Exodus 12:20

KJV

Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall eat {H398} nothing leavened {H2556}; in all your habitations {H4186} shall ye eat {H398} unleavened bread {H4682}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eat nothing with hametz in it. Wherever you live, eat matzah.'"

Berean Standard Bible

You are not to eat anything leavened; eat unleavened bread in all your homes.”

American Standard Version

Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:20 delivers a foundational command for the Israelite people, mandating the complete prohibition of leavened bread and the exclusive consumption of unleavened bread in all their dwellings during the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. This ordinance, immediately following the institution of the Passover, profoundly underscored the urgency of their divine deliverance from Egypt, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's swift and decisive redemption, and symbolizing a call to spiritual purity and separation from the corrupting influences of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of God's meticulous instructions for the inaugural Passover and the subsequent [Feast of Unleavened Bread](/exodus/12-14 "The Institution of Passover and Unleavened Bread") as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus Chapter 12 - Passover and Unleavened Bread"). The preceding verses, [Exodus 12:1-13](/exodus/12-1 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb"), lay out the specific requirements for the Passover lamb and its blood application, marking the initial act of salvation. Immediately following this, [Exodus 12:14-20](/exodus/12-14 "Perpetual Ordinance of Passover and Unleavened Bread") establish both the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread as enduring ordinances for future generations. Specifically, [Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Removing Leaven for Seven Days") introduces the seven-day period for consuming unleavened bread and purging leaven, with verse 20 serving as a powerful reiteration and expansion of this command, emphasizing its universal application "in all your habitations." The narrative then transitions in [Exodus 12:21-28](/exodus/12-21 "Moses Instructs the Elders") to Moses faithfully conveying these divine decrees to the elders of Israel, who diligently carry them out.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Exodus 12:20 was issued at a pivotal moment in Israelite history: the eve of their miraculous Exodus from Egyptian bondage. The prohibition against leaven (*chametz*) and the mandate for unleavened bread (*matzah*) carried deep significance rooted in the historical circumstances and the cultural understanding of the ancient Near East. Firstly, it served as a vivid symbol of the **haste** of their departure; the Israelites were to leave so quickly that there was no time for dough to rise, reflecting the suddenness and urgency of God's decisive intervention to liberate them. Secondly, leaven in ancient thought was often associated with **corruption, decay, or pervasive influence**—a small amount could ferment and transform an entire batch of dough. Therefore, its complete removal symbolized a radical act of purification and separation from the defilement of Egypt and its idolatrous practices. This act of purging was not merely a ceremonial ritual but a tangible, communal demonstration of their commitment to God's holiness and their newly established identity as a redeemed people set apart for Him. The consumption of flat, quickly baked bread (*matzah*) also connected them to the humble, afflicted state of their ancestors in slavery, fostering a spirit of reliance on God for sustenance and deliverance.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 12:20 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Redemption**, highlighting God's mighty act of saving His people from slavery and establishing them as His own. The command to eat unleavened bread serves as a perpetual **Memorial and Remembrance** of this foundational act, ensuring that future generations would recall the circumstances of their liberation. Furthermore, the meticulous instructions regarding leaven underscore the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's demand for His people to be set apart from the corrupting influences of the world, reflecting His own holy character. This act of purification also points to the theme of **New Beginnings and Identity**, as Israel, purged of the "leaven" of Egypt, embarks on a new life as God's covenant people. The detailed nature of the command also reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that Israel's relationship with God was predicated on their adherence to His divine decrees, as seen in the broader covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "The Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 12:20 delivers a clear, dual command regarding the consumption of bread during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing both a negative prohibition and a positive mandate.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Leavened (Hebrew, _châmêts'_ - H2556):** This term is derived from a primitive root meaning "to be pungent" or "sour," specifically referring to something fermented. While the root can metaphorically extend to concepts like harshness or grief, in this context, it directly signifies dough that has undergone fermentation, typically through the addition of yeast or a sourdough starter, causing it to rise. Its prohibition underscores the symbolic association of fermentation with corruption, swelling (pride), and the pervasive nature of sin, as a small amount of leaven can affect an entire batch.
* **Unleavened bread (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_ - H4682):** This word is linked to a root suggesting "greedily devouring for sweetness," indicating a simple, unadulterated quality. Concretely, *matstsâh* refers to flat, thin bread made without any leavening agent. It symbolizes purity, humility, and haste. Its quick preparation without the rising process directly reflects the urgency of the Exodus, while its simple, "sweet" (unfermented) nature contrasts with the richness often associated with leavened bread, pointing to a humble reliance on God and a state of uncorrupted sincerity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall eat nothing leavened;"**: This phrase constitutes a direct and absolute prohibition. The command extends beyond merely avoiding the *making* of leavened bread; it strictly forbids the *consumption* of any item that has been leavened. This implies a thorough and diligent search and removal of all leavened products from their homes and personal possession, ensuring no trace remains. It emphasizes the negative aspect of purity—the active purging and separation from anything that symbolizes defilement or corruption.
* **"in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread."**: This clause serves as the positive counterpart to the preceding prohibition. It specifies precisely what is to be consumed—unleavened bread—and, crucially, delineates the comprehensive scope of this command: "in all your habitations." This signifies that the ordinance was not confined to a specific ritual meal but was to permeate every aspect of their daily lives within their living spaces for the entire seven-day period. This ensured that the profound lessons of purity, haste, and remembrance of God's deliverance were continually impressed upon them, transforming their domestic environment into a tangible arena of spiritual discipline and covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a clear **antithesis** by juxtaposing "nothing leavened" with "unleavened bread." This stark contrast highlights the fundamental opposition between the old, corrupting influences (symbolized by leaven) and the new, pure life of redemption (symbolized by *matzah*). The **repetition** of the core concept—first as a negative prohibition and then as a positive command—serves to emphasize the absolute importance and comprehensive nature of the instruction. Furthermore, the phrase "in all your habitations" functions as a form of **hyperbole of totality**, underscoring the pervasive and inescapable application of the command, ensuring that the spiritual lessons of the Feast permeated every corner of their domestic existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:20 reveals several profound theological truths, extending beyond a mere dietary regulation. First, it powerfully teaches about **God's demand for holiness and separation**. Just as Israel was physically separated from the land of Egypt, they were to be spiritually separated from anything that symbolized corruption or sin. This reflects God's own holy nature and His desire for His covenant people to reflect His character and walk in purity. Second, it underscores the vital importance of **obedience as a memorial**. The act of eating *matzah* was not simply a historical reenactment but a tangible, annual reminder of God's powerful deliverance and Israel's humble, obedient response to His call to depart. Third, the command highlights that **true deliverance requires a radical break from the past**. The purging of leaven symbolized leaving behind the old ways of life under the bondage of sin and embracing a new, purified existence under God's covenant.

This profound theme of leaven as a symbol for pervasive evil or influence resonates throughout the biblical narrative:
* [Deuteronomy 16:3](/deuteronomy/16-3 "The Bread of Affliction") refers to *matzah* as "the bread of affliction," directly linking it to the suffering and haste of the Exodus.
* [Matthew 16:6](/matthew/16-6 "Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees") records Jesus warning His disciples to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees," referring to their corrupt doctrine and hypocrisy.
* [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6-8 "Purge Out the Old Leaven") powerfully applies this imagery to the Christian life, urging believers to "purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, the command in Exodus 12:20, while not a literal dietary law, carries profound and enduring spiritual resonance. It calls us to a continuous process of **spiritual purification**. Just as physical leaven was meticulously purged from Israelite homes, we are called to actively identify and remove "leaven"—be it sin, malice, hypocrisy, pride, or any influence that corrupts our hearts, minds, and communities—from our lives. This is not a one-time event but an ongoing discipline, a daily commitment to holiness. Furthermore, the theme of haste embedded in the unleavened bread reminds us to live in a state of **spiritual readiness and urgency**, always prepared for God's calling and quick to respond to His will, not lingering in the old ways of sin. Finally, eating unleavened bread served as a **tangible memorial** of God's mighty deliverance. For us, this calls us to regularly remember and celebrate God's ultimate deliverance from the bondage and penalty of sin through Christ, allowing that profound gratitude to shape our daily choices, attitudes, and actions, fostering a life characterized by sincerity and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "leaven" (e.g., specific attitudes, habits, or external influences) might need to be intentionally purged from your personal life or your community today?**
* **How does understanding the "haste" and urgency of the Exodus inform your sense of spiritual readiness and promptness in responding to God's will?**
* **In what tangible ways can you actively remember and celebrate God's ultimate deliverance in your life through Christ this week, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to practical application?**

### FAQ
**Why was leaven considered symbolic of sin or corruption?**

Answer: Leaven's symbolic association with sin, corruption, or pervasive evil stems from its inherent properties and observable effects. Firstly, it causes dough to puff up or swell, which biblically often symbolized pride, arrogance, or hypocrisy. Secondly, a small amount of leaven can quickly ferment and transform an entire batch of dough, symbolizing the pervasive and corrupting influence of sin, which, if left unchecked, can spread throughout an individual's life or a community. While leaven itself is not inherently evil, its transformative and pervasive nature made it a fitting and potent metaphor for moral and spiritual decay in biblical thought.

**Is the command to eat unleavened bread still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: No, the literal dietary command to eat only unleavened bread for seven days during the Feast of Unleavened Bread is generally not considered binding on Christians today. The New Testament teaches that Christ fulfilled the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, which served as "a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Shadows and Substance in Christ")). However, the *spiritual principles* behind the command—purity, separation from sin, humility, and the perpetual remembrance of God's deliverance—remain profoundly relevant and are reinterpreted in the New Covenant. The Apostle Paul explicitly draws on this imagery in [1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "Christ Our Passover, Purge the Leaven"), urging believers to live lives of sincerity and truth, free from the "leaven of malice and wickedness," because Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.

**Did ancient Israelites have a different understanding of "leaven" than we do today?**

Answer: While the basic biochemical process of fermentation was not scientifically understood as it is today, ancient Israelites had a practical and experiential understanding of "leaven" (*chametz*). It broadly referred to any fermented or soured dough, including sourdough starters or any dough that had been allowed to rise through the action of yeast. Their understanding was rooted in its observable characteristics: if it was puffed up, sour, or had undergone a transformative process due to fermentation, it was *chametz*. The symbolic meaning of leaven developed directly from these tangible, observable characteristics and its effect on bread.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:20, with its profound emphasis on purity, separation, and remembrance through the consumption of unleavened bread, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Passover lamb's blood secured Israel's deliverance from the angel of death, Christ is definitively identified as "our Passover Lamb" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb")), whose sacrificial blood delivers us from the bondage, penalty, and power of sin. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, immediately following the Passover, thus prefigures the new, purified life that is made possible by this ultimate deliverance. The command to remove all leaven from the habitations points forward to the spiritual purging that Christ accomplishes in the believer. Through His atoning sacrifice, He cleanses us from the "leaven of malice and wickedness" ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "Unleavened Bread of Sincerity and Truth")), enabling us to live as a "new lump"—a new creation, free from the pervasive and corrupting influence of sin. His death on the cross broke the dominion of sin, making it possible for all who believe to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life in Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself declared, "I am the bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus as the Bread of Life")), providing true spiritual sustenance. While *matzah* symbolized the humble bread of affliction and haste, Christ is the true spiritual nourishment, offering eternal life and complete satisfaction to those who come to Him. His body, broken for us on the cross, is often symbolized by unleavened bread in Christian communion, representing His purity, His sinless sacrifice, and the completeness of His redemptive work. The Exodus event initiated a new covenant relationship between God and Israel, marked by a call to external holiness; in the New Testament, Christ inaugurates a New Covenant ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in My Blood")), where the emphasis shifts from external ritual purity to internal heart purity, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "New Heart and Spirit")). The spiritual reality of purging sin, once symbolized by *matzah*, is now a transformative work of grace in the believer's life, empowering us to live lives characterized by "sincerity and truth" ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "Unleavened Bread of Sincerity and Truth")) in Christ.

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.