Exodus 12:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The first and seventh days of Passover are holy convocations when no work may be done except food preparation.
The Context of Exodus 12:16
The first and seventh days of Passover are holy days with sacred assembly and no work.
What Does Exodus 12:16 Mean?
Holy convocations are sacred assemblies where Israel gathers as one people before God. The first and seventh days create bookends to the week, emphasizing that the entire seven-day period belongs to God. By suspending normal work, Israel acknowledges that this time is dedicated entirely to commemoration and worship. The prohibition extends to all labor except what is necessary for eating.
The exception for food preparation is practical and merciful—people must still eat. But all other work ceases. This creates a rhythm of sacred time embedded in the calendar. By forcing a pause in ordinary activity, the observance prevents the meaning from being lost in the busyness of daily life.
Exodus 12:16 in the Original Language
miqra (מִקְרָא), 'convocation' — a calling together; an assembly summoned for sacred or ceremonial purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:16
What does Exodus 12:16 mean?
The first and seventh days of Passover are holy convocations when no work may be done except food preparation.
What is the context of Exodus 12:16?
The first and seventh days of Passover are holy days with sacred assembly and no work.