Exodus 12:3

KJV

Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth [day] of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of [their] fathers, a lamb for an house:

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} ye unto all the congregation {H5712} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, In the tenth {H6218} day of this month {H2320} they shall take {H3947} to them every man {H376} a lamb {H7716}, according to the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, a lamb {H7716} for an house {H1004}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Speak to all the assembly of Isra'el and say, 'On the tenth day of this month, each man is to take a lamb or kid for his family, one per household -

Berean Standard Bible

Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household.

American Standard Version

Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:3 presents God's foundational command for the institution of the Passover, instructing Moses to convey to the entire Israelite congregation that each household must select an unblemished lamb on the tenth day of the month. This precise directive initiates the meticulous preparations for Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, establishing a pivotal act of corporate obedience and setting the stage for a redemptive event that would forever define their identity as God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the initial, specific command within the detailed divine instructions for the first Passover, found in [Exodus 12:1-20](/exodus/12-1-20 "God's Instructions for the Passover"). Immediately preceding it, God establishes a new calendrical system for Israel, declaring the month of their Exodus to be the beginning of months for them ([Exodus 12:1-2](/exodus/12-1-2 "The Beginning of Months for Israel")). Following the command to take the lamb in [Exodus 12:3](/exodus/12-3 "The Command to Take a Lamb"), the subsequent verses elaborate on the lamb's characteristics (male, one year old), the period of its keeping (until the fourteenth day), the manner of its sacrifice, the application of its blood to the doorposts, and the specific way it was to be consumed ([Exodus 12:4-11](/exodus/12-4-11 "Detailed Passover Instructions")). This meticulous sequence of commands underscores the gravity, solemnity, and salvific purpose of the Passover event, emphasizing God's precise orchestration of Israel's redemption.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, the Israelites are deeply entrenched in slavery within Egypt, having endured generations of harsh oppression under a defiant Pharaoh. God has already unleashed nine devastating plagues upon Egypt, each demonstrating His supreme power over the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's stubborn will. The Passover, culminating in the tenth and most severe plague—the death of the firstborn—was God's decisive act of judgment against Egypt and a climactic demonstration of His redemptive power for Israel. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, animal sacrifice was a ubiquitous practice, serving various purposes such as propitiation, purification, and the ratification of covenants. The command for each "house" to take a lamb highlights the patriarchal household as the fundamental unit of society and worship in ancient Israel, where the head of the family bore primary responsibility for its spiritual welfare and participation in communal religious rites. The requirement for an "unblemished" animal was standard for sacrificial offerings, signifying purity, perfection, and worthiness before a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Passover and the Exodus") as a whole, and [Exodus 12:3](/exodus/12-3 "The Command to Take a Lamb") specifically, introduces several foundational theological and narrative themes. The primary theme is **Redemption and Deliverance**, as God acts decisively to free His people from bondage through a divinely ordained ritual. Closely related is the theme of **Substitutionary Atonement**, where the life of an innocent lamb is given in place of the firstborn, foreshadowing a greater sacrifice. The concept of **Covenant and Obedience** is also central, as God's deliverance is predicated on Israel's faithful adherence to His specific commands, marking them as His covenant people. Furthermore, the emphasis on the "house" highlights the theme of **Corporate Identity and Family Faith**, demonstrating that God's salvation extends to and operates through the family unit. Finally, the meticulous instructions underscore God's **Sovereignty and Meticulous Planning**, revealing His precise and purposeful involvement in the details of His people's salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696, a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak. In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative divine command. Moses and Aaron are not merely suggesting, but are commanded to "speak" God's precise instructions to the entire congregation, emphasizing the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of the Passover ordinance.
* **Lamb (Hebrew, _seh'_):** H7716, or שֵׂי; probably from שָׁאָה through the idea of pushing out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. a sheep or goat. This generic term refers to a young, typically unweaned, animal from the flock. The choice of a lamb, a common and valuable animal, for sacrifice underscores its accessibility to every household while also highlighting its symbolic purity and innocence, qualities essential for a substitutionary offering.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** H1004, probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.). Here, "house" refers not just to a physical dwelling but to the patriarchal family unit, including extended relatives, servants, and sojourners. This emphasizes that the Passover was a household-centric observance, highlighting the corporate nature of Israelite identity and the family's role in receiving God's covenant blessings and protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and the universal scope of the command. God, through Moses and Aaron, issues a direct, imperative instruction intended for every member of the "congregation" (עֵדָה, *edah*), signifying the entire community. This highlights the corporate responsibility and participation required for their redemption.
* **"In the tenth [day] of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb,"**: This clause specifies the precise timing and the object of the command. The "tenth day" is crucial; the lamb was to be selected on this day and then kept under observation until the fourteenth day ([Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Keeping the Lamb Until the Fourteenth Day")). This four-day period allowed for thorough inspection to ensure the lamb was truly "without blemish" and also built anticipation for the momentous event. The phrase "every man a lamb" indicates that each individual household was responsible for acquiring its own sacrificial animal.
* **"according to the house of [their] fathers, a lamb for an house:"**: This concluding clause clarifies the unit of observance. The "house of their fathers" refers to the patriarchal household, encompassing not just the nuclear family but also extended family members, servants, and even resident aliens who chose to participate. The repetition of "a lamb for an house" reinforces that the lamb's purpose was to provide atonement, protection, and provision for the entire dwelling, emphasizing corporate identity and shared participation in the salvific act. If a household was too small to consume an entire lamb, they were instructed to share with a neighbor, fostering communal unity and ensuring no part was wasted ([Exodus 12:4](/exodus/12-4 "Sharing the Lamb if the Household is Too Small")).

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 12:3 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the phrase "a lamb" appearing twice ("every man a lamb, ... a lamb for an house"). This repetition emphasizes the singular importance and centrality of the lamb to the entire Passover ritual and its indispensable role in the coming redemption. The verse is also characterized by **Imperative Mood**, as God issues direct commands ("Speak ye," "they shall take"), underscoring His absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of His instructions. This command structure highlights the theme of **Divine Mandate**. Furthermore, the precise numerical and temporal instructions (the "tenth day," "a lamb for a house") demonstrate God's **Meticulous Planning** and the necessity of Israel's obedient adherence to His divinely ordained plan. The lamb itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing purity, innocence, and substitution, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse lays bare several profound theological truths essential to understanding God's character and His plan of salvation. It powerfully underscores God's initiative in salvation, His meticulous planning, and the foundational principle of substitutionary atonement. The command for each household to select a lamb demonstrates that God's provision for deliverance is both personal (for each family unit) and corporate (for the entire nation of Israel). The careful selection and setting apart of the lamb also prefigure the holiness and perfection required of a sacrificial offering, pointing forward to the ultimate, spotless sacrifice.

The theme of a chosen, unblemished sacrifice for redemption is a central thread woven throughout the biblical narrative, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
* Just as the lamb's blood protected the Israelites from the angel of death, the precious blood of Christ provides salvation from spiritual death and eternal judgment, redeeming us not with perishable things but with His own precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redemption Through the Precious Blood of Christ")).
* The Passover lamb serves as a powerful "type" or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, whom John the Baptist identifies as [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).
* The Apostle Paul explicitly connects Christ to the Passover, declaring, [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover") ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:3 calls us to deeply consider our own readiness and obedience in response to God's magnificent provision for salvation. Just as the Israelites were commanded to actively select and prepare their lamb, we are called to intentionally receive and respond to God's ultimate provision in Jesus Christ. This verse also highlights the profound importance of the household as a fundamental unit of faith. It encourages believers to lead their families in spiritual matters, to cultivate an environment where God's truth is embraced, and to recognize God's desire to bless and protect entire households. Furthermore, the meticulousness of God's instructions reminds us that true faith involves diligent attention to His commands, trusting implicitly in His perfect and sovereign plan for our deliverance, and understanding that His ways are always purposeful and redemptive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specificity of God's instructions in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of obedience in your own faith journey?**
* **In what ways can your household (whether family, roommates, or close community) function as a "house of fathers" in receiving and living out God's salvation today?**
* **Considering the four days of observation for the lamb, what does it mean to "set apart" or carefully consider Christ's sacrifice in your daily life, moving beyond a casual acknowledgment?**

### FAQ
**Why was a lamb specifically chosen for this ritual?**

Answer: A lamb (or young goat) was chosen for several compelling reasons. It was a common, readily available, and valuable animal in ancient Israelite society, making it an accessible yet significant sacrifice for every household. The requirement for it to be "without blemish" underscored purity, perfection, and moral innocence, symbolizing the unblemished nature of the sacrifice required to atone for sin and satisfy God's holiness. This choice also powerfully foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who is repeatedly described in the New Testament as the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfect and without sin, whose sacrifice would provide ultimate redemption.

**Why was the lamb to be taken on the "tenth day" and kept until the "fourteenth"?**

Answer: The four-day period (from the tenth to the fourteenth of Nisan) allowed for careful inspection of the lamb to ensure it was truly "without blemish" and met all the sacrificial requirements. This meticulousness underscored the gravity and sanctity of the offering, emphasizing that only a perfect sacrifice could atone for sin. The delay also served to build anticipation and allowed ample time for every household to prepare for the momentous event, highlighting the deliberate and intentional nature of God's redemptive plan and the people's active participation in it. This timing also holds profound prophetic significance in relation to Christ's entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion.

**Does "a lamb for a house" mean that salvation is only for families, not individuals?**

Answer: While the command is given to the "house of their fathers," emphasizing the corporate nature of the Israelite community and the family as the primary unit of observance, it does not exclude individuals. Rather, it highlights that God's covenant blessings and redemptive acts often extend to and operate through the household unit. Individuals within the household were still personally accountable to participate in the ritual. In the New Testament, salvation is indeed offered to individuals through faith in Christ, but the concept of household faith and corporate worship remains vitally important, as seen in instances where entire households came to faith and were baptized ([Acts 16:31](/acts/16-31 "Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household")). God's plan often encompasses both individual and communal dimensions of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:3, with its precise command to select a spotless lamb for each household on the tenth day of the month, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb served as a foundational "type" or prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus in several critical ways that illuminate His identity and mission. Just as the Passover lamb had to be "without blemish," Jesus is presented in the New Testament as the perfect, sinless Lamb of God ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redemption with the Precious Blood of Christ")), whose impeccable life qualified Him as the only suitable and worthy sacrifice for humanity's sin.

Intriguingly, the timing specified in [Exodus 12:3](/exodus/12-3 "Exodus 12:3 - The Command to Take a Lamb") for the lamb's selection finds a remarkable parallel in the life of Christ. Jesus entered Jerusalem on what is traditionally believed to be the tenth day of Nisan (Palm Sunday), publicly presenting Himself as the Messiah, much like the lamb was "taken" and set apart for observation. He was then crucified on the fourteenth day of Nisan, fulfilling the very timeline of the Passover lamb's selection and sacrifice. His public presentation and subsequent crucifixion were not accidental but part of God's precise, preordained plan ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Jesus delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God")).

Furthermore, the core function of the Passover lamb was substitutionary atonement: its death in the place of the firstborn of each Israelite household provided protection from divine judgment. Similarly, Jesus's death on the cross is the ultimate act of substitutionary atonement, where He bore the penalty for humanity's sins, allowing all who believe in Him to escape divine judgment and receive eternal life ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us")). While the Passover lamb was for a "house," Jesus's sacrifice extends salvation to all who believe, whether individually or as part of a family or community of faith. He is indeed the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Behold the Lamb of God")), providing a new covenant of grace and redemption for all peoples, transcending the boundaries of a single nation or household.

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

Leviticus 5:6

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.

1 Corinthians 5:7

¶ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Leviticus 1:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, [even] of the herd, and of the flock.

John 1:29

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 1:36

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

Numbers 15:11

Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid.

John 12:12

¶ On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,