family unit descending into Egypt (Gen 46:27). It testifies to God's faithful multiplication.
  • "men on foot" (הַרַגְלִי): Literally "the footed ones," generally refers to able-bodied males fit for war or service (typically 20 years and older), distinguishing them from women, children, and the elderly. This clarifies the count applies to a specific demographic.
• besides children: Hebrew: לְבַד מִטָּף (ləḇad miṭṭāp̄).
  • "besides" (לְבַד): "Apart from," "exclusive of."
  • "children" (מִטָּף): Refers to "little ones" or "toddlers," encompassing dependent offspring. This explicitly confirms that the 600,000 count does not include women, the elderly, or all children, implying a total population likely in the millions (estimated 2-3 million). This emphasizes the overwhelming scale of the Exodus.

Exodus 12 37 Bonus section

The precise logistics of moving such a vast population with their flocks and herds remain a marvel and testament to divine order amidst what could have been chaos. The very act of the enslaved leaving demonstrates God's victory over the gods of Egypt, proving His sovereignty as the only true God (Yahweh), capable of humbling the most powerful empire of the time. The transition from building "store cities" (Rameses) for Pharaoh to journeying out from Rameses highlights a profound reversal of fortune. This verse also lays the groundwork for understanding the scale of provisions (manna, water) and protection (cloud and fire pillar) that would be required in the wilderness, emphasizing God's supernatural care.

Exodus 12 37 Commentary

Exodus 12:37 encapsulates the triumphant initial phase of the Exodus. The journey from Rameses, a symbol of their slavery, to Succoth, their first liberated encampment, marks the physical manifestation of God's redemptive work. The colossal number—approximately 600,000 adult males, implying a total population of millions—serves as profound evidence of divine faithfulness. It showcases God's fulfillment of His ancient promises to Abraham to make his descendants into a vast nation, despite their prior bondage and Pharaoh's relentless oppression. This multitude leaving together, not as scattered individuals, but as an organized, albeit temporarily nomadic, "men on foot," signals their transition from an enslaved people to a nascent nation. Their sheer size underscores God's mighty power in bringing them out and His ability to provide for them in the desolate wilderness. This initial step solidifies their identity as "the children of Israel," the people whom God has set apart and now led by His own hand.