Exodus 12:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The feast of unleavened bread commemorates the day God brought Israel's armies out of Egypt.
The Context of Exodus 12:17
Passover celebrates the day God brought Israel out of Egypt as a unified people.
What Does Exodus 12:17 Mean?
The phrase 'in this selfsame day' collapses the distance between the original exodus and every subsequent Passover. Each generation celebrates as if they themselves are being brought out of Egypt. This immediacy makes the feast not a mere historical anniversary but a renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Every Passover is a new moment of deliverance.
The armies of Israel emphasize the collective, national dimension of the exodus. This is not individual escape but the mobilization of an entire people for liberation. The permanence of the ordinance ensures that no generation will forget that they belong to a people formed by God's mighty hand. The commemoration binds each generation to the historical reality of God's power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:17
What does Exodus 12:17 mean?
The feast of unleavened bread commemorates the day God brought Israel's armies out of Egypt.
What is the context of Exodus 12:17?
Passover celebrates the day God brought Israel out of Egypt as a unified people.