Exodus 12:46 Meaning and Explanation
“In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Passover is eaten in one house; no meat is taken outside, and no bones are broken.
The Context of Exodus 12:46
The Passover meal is eaten in one house; bones are not broken.
What Does Exodus 12:46 Mean?
The meal must remain contained within a single house. The flesh cannot be divided among multiple locations but must be consumed together in one place. This creates intimacy and unity around the covenant meal. A household eats together in shared space. The restriction prevents the sacred meal from being fragmented or divided among casual settings.
The prohibition against breaking bones, while practical (meat comes away more easily from unbroken bones), also carries symbolic weight. The lamb's wholeness is preserved even in consumption. In later understanding, this detail becomes prophetic, but here it emphasizes the lamb's sanctity. Breaking bones would be a form of dishonor to the sacrifice. The respect shown for the animal reflects reverence for what it represents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:46
What does Exodus 12:46 mean?
The Passover is eaten in one house; no meat is taken outside, and no bones are broken.
What is the context of Exodus 12:46?
The Passover meal is eaten in one house; bones are not broken.