Exodus 12:44 Meaning and Explanation
“But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A servant purchased by an Israelite may eat the Passover after being circumcised.
The Context of Exodus 12:44
Circumcised servants may eat the Passover if they undergo circumcision.
What Does Exodus 12:44 Mean?
The exception to the stranger rule involves slaves purchased into an Israelite household. These servants are not originally part of Israel but can be incorporated into the covenant through circumcision. Circumcision marks entry into covenant relationship with God. A circumcised servant becomes part of the covenant community and thus has the right to eat the Passover meal.
This provision shows that covenant membership is not exclusively ethnic but available to those who undergo circumcision. A servant's status is transformed through this ritual marker. The slave becomes part of the covenant people through a physical sign of dedication to God. This demonstrates that Israel's identity is based on covenant relationship, not blood alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:44
What does Exodus 12:44 mean?
A servant purchased by an Israelite may eat the Passover after being circumcised.
What is the context of Exodus 12:44?
Circumcised servants may eat the Passover if they undergo circumcision.