King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
This month [shall be] unto you the beginning of months: it [shall be] the first month of the year to you.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"You are to begin your calendar with this month; it will be the first month of the year for you.
Berean Standard Bible:
“This month is the beginning of months for you; it shall be the first month of your year.
American Standard Version:
This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
This month{H2320} shall be unto you the beginning{H7218} of months{H2320}: it shall be the first{H7223} month{H2320} of the year{H8141} to you.
Cross-References (KJV):
Exodus 13:4
- This day came ye out in the month Abib.
Deuteronomy 16:1
- ¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.
Exodus 34:18
- ¶ The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Abib: for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt.
Exodus 23:15
- Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)
Numbers 28:16
- ¶ And in the fourteenth day of the first month [is] the passover of the LORD.
Leviticus 23:5
- In the fourteenth [day] of the first month at even [is] the LORD'S passover.
Esther 3:7
- ¶ In the first month, that [is], the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that [is], the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Adar.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 12:2
**Exodus 12:2 Summary:**
**Themes:**
1. **Institution of the Hebrew Calendar:** This verse marks the establishment of the Hebrew calendar's New Year, shifting from an agricultural to a religious focus. The month referred to is Nisan, which coincides with the spring season.
2. **Religious Significance:** The designation of this month as the beginning of the religious year underscores its importance, as it is directly linked to the Passover and the Exodus, key events in Israel's history and faith.
3. **Divine Authority:** The command comes directly from God to Moses and Aaron, emphasizing the divine institution of the religious calendar and its festivals.
4. **Identity and Distinction:** By setting a unique calendar, God distinguishes the Israelites from other nations, reinforcing their special status as His chosen people.
**Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus:** This verse is set within the narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The Passover, which occurs in this month, commemorates the final plague, where the firstborn of the Egyptians were struck down, while the Israelites were spared through the blood of the paschal lamb.
- **Transition from Slavery to Nationhood:** The establishment of a new calendar signifies a new beginning for the Israelites, transitioning from a period of oppression to the birth of a nation under God's guidance.
- **Cultural Shift:** Prior to this divine command, the Israelites likely followed an agricultural calendar, as was common in the ancient Near East. The institution of a religious calendar reflects a shift towards a theocratic society centered around God's redemptive acts and laws.
This verse is foundational for the Jewish religious calendar and sets the stage for the observance of Passover (Pesach), which remains one of the most significant Jewish festivals.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2320
There are 224 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֹדֶשׁ
Transliteration: chôdesh
Pronunciation: kho'-desh
Description: from חָדַשׁ; the new moon; by implication, a month; month(-ly), new moon. - Strong's Number: H7218
There are 548 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֹאשׁ
Transliteration: rôʼsh
Pronunciation: roshe
Description: from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.); band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. - Strong's Number: H7223
There are 174 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רִאשׁוֹן
Transliteration: riʼshôwn
Pronunciation: ree-shone'
Description: or רִאשֹׁן; from רִאשָׁה; first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun); ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. - Strong's Number: H8141
There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁנֶה
Transliteration: shâneh
Pronunciation: shaw-neh'
Description: (in plural or (feminine) שָׁנָה; from שָׁנָה; a year (as a revolution of time); [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly).