Exodus 12:39

KJV

And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they baked {H644} unleavened {H4682} cakes {H5692} of the dough {H1217} which they brought forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714}, for it was not leavened {H2556}; because they were thrust out {H1644} of Egypt {H4714}, and could {H3201} not tarry {H4102}, neither had they prepared {H6213} for themselves any victual {H6720}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They baked matzah loaves from the dough they had brought out of Egypt, since it was unleavened; because they had been driven out of Egypt without time to prepare supplies for themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

Since their dough had no leaven, the people baked what they had brought out of Egypt into unleavened loaves. For when they had been driven out of Egypt, they could not delay and had not prepared any provisions for themselves.

American Standard Version

And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victuals.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:39 vividly depicts the Israelites' urgent, divinely orchestrated departure from Egypt, highlighting their immediate need to bake unleavened bread from their unrisen dough because they were forcibly expelled and had no time for normal preparations or provisions. This verse underscores God's powerful deliverance and the Israelites' complete dependence on His leading, establishing a foundational symbol for future remembrance of their liberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic [Passover events](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"), specifically the tenth and final plague—the death of the firstborn—which finally broke Pharaoh's stubborn resistance ([Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29-30 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Death of the Firstborn")). Pharaoh, now desperate, commanded Moses and Aaron to leave immediately with all the Israelites and their possessions ([Exodus 12:31-32](/exodus/12-31-32 "Exodus 12:31-32 - Pharaoh's Urgent Command")). The Egyptians themselves urged the Israelites to leave quickly, fearing they would all die ([Exodus 12:33](/exodus/12-33 "Exodus 12:33 - Egyptians Urge Departure")). The Israelites, carrying their dough and borrowed valuables, set out from Rameses ([Exodus 12:34-37](/exodus/12-34-37 "Exodus 12:34-37 - Israelites Depart Rameses")). This verse explains _why_ their bread was unleavened, setting the stage for their journey into the wilderness and the subsequent institution of the [Feast of Unleavened Bread](/exodus/12-17 "Exodus 12:17 - Feast of Unleavened Bread Ordinance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, travel, especially for a large group like the Israelites (estimated at 600,000 men, plus women and children, [Exodus 12:37](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - Israelites Depart Rameses")), required extensive preparation, particularly for food and supplies. Baking bread, a staple of their diet, typically involved leavening the dough overnight or for several hours to make it rise, resulting in a lighter, more palatable loaf. The sudden, forceful expulsion ("thrust out") described in this verse meant there was no time for this customary process. This urgency was not merely a logistical challenge but a direct consequence of divine judgment and Pharaoh's panicked capitulation, underscoring the miraculous and non-negotiable nature of their liberation. The unleavened bread, therefore, became a tangible, daily reminder of this unprecedented, swift act of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute power over Pharaoh and the forces of Egypt, fulfilling His promise to bring His people out with a mighty hand ([Exodus 6:1](/exodus/6-1 "Exodus 6:1 - God's Promise to Moses")). Secondly, it underscores **Human Dependence and Divine Provision**, as the Israelites departed utterly unprepared, signifying their complete reliance on God for sustenance in the wilderness, a theme echoed later in the manna provision ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). Finally, the unleavened bread itself becomes a central symbol of **Remembrance and Identity**, serving as a perpetual ordinance to recall the haste and miraculous nature of their liberation from bondage, foundational to Israel's national and religious identity ([Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - Perpetual Ordinance of Passover")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dough (Hebrew, _bâtsêq_):** This term (H1217) refers to the unfermented mixture of flour and water that the Israelites carried with them. It implies a state of unpreparedness for baking in the usual manner, as it had not yet undergone the process of fermentation (swelling by leaven). The fact that they brought forth "the dough" rather than prepared bread emphasizes the extreme haste of their departure.
* **unleavened (Hebrew, _matstsâh_):** Derived from H4682, this word specifically denotes bread made without yeast or any leavening agent. Here, it is not a dietary choice but a direct consequence of the immediate, forced expulsion from Egypt. Its significance transcends the culinary, becoming a perpetual symbol of the swiftness of God's deliverance and the abrupt break from their life of slavery.
* **thrust out (Hebrew, _gârash_):** This primitive root (H1644) conveys a forceful, decisive expulsion or driving out. It emphasizes that the Israelites' departure was not a planned emigration or a negotiated release, but an urgent, non-negotiable command from Pharaoh, compelled by the overwhelming power of God's judgments. This highlights God's irresistible power in overcoming Pharaoh's stubborn resistance.
* **tarry (Hebrew, _mâhahh_):** This word (H4102) signifies to question, hesitate, or be reluctant, implying a delay. The phrase "could not tarry" stresses the absolute impossibility of any delay in their departure. It underscores the urgency and the lack of opportunity for any further preparation, reinforcing the idea that their exodus was a divinely orchestrated, immediate event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt":** The Israelites, in their haste, carried their unrisen dough with them, rather than leavened bread. This highlights their immediate need for sustenance and the improvisational nature of their first meal as free people. The unleavened nature was not a choice but a necessity dictated by the circumstances of their departure.
* **"for it was not leavened":** This clause provides the direct, practical reason for the unleavened bread. There was simply no time for the leavening process, which typically takes hours. This detail emphasizes the speed and urgency of their departure, a direct consequence of the divine judgment that had fallen upon Egypt.
* **"because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry":** This explains _why_ the dough was not leavened. The phrase "thrust out" powerfully conveys the divine compulsion behind their exodus; Pharaoh and the Egyptians were so desperate for them to leave that they literally drove them out, allowing no delay. "Could not tarry" reinforces this absolute lack of time, underscoring the immediate and irresistible nature of God's deliverance.
* **"neither had they prepared for themselves any victual":** This final clause underscores their complete unpreparedness for a journey of such magnitude. They had no pre-packed food or provisions, relying entirely on the raw dough they carried. This detail emphasizes their utter dependence on God for future provision in the wilderness, setting the stage for subsequent miraculous provisions like manna.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs a strong sense of **Causality and Consequence**, directly linking the unleavened bread to the haste and forced nature of their departure, explaining that one event was a direct result of the other. **Symbolism** is paramount, transforming a practical necessity (unleavened bread) into a lasting theological reminder of God's swift and powerful deliverance and the break from the old life of slavery. The **Repetition** of the theme of haste and lack of preparation ("not leavened," "thrust out," "could not tarry," "neither had they prepared") reinforces the extraordinary, divinely orchestrated nature of the Exodus, emphasizing the urgency and the complete reliance on God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:39 teaches several profound theological truths.
* First, it powerfully demonstrates God's **sovereignty and irresistible power** in delivering His people. Pharaoh's will, once unyielding, was utterly broken, and he was forced to expel Israel, fulfilling God's promise to bring them out with a mighty hand ([Exodus 6:1](/exodus/6-1 "God's Promise to Moses")).
* Second, the verse highlights the theme of **divine provision and human dependence**. The Israelites left unprepared, signifying their complete reliance on God to sustain them in the wilderness, a lesson powerfully taught through the provision of manna ([Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")).
* Finally, the unleavened bread becomes a central symbol of **remembrance and identity**, a tangible link to the foundational act of redemption. This act of eating unleavened bread served as a perpetual ordinance, ensuring that future generations would remember the haste and miraculous nature of their deliverance from bondage ([Exodus 12:17](/exodus/12-17 "Ordinance of Unleavened Bread")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:39 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's plans often unfold with a divine urgency that transcends our human timelines and preparations. Just as the Israelites were "thrust out" and had no time to prepare, we may find ourselves in situations where God calls us to step out in faith without having all the answers or resources. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to provide, even when we feel unprepared or overwhelmed. It also calls us to remember God's past acts of deliverance in our lives and in history, allowing those memories to fuel our faith in present challenges and to cultivate a posture of readiness for His sudden, decisive movements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "not tarry," even if it means stepping out without full preparation?**
* **How can remembering God's past acts of deliverance (in your life or in biblical history) strengthen your trust in His provision today?**
* **What "unleavened bread" symbols or practices in your faith help you remember God's transformative work in your life and the urgency of His call?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important that the bread was unleavened?**

Answer: The unleavened nature of the bread was a direct consequence of the extreme haste of the Israelites' departure. Leaven (yeast) requires time to make dough rise, and the Israelites were "thrust out" so quickly that they had no time for this process. Beyond practical necessity, the unleavened bread (_matzah_) became a powerful, permanent symbol of their swift deliverance from slavery and a central element of the [Passover commemoration](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover"), reminding generations of God's urgent and decisive act of liberation.

**Does "thrust out of Egypt" mean God didn't want them to leave willingly?**

Answer: The phrase "thrust out" (Hebrew: _gârash_) emphasizes the divine compulsion and the overwhelming power of God's judgments that forced Pharaoh's hand. It signifies that Israel's departure was not a negotiated settlement or a voluntary emigration on Pharaoh's part, but a forced expulsion driven by God's wrath and Pharaoh's terror after the [tenth plague](/exodus/12-29-30 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Death of the Firstborn"). It underscores God's absolute sovereignty in fulfilling His promise to bring His people out of bondage, demonstrating that His will is irresistible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unleavened bread of [Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Exodus 12:39 - The Israelites' Hasty Departure"), born of necessity and consecrated as a memorial, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. In the New Testament, leaven often symbolizes sin or corruption ([Matthew 16:6](/matthew/16-6 "Matthew 16:6 - Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees"); [Galatians 5:9](/galatians/5-9 "Galatians 5:9 - A Little Leaven")), while unleavened bread, therefore, represents purity and freedom from sin. Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate [Passover Lamb](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), sacrificed for the sins of the world. Just as the original Passover lamb was eaten with unleavened bread, signifying a break from the old life of slavery, Christ, our Passover, is celebrated as one "without leaven"—that is, without sin ([1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - Christ Our Passover")). His sacrifice brings about a new exodus, delivering believers from the bondage of sin and death with a divine urgency that calls for immediate repentance and faith, leaving no time for the "leaven" of old ways. The haste of the original Exodus foreshadows the decisive, once-for-all nature of Christ's redemptive work, which provides immediate and complete liberation for all who believe, ushering them into a new life of purity and freedom.

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 11:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague [more] upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let [you] go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

Exodus 6:1

¶ Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

Exodus 12:31

And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, [and] get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

Exodus 12:33

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men].