Exodus 12:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Future generations will ask what the Passover service means, prompting explanation of the exodus.
The Context of Exodus 12:26
Children will ask about the meaning of the Passover service.
What Does Exodus 12:26 Mean?
Children are expected to ask about the meaning of Passover. Rather than discouraging questions, the law anticipates them. The inquiry of children ensures that the next generation engages with the practice intellectually and emotionally. By assuming this question will arise naturally, the law ensures that meaning is transmitted, not merely ritual acts performed by rote.
The question 'What mean ye?' calls for explanation and interpretation. Parents become teachers, translating the ritual into narrative and theology. This intergenerational conversation is essential to the covenant. Without explanation, Passover becomes mere tradition. With explanation, it becomes a living connection between past redemption and present faith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:26
What does Exodus 12:26 mean?
Future generations will ask what the Passover service means, prompting explanation of the exodus.
What is the context of Exodus 12:26?
Children will ask about the meaning of the Passover service.