Exodus 12:2 Meaning and Explanation
“This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →This month will mark the beginning of Israel's new religious calendar.
The Context of Exodus 12:2
God declares this month the beginning of Israel's religious year.
What Does Exodus 12:2 Mean?
The month of deliverance becomes Israel's new starting point for measuring time. Rather than continuing to reckon years by Pharaoh's calendar, Israel's calendar now begins with their freedom. This establishes a distinct identity for God's people, with their own way of ordering their life and worship.
By making liberation the foundation of their calendar, the Israelites are reminded constantly that their existence as a free people is rooted in God's intervention. Every new year begins with remembrance of salvation, making God's deliverance the defining moment of their national and spiritual history.
Exodus 12:2 in the Original Language
rosh (ראש), 'head' — marks a new beginning or starting point in time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:2
What does Exodus 12:2 mean?
This month will mark the beginning of Israel's new religious calendar.
What is the context of Exodus 12:2?
God declares this month the beginning of Israel's religious year.