Exodus 12:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Each household is to select a lamb on the tenth day of the month.
The Context of Exodus 12:3
God instructs Israel to select a lamb for the Passover meal.
What Does Exodus 12:3 Mean?
The preparation for Passover begins four days before the plague strikes, requiring Israel to wait and anticipate what is coming. The selection of the lamb involves the whole household and is organized according to family units. This structure emphasizes that deliverance comes to families, not just individuals, and that preparation is a communal responsibility.
Every household must provide a lamb, meaning even the poorest families participate equally in the ritual. The lamb becomes a sign of God's care for each family unit. This distribution of responsibility ensures that when the plague comes, no family is left wondering whether they have been covered by God's protection.
Exodus 12:3 in the Original Language
keseb (כֶּשֶׂב), 'lamb' — a young sheep, often male and without blemish, symbolic of innocence and sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:3
What does Exodus 12:3 mean?
Each household is to select a lamb on the tenth day of the month.
What is the context of Exodus 12:3?
God instructs Israel to select a lamb for the Passover meal.