Exodus 12:26
Exodus 12:26 in Multiple Translations
When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’
And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
And when your children say to you, What is the reason of this act of worship?
When your children come and ask you, ‘Why is this ceremony important to you?’
And when your children aske you, What seruice is this ye keepe?
and it hath come to pass when your sons say unto you, What [is] this service ye have?
It will happen, when your children ask you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’
And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say to you, What mean you by this service?
And when your children shall say to you: What is the meaning of this service?
When your children ask you, ‘What does this ritual mean?’,
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 12:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 12:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
כִּֽי
יֹאמְר֥וּ
אֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
בְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
מָ֛ה
הָ/עֲבֹדָ֥ה
הַ/זֹּ֖את
לָ/כֶֽם
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יֹאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
מָ֛ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הָ/עֲבֹדָ֥ה
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
לָ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 12:26
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יֹאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מָ֛ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הָ/עֲבֹדָ֥ה
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
לָ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Exodus 12:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 12:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 12:26
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:26
- Sermons on Exodus 12:26
Context — The Feast of Unleavened Bread
24And you are to keep this command as a permanent statute for you and your descendants.
25When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as He promised, you are to keep this service.
26When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’
27you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. 28And the Israelites went and did just what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 13:14–15 | In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’ |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:7 | Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you. |
| 3 | Psalms 145:4 | One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts— |
| 4 | Ephesians 6:4 | Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. |
| 5 | Joshua 4:6–7 | to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” |
| 6 | Psalms 78:3–6 | that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed. For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the coming generation would know them— even children yet to be born— to arise and tell their own children |
| 7 | Joshua 4:21–24 | Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 38:19 | The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 11:19 | Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 6:7 | And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. |
Exodus 12:26 Summary
[Exodus 12:26 shows that the Israelites were commanded to teach their children about the meaning of the Passover, which was a special celebration of God's deliverance from slavery in Egypt (as seen in Exodus 12:27). This verse emphasizes the importance of parents sharing their faith with their children, and being prepared to answer their questions about God and His actions (Deuteronomy 6:20-25). By sharing the story of the Passover, the Israelites were able to pass on their faith and values to the next generation, and help them understand their identity as God's people (Exodus 19:5-6).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the children asking about the service in Exodus 12:26?
The children's inquiry is a natural response to the observance of the Passover, and it presents an opportunity for parents to share the story of God's deliverance with the next generation, as seen in Exodus 12:27 and Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
How does this verse relate to the importance of family discipleship?
Exodus 12:26 highlights the role of parents in teaching their children about God's commands and actions, as also emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Ephesians 6:4, demonstrating the value of intentional faith transmission within families.
What does this verse reveal about the Israelites' understanding of their identity and heritage?
The question posed by the children in Exodus 12:26 implies a desire to understand their connection to the Passover and God's redemption, reflecting the Israelites' developing sense of identity as a people set apart by God, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6 and 1 Peter 2:9-10.
How can Christians today apply the principle of passing on their faith to the next generation, as seen in Exodus 12:26?
Christians can follow the example of the Israelites by regularly sharing their faith stories, teaching biblical values, and observing meaningful spiritual practices with their children, as encouraged in Psalm 78:4 and 2 Timothy 2:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can intentionally share my faith with the next generation, just as the Israelites were instructed to do in Exodus 12:26?
- How can I create opportunities for my children or younger believers to ask questions about our faith and spiritual practices?
- What are some key stories or teachings from Scripture that I want to pass on to the next generation, and how can I share them in a way that is engaging and meaningful?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to preserving and transmitting our spiritual heritage, just as the Israelites were called to do in Exodus 12:24-25?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:26
And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, what mean ye by this service?] Of killing and roasting a lamb, and eating it with bitter herbs, and of abstaining from leavened bread.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:26
And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? When your children shall say.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:26
Or, part of Divine worship. God expects this even from the Jewish children, and much more from Christian men, that they should inquire and understand what is said or done in the public worship or service of God, and therefore not to rest in dumb signs, whereof they neither inquire nor know the meaning, or in the service of God in a language which they understand not.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:26
Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?Ver. 26. When your children.] Children are to be carefully catechised and informed. Luther scorned not to profess himself discipulura catechism, a catechism scholar.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 12:26
Verse 26. What mean ye by this service?] The establishment of this service annually was a very wise provision to keep up in remembrance this wonderful deliverance. From the remotest antiquity the institution of feasts, games, c., has been used to keep up the memory of past grand events. Hence God instituted the Sabbath, to keep up the remembrance of the creation and the passover to keep up the remembrance of the deliverance from Egypt. All the other feasts were instituted on similar reasons. The Jews never took their sons to the tabernacle or temple till they were twelve years of age, nor suffered them to eat of the flesh of any victim till they had themselves offered a sacrifice at the temple, which they were not permitted to do before the twelfth year of their age. It was at this age that Joseph and Mary took our blessed Lord to the temple, probably for the first time, to offer his sacrifice. See Calmet.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:26
25–27a. How, in future years, when Israel is in Canaan, the memory of the deliverance is to be kept alive: the children of successive generations, at the time when the Passover is celebrated, are to be instructed respecting its origin. The verses form one of the parenetic passages in Exodus (cf. Exodus 13:8-10; Exodus 13:14-16, Exodus 15:26; and see p. 87), which in style and tone approximate to Deuteronomy, and may be additions due to the compiler of JE. The injunction contained in these verses is still observed by the Jews, in the part of the Passover service called the Haggâdâh, or ‘telling’: see Oesterley and Box, op. cit. p. 359 ff. 26, 27a. For the instruction of the children, cf. Exodus 10:2, Exodus 13:8, Deuteronomy 4:9 b, Deuteronomy 6:7 (= dey 11:19); and esp. the similarly worded passages, Exodus 13:14-15, Deuteronomy 6:20 ff., Joshua 4:6-7 (J), Joshua 4:21-24 (D[131]). [131] Deuteronomic passages in Josh., Jud., Kings.27b. bowed the head and worshipped (Exodus 4:31)] In acknowledgement of the promises of protection and deliverance given in vv. 21–23.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:26
24-27. The monumental character of this feast as a perpetual reminder of the supernatural origin of the nation, and as a means of education to all the generations of the people, is here minutely emphasized and enforced.
Sermons on Exodus 12:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Blood of the Lamb by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of the sacrificial lamb in the Bible. He explains that the lamb's death was necessary for the nation and the world, as it sy |
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The Standing Ordinances of Religion by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of adhering to the Standing Ordinances of Religion, emphasizing the perpetuation of doctrines through ordinances, the embodiment of unseen |
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(Exodus) Exodus 12:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the Passover feast and the death of the firstborn. He emphasizes that redemption is achieved through the blood of Jesus a |
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(Exodus) Exodus 13:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. The Israelites were not initially prepared for warfare, so G |
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All Our Children Belong to the Lord by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the act of dedicating children to the Lord, drawing parallels between Old Testament practices like the dedication of the firstborn and the Passover feast to |
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Blessed Are They Who Consider by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his personal struggle with leaving his job and following God's calling. He shares how God spoke to him through the sight of four birds peck |
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Isaiah (Part 1) - Introduction by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God does not shy away from hopeless cases, despite our limited resources and narrow hearts. He highlights how God speaks to nations and |