Exodus 12:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The lamb is roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs on the night of deliverance.
The Context of Exodus 12:8
The Passover meal consists of roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs.
What Does Exodus 12:8 Mean?
The meal combines specific elements, each with symbolic meaning. Roasted meat represents the animal's wholesomeness and the swift nature of the meal—no time for elaborate preparation. Unleavened bread signifies the haste of departure and the absence of time for the usual process of fermentation, marking this as an extraordinary event.
The bitter herbs embody the pain and suffering of slavery in Egypt. As Israel eats the herb, they remember the bitterness of their former condition, making the meal a complete narrative: from bondage through death to freedom. This combination of elements creates a multisensory act of remembrance.
Exodus 12:8 in the Original Language
maror (מָרוֹר), 'bitter herbs' — vegetables or greens with a bitter taste, symbolizing the bitterness of slavery and hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 12:8
What does Exodus 12:8 mean?
The lamb is roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs on the night of deliverance.
What is the context of Exodus 12:8?
The Passover meal consists of roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs.