Exodus 12:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Small households may share a lamb with neighbors, with portions based on how much each person can eat.
The Context of Exodus 12:4
Smaller households may share a lamb with neighboring families.
What Does Exodus 12:4 Mean?
This provision shows God's practical wisdom in accommodating different family sizes. A single person or very small household should not be disadvantaged by the requirement to provide a lamb. By allowing households to combine resources, God ensures that every person can participate fully in the redemptive meal.
The lamb must be appropriately sized for the number of people eating it. This principle of proportionality—matching the sacrifice to actual need—prevents both waste and insufficiency. Everyone shares equally in the meal, regardless of their household's original size, creating unity in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:4
What does Exodus 12:4 mean?
Small households may share a lamb with neighbors, with portions based on how much each person can eat.
What is the context of Exodus 12:4?
Smaller households may share a lamb with neighboring families.