Exodus 12:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel must eat unleavened bread for seven days; eating leavened bread during this period results in being cut off from Israel.
The Context of Exodus 12:15
Unleavened bread is eaten for seven days as part of the Passover observance.
What Does Exodus 12:15 Mean?
The seven-day observance extends the commemoration beyond the single night of Passover. Leaven, which represents fermentation and the passage of time, must be purged from homes and diet. The constant presence of unleavened bread throughout the week keeps the memory of the exodus active. This weekly practice weaves salvation into the rhythms of ordinary life.
The serious consequence—being cut off from Israel—shows the paramount importance of maintaining this covenant practice. This is not a casual custom but a core identity marker. To reject the practice is to reject participation in God's people. The stipulation ensures continuity and unity across generations.
Exodus 12:15 in the Original Language
chametz (חָמֵץ), 'leaven' — fermented dough or yeast, symbolizing corruption and the old condition of bondage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:15
What does Exodus 12:15 mean?
Israel must eat unleavened bread for seven days; eating leavened bread during this period results in being cut off from Israel.
What is the context of Exodus 12:15?
Unleavened bread is eaten for seven days as part of the Passover observance.