Exodus 12:10

KJV

And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall let nothing of it remain {H3498} until the morning {H1242}; and that which remaineth {H3498} of it until the morning {H1242} ye shall burn {H8313} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let nothing of it remain till morning; if any of it does remain, burn it up completely.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not leave any of it until morning; before the morning you must burn up any part that is left over.

American Standard Version

And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; but that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:10 delivers a precise divine command regarding the consumption and disposal of the Passover lamb, stipulating that no portion of the roasted lamb should remain until the morning. Any unconsumed remnants were to be completely burned with fire, underscoring the urgency of Israel's impending exodus, the sacredness and singular nature of the sacrificial meal, and the absolute necessity of meticulous obedience to God's detailed instructions for this foundational act of redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of God's highly specific instructions for the first Passover, detailed in [Exodus 12:1-20](/exodus/12-1-20 "Instructions for the First Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread"). It immediately follows directives on how to prepare the lamb, emphasizing that it must be roasted whole, not boiled, and consumed with its head, legs, and inner parts ([Exodus 12:9](/exodus/12-9 "Preparation of the Passover Lamb")). The command to leave no leftovers directly precedes the instruction for the Israelites to eat the meal in a posture of readiness for immediate departure—loins girded, sandals on, staff in hand ([Exodus 12:11](/exodus/12-11 "Posture for the Passover Meal")). This sequence highlights the temporal urgency and the ritual purity surrounding the meal, ensuring that the participants were fully engaged in the sacred act and prepared for the imminent divine intervention. The meticulousness of these instructions sets the stage for the climactic tenth plague and the subsequent liberation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover meal was far more than a simple repast; it was a divinely instituted, covenantal ritual marking a pivotal moment of redemption in Israel's history. In the ancient Near East, sacrificial offerings were considered holy and often had strict regulations for their consumption and disposal to prevent defilement or misuse. The command in [Exodus 12:10](/exodus/12-10 "No Leftovers for the Passover Lamb") served multiple critical functions: it prevented any sacred portion from becoming profane, attracting scavengers, or being treated as common food; it reinforced the urgency of the Israelites' departure, leaving no time for leisurely consumption or packing leftovers, thus ensuring their complete focus on the impending exodus; and it fostered a complete reliance on God's immediate provision, preventing any notion of "saving up" from a divine blessing. This meticulousness underscored the gravity and unique significance of this foundational event, establishing a pattern of obedience and trust in God's specific commands.
* **Key Themes:** The command in [Exodus 12:10](/exodus/12-10 "The Significance of No Leftovers") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Precision**, demonstrating His absolute authority over time and ritual, and the importance of exact obedience to His divinely ordained plan for redemption. The urgency embedded in the "until the morning" clause underscores the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Readiness**, preparing Israel for their sudden and decisive liberation from Egyptian bondage, a theme echoed in the instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Exodus 12:14-20](/exodus/12-14-20 "The Feast of Unleavened Bread")). Furthermore, the meticulous handling of the lamb highlights the **Holiness of Sacrifice and Atonement**, establishing a precedent for the reverence required in approaching God's provisions for sin, a concept that would be further developed in the Levitical sacrificial system ([Leviticus 7:15-18](/leviticus/7-15-18 "Regulations for Peace Offerings")). The complete consumption or destruction signifies the **Completeness of God's Provision**, indicating that His saving work is comprehensive and requires a full, unreserved embrace by His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Exodus 12:10](/exodus/12-10 "The Command Regarding Passover Leftovers") presents a dual command regarding the Passover lamb, ensuring its complete consumption or destruction within a strict timeframe.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **remain (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** From H3498, this primitive root signifies "to jut over or exceed," and by implication, "to excel." Intransitively, it means "to remain or be left." Causatively, it means "to leave, cause to abound, preserve." In this context, it emphasizes that no portion of the lamb, however small, was to be held back or preserved beyond the designated night. This speaks to the completeness required of the meal and the immediate nature of God's provision and command, allowing for no "leftovers" in the sense of a future claim or deferred obedience.
* **morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From H1242, this word properly refers to "dawn," as the break of day, and generally means "morning." Its use here establishes a strict, non-negotiable temporal boundary for the consumption of the Passover lamb. The arrival of morning signaled the end of the sacred meal's prescribed time and the commencement of the next phase of God's redemptive plan, demanding a complete and timely response from the Israelites.
* **burn (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** From H8313, this primitive root means "to be (causatively, set) on fire." It is often used in contexts of consuming by fire, destruction, purification, or the disposal of sacred items. In this context, it ensures the absolute and final disposal of any unconsumed portions, preventing defilement and reinforcing the lamb's sacred status as a unique, one-time offering for that night. The act of burning signifies a complete and irreversible consecration or disposal, marking the end of the ritual's active phase.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning":** This initial clause establishes a strict time limit for the consumption of the Passover lamb. The entire lamb, roasted as commanded in [Exodus 12:9](/exodus/12-9 "Preparation of the Passover Lamb"), was to be eaten by the family or household (or shared with neighbors if too large) before daybreak. This directive instilled a sense of urgency and communal participation, ensuring that the entire community was engaged in the act of faith and obedience within the divinely appointed timeframe. It precluded any casualness or delay in partaking of the sacred meal.
* **"and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire":** This second clause provides the mandatory method of disposal for any unconsumed portions. If, despite the efforts to consume it all, any part of the lamb remained when morning arrived, it was not to be stored, discarded casually, or given away. Instead, it was to be ritually destroyed by fire. This act underscored the holiness of the sacrifice, preventing its desecration and ensuring that the sacred meal was fully consecrated and consumed within its prescribed temporal and ritual boundaries, leaving no trace of the holy offering for common use or potential defilement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes effective use of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**. The phrase "until the morning" is repeated twice within this short verse, powerfully emphasizing the strict time constraint and the urgency of the moment. This repetition creates a sense of immediate expectation and highlights the critical nature of the Passover night as a singular, non-repeatable event for that specific deliverance, distinct from ordinary meals or offerings. The dual command—consume *or* burn—also serves as a form of **Didactic Instruction**, leaving no ambiguity about the required actions and underscoring the importance of complete obedience to God's precise commands. The imagery of "burning with fire" also carries **Symbolism**, representing purification, complete consumption, and the absolute finality of the disposal, reinforcing the sacredness of the lamb and the solemnity of the occasion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:10 imparts profound theological truths about God's character and humanity's required response. It reveals a God who is meticulous in His commands, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and the importance of exact obedience in His redemptive plan. The directive to consume or destroy the entire lamb signifies that God's provision for salvation is complete and requires a full, unreserved embrace. There are no "leftovers" in God's saving work; it is a finished work that demands full participation and trust. The urgency inherent in the command highlights the immediate and decisive nature of God's deliverance, fostering a posture of readiness and non-attachment to past conditions. Furthermore, the burning of remnants underscores the sacredness of the sacrificial offering, teaching the importance of treating God's provisions and sacred acts with utmost reverence to prevent defilement.

This theme of completeness, immediate consumption, and reliance on God's fresh provision finds echoes elsewhere in scripture:
* [Exodus 16:19-20](/exodus/16-19-20 "Manna Not to Be Stored Overnight")
* [Deuteronomy 16:4](/deuteronomy/16-4 "No Leftovers for Passover in Future Generations")
* [Matthew 6:34](/matthew/6-34 "Do Not Worry About Tomorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:10 calls believers today to a life of complete and immediate commitment to God's will and provision. Just as the Israelites were to fully embrace the Passover lamb, so too are we called to fully embrace the finished work of Christ, our ultimate Passover Lamb. This spiritual principle means we are to: **Fully Accept God's Provision**: We are to receive God's grace and salvation in Christ without reservation or delay, not clinging to past spiritual experiences or blessings as a substitute for present faith and obedience. **Live in Readiness for God's Call**: We should maintain a posture of spiritual readiness, prepared to respond to God's leading at any moment, unburdened by spiritual "leftovers" or attachment to what God has already done. Our focus should be on His current and future direction. **Decisively Discard Hindrances**: The "burning of leftovers" symbolizes the need to decisively and completely discard anything that hinders our full commitment to God—old habits, past failures, lingering sins, or even past successes that prevent us from moving forward in His will. It encourages a life of complete reliance on God's fresh grace and provision, free from the weight of what has been.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be "saving leftovers" from God's past provisions instead of trusting Him for fresh, daily grace and guidance?**
* **What "remnants" (habits, attitudes, attachments, or even unconfessed sins) might God be calling you to "burn with fire" to fully embrace His present and future plans for your life?**
* **How does the urgency and completeness of the first Passover challenge your own sense of spiritual readiness and immediate obedience to God's commands in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important to leave nothing of the lamb until the morning?**

Answer: The command served several crucial purposes, emphasizing both the practical and spiritual aspects of the Passover. First, it underscored the urgency of the Israelites' impending departure from Egypt; they had no time for leisurely consumption or storing leftovers, highlighting their need to be ready to move at a moment's notice. Second, it reinforced the sacredness of the Passover lamb as a unique, holy offering for that specific night of deliverance, preventing its defilement or casual treatment. Third, it taught reliance on God's immediate and daily provision, preventing any notion of "saving up" from a divine blessing, a principle later reinforced with the daily provision of manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16:19-20](/exodus/16-19-20 "Manna and Daily Provision")).

**Was burning the leftovers wasteful?**

Answer: From a practical, modern perspective, it might seem so. However, within the ancient sacrificial system and the context of the Passover, burning was an act of profound reverence, consecration, and obedience, not waste. Burning ensured that the sacred offering was completely consumed and disposed of in a manner that upheld its holiness, preventing any part of it from being misused, defiled, or treated as common food. It was an act of worship and trust in God's specific, divinely ordained instructions, demonstrating that God's commands, even those seemingly inefficient, are paramount.

**Does this command apply to us today, literally burning food?**

Answer: No, the literal command to burn the physical remnants of the Passover lamb was specific to the original Passover and its subsequent annual observance by Israel as a historical memorial. For believers today, the spiritual principle endures: we are called to fully embrace God's complete provision in Christ, our ultimate Passover Lamb. This means not clinging to past blessings or experiences as if they are sufficient for future needs, but rather living in complete reliance on His fresh grace and to decisively discard anything that hinders our full commitment to Him. The physical act has been fulfilled in Christ; the spiritual principle of complete acceptance and readiness for God's will continues to apply.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb, whose blood protected Israel from judgment and whose flesh sustained them for their journey to freedom, is a profound and divinely appointed type of Christ. Just as the Passover lamb was to be fully consumed or destroyed, signifying a complete and decisive act, so too is Christ's sacrifice on the cross a complete and perfect work of atonement. There are no "leftovers" or deficiencies in His redemptive act; His death and resurrection fully accomplish salvation for all who believe. As the author of Hebrews declares, "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). This completeness is further underscored by the prophecy concerning the Passover lamb that "not a bone of it shall be broken" ([Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "No Broken Bones for Passover Lamb")), a detail explicitly fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion when the soldiers did not break His legs, unlike the other crucified men, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled ([John 19:33-36](/john/19-33-36 "No Bone of Him Shall Be Broken")). Paul explicitly identifies Christ as "our Passover lamb" who "has been sacrificed" ([1_corinthians/5-7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb")), emphasizing that His sacrifice cleanses us from the "old leaven" of sin. Just as the Israelites were to consume the lamb and be ready to move, believers are to "feed" on Christ by faith, fully embracing His life, death, and resurrection, and living in readiness for His return and for His ongoing work in their lives. The urgency and completeness of the Passover meal foreshadow the decisive and all-sufficient nature of Christ's work, which requires a complete and immediate response of faith and ongoing spiritual nourishment from Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 23:18

Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning.

Exodus 34:25

Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning.

Leviticus 22:30

On the same day it shall be eaten up; ye shall leave none of it until the morrow: I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 29:34

And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it [is] holy.

Leviticus 7:15

And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.

Leviticus 7:17

But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

Deuteronomy 16:4

And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there [any thing] of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.