Exodus 13 8

Exodus 13:8 kjv

And thou shalt show thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:8 nkjv

And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came up from Egypt.'

Exodus 13:8 niv

On that day tell your son, 'I do this because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'

Exodus 13:8 esv

You shall tell your son on that day, 'It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'

Exodus 13:8 nlt

"On the seventh day you must explain to your children, 'I am celebrating what the LORD did for me when I left Egypt.'

Exodus 13 verses

Exodus 13 8 Meaning

Exodus 13:8 commands the Israelites to actively recount their liberation from Egypt to their children, connecting the specific ritual observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the miraculous act of deliverance performed by the LORD. It underscores that the meaning of the spiritual practice is rooted in a historical reality – God's intervention on behalf of His people – thereby fostering intergenerational faith and gratitude, and establishing the individual's place within God's redemptive history.

Exodus 13 8 Context

Exodus 13:8 is part of the divine instructions given immediately after the miraculous Exodus from Egypt. Chapters 12 and 13 outline the foundational rituals of the Feast of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, alongside the consecration of the firstborn. This specific verse emphasizes the pedagogical purpose behind these commands. The practices themselves are not ends but means: they are designed to serve as tangible reminders and prompts for ongoing storytelling, ensuring that the covenant identity, which is rooted in God's past redemptive act, is continually passed down from generation to generation. This instruction underscores the necessity of internalizing and personalizing God's history-changing intervention, thereby preserving faith and obedience within the community of Israel.

Exodus 13 8 Word analysis

• You: (וְהִגַּדְתָּ֣ - v'higgadta) The initial Hebrew verb is in the second person singular, emphasizing the individual responsibility of each parent, typically the father, to engage in this vital act of instruction. It implies an active and direct role in their child's spiritual formation.
• shall tell: (הִגַּדְתָּ֣ - higgadta) A Hiphil stem verb, meaning to declare, recount, or make known. This is not a casual mention but a deliberate, thorough recounting of events, often in detail. It suggests a proactive teaching rather than a reactive explanation.
• your son: (לְבִנְךָ֖ - l'vincha) Refers to a male descendant, but contextually, this instruction is broadly understood to encompass all children within the household, ensuring the entire next generation hears and understands. It highlights the patriarchal responsibility for the spiritual education of the family.
• on that day: (בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֑וּא - bayom hahu) This specifies the exact timing of the instruction – the day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, typically in response to a question prompted by the ritual actions (cf. Exo 12:26). It integrates the act of remembrance directly into the annual liturgical calendar, making it an experiential truth.
• saying: (לֵאמֹ֔ר - leimor) A standard introductory particle, signaling the beginning of direct speech or explanation.
• This is done: (בַּעֲב֣וּר זֶ֗ה עָשָׂ֤ה - ba'avur zeh asah) Literally, "for the sake of this," or "on account of this (YHWH) did." "This" refers to the entire practice and significance of the Passover and Unleavened Bread. The rituals are directly linked to and find their raison d'être in God's historical intervention.
• because of what: (בַּעֲב֣וּר זֶ֗ה עָשָׂ֤ה - ba'avur zeh asah) A strong causal connection, making it clear that the present action (observing the feast) is entirely dependent on the past divine action. The "why" of the ritual is tied directly to God's act.
• the LORD: (יְהוָה֮ - YHWH) The sacred, covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and active involvement in the history of Israel. It asserts His unique identity as the sovereign deliverer.
• did for me: (לִי֙ - li) Crucially, "for me", not just "for them" or "for us." This phrasing encourages personalization and individual identification with the nation's redemptive history. Each generation and each individual is meant to understand that God's great act of deliverance was personally for them, ensuring the story remains alive and relevant to their faith. This reflects a deep covenant bond.
• when I came out of Egypt: (בְּצֵאתִ֣י מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃ - b'tzeit'i mimmitzrayim) Points to the foundational event of the Exodus – the historical moment of Israel's national birth and liberation from bondage. This act forms the basis of their relationship with God and their distinct identity.

Exodus 13 8 Bonus section

The emphasis on intergenerational instruction in Exodus 13:8 and similar verses forms the biblical basis for what is often termed 'catechesis' within the faith tradition. This isn't just passive transfer of information, but active engagement with truth, prompted by real-life observation of commanded practices. The home was the primary theological classroom, and parents were the first teachers. This command serves as an indirect polemic against any notion that children are simply miniature adults who absorb faith by osmosis or that spiritual education is solely the domain of a priestly class. Rather, the daily life and observances of the household were to be intrinsically linked with the story of God's powerful intervention, thus making faith tangible and relational for the younger generations.

Exodus 13 8 Commentary

Exodus 13:8 provides the theological backbone for the annual Passover and Unleavened Bread observances. It transcends mere ritual by mandating active, intergenerational instruction. The commandment "You shall tell your son on that day" moves the celebration from a historical commemoration to a living, spoken tradition. The rituals are not empty gestures but serve as vital prompts to answer the profound "why" of their faith: "This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt."

This verse powerfully personalizes a corporate event. While the Exodus was for the nation, the "did for me" transforms a communal memory into individual gratitude and commitment. It calls each Israelite, and by extension each believer, to appropriate the grand narrative of God's salvation history into their personal experience of faith. This active retelling was essential for future generations to understand their unique identity as God's redeemed people, directly contrasting with the idolatry and power structures of Egypt by declaring that YHWH alone is the sovereign Deliverer. It laid the groundwork for a rich tradition of family discipleship, reminding that faith is not merely inherited but must be taught, understood, and embraced by each new generation through the vibrant recounting of God's mighty acts.

• Example for Practical Usage: A family gathers for a special meal, perhaps for Thanksgiving. Instead of merely eating, the parent might ask, "Why do we gather today?" and then share stories of God's faithfulness in their family history, drawing parallels to biblical truths, allowing children to connect their present blessings to God's past works.
• Example for Practical Usage: In a church setting, before Communion, the pastor might briefly retell the significance of Christ's sacrifice, specifically using "He died for you" or "He redeemed me" language, enabling congregants to personalize the corporate truth of salvation.