Exodus 12:43

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This [is] the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175}, This is the ordinance {H2708} of the passover {H6453}: There shall no stranger {H1121}{H5236} eat {H398} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe and Aharon, "This is the regulation for the Pesach lamb: no foreigner is to eat it.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the statute of the Passover: No foreigner is to eat of it.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: there shall no foreigner eat thereof;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:43 introduces a crucial divine stipulation for the Passover, declaring that "no stranger" is permitted to partake in this foundational covenant meal. This command underscores the sacred and exclusive nature of the Passover as an ordinance reserved for those in covenant relationship with God, establishing a clear boundary for participation that solidified Israel's identity as a distinct and holy people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the extensive instructions for the first Passover and its perpetual observance, detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Institution of the Passover"). Immediately preceding [Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "The Ordinance of the Passover for Strangers"), the Lord has given the primary commands for the Passover lamb, its blood as a sign, and the eating of unleavened bread, along with its significance as a perpetual memorial, spanning [Exodus 12:1-20](/exodus/12-1-20 "Initial Passover Instructions and Significance"). Following this verse, [Exodus 12:44-48](/exodus/12-44-48 "Further Passover Regulations") elaborates on who *can* eat the Passover, specifically detailing that a circumcised servant or sojourner may partake, clarifying that the barrier is not race but covenant initiation through circumcision. This immediate context reveals a careful delineation of participation, emphasizing the covenantal nature of the feast and the importance of belonging to God's chosen community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover was not merely a historical commemoration but a covenantal meal that profoundly defined Israel's identity as God's redeemed people. In the ancient Near East, communal meals often signified shared identity, allegiance, and covenant. The restriction on the "stranger" (Hebrew: _ben-nêkâr_, literally "son of a foreigner") was not primarily about ethnicity but about covenant status. Uncircumcised foreigners were outside the covenant community of Israel. Circumcision was the physical sign of the Abrahamic covenant, marking one as belonging to God's chosen people, as established in [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "The Covenant of Circumcision"). Therefore, the command in [Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "The Ordinance of the Passover for Strangers") reinforced the concept of a distinct, holy nation set apart by God, whose access to His redemptive acts was mediated through a specific covenant relationship. This established a critical boundary between "insiders" and "outsiders" in the nascent nation of Israel, emphasizing the sanctity of the Passover as a unique divine institution.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within [Exodus](/exodus "The Book of Exodus") and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's holiness and His demand for separation**. The Passover, as a sacred act of worship and remembrance, required participants to be consecrated and set apart. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **covenant identity and membership**. Participation in the Passover was a public affirmation of one's belonging to the covenant community of Israel, distinct from the surrounding nations. This theme is further developed in later laws concerning Israel's unique status among the nations, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel as a Holy People"). Thirdly, it introduces the nuanced theme of **inclusion and exclusion based on covenant, not solely ethnicity**. While initially appearing exclusive, the subsequent verses ([Exodus 12:44-48](/exodus/12-44-48 "Further Passover Regulations")) clarify that foreigners could partake if they entered the covenant through circumcision, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan was open to those who formally joined His people, a principle echoed in passages like [Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3-7 "Foreigners Welcomed by God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "The Ordinance of the Passover for Strangers") presents a concise but profound declaration regarding the Passover's observance: "And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This [is] the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ordinance (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** This Hebrew term (H2708) denotes a statute, a prescribed rule, or a fixed custom. It emphasizes that this command is not a suggestion or a temporary guideline but a divinely established, non-negotiable law. It is part of the foundational statutes for Israel's worship and national life, indicating its permanent and binding nature within the Old Covenant, an "enactment" or "appointed custom" from the Lord.
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** The primitive root (H398) "to eat" here signifies more than mere physical consumption. In the context of a sacred meal like the Passover, "eating" implies participation, communion, and identification with the act and its meaning. To "eat thereof" is to partake in the covenant, its blessings, and its responsibilities. The prohibition against a "stranger" eating directly restricts their participation in this profound act of covenantal communion.
* **stranger (Hebrew, _ben-nêkâr'_):** This crucial phrase is composed of _bên_ (H1121, "son," or "one belonging to") and _nêkâr_ (H5236, "foreign," or "foreigner"). Thus, "ben-nekar" literally means "son of a foreigner" or "foreign son." As clarified by the subsequent verses ([Exodus 12:44-48](/exodus/12-44-48 "Further Passover Regulations")), this refers specifically to an uncircumcised foreigner, someone who has not entered into the Abrahamic covenant. The term emphasizes being "alien" or "foreign" in a covenantal sense, not merely ethnically. This distinguishes _ben-nêkâr_ from other Hebrew terms for foreigners (like _ger_, a resident alien) who *could* participate if circumcised. The emphasis is on covenant membership, not ethnic origin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority and origin of the command. It is not a human regulation but a direct word from Yahweh (H3068), delivered through His chosen mediators, Moses (H4872) and Aaron (H175), to the people of Israel. This highlights the sacred and binding nature of the instruction, emphasizing that this is a divine mandate to be strictly observed.
* **"This [is] the ordinance of the passover:"**: This declarative statement formally introduces a new, specific regulation concerning the Passover. The use of "ordinance" (_chuqqâh_, H2708) reinforces its status as a divinely mandated statute, emphasizing its importance and permanence within Israel's religious life. It signals that what follows is a non-negotiable aspect of the Passover celebration, a fixed custom for all generations.
* **"There shall no stranger eat thereof:"**: This is the core prohibition of the verse, setting a clear boundary for participation in the Passover meal. The prohibition is absolute: "no stranger" (literally, "no son of a foreigner" or "no foreign son"). The "stranger" is defined by their lack of covenant initiation (circumcision), not merely by their foreign nationality. Eating the Passover was an act of covenant participation and identification with God's redemptive work. To allow an uncircumcised "stranger" to partake would undermine the covenant's exclusivity and the distinct identity of God's people. This restriction ensured that the Passover remained a sacred meal for those who had formally entered into relationship with Yahweh, underscoring the holiness and separation required of His chosen nation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a direct, declarative style, typical of legal and instructional texts in the Pentateuch. The clear prohibition ("There shall no stranger eat thereof") serves as a strong **boundary marker**, using **contrast** to define who belongs and who does not in the context of this sacred meal. The repetition of "ordinance" (implied by the Hebrew term _chuqqâh_) throughout the Passover instructions reinforces the **emphasis** on the divine authority and permanence of these commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "The Ordinance of the Passover for Strangers") reveals several profound theological truths:
* **God's Holiness and Covenant Boundaries:** God is holy, and His redemptive acts and covenant blessings are not indiscriminately available. They are tied to a relationship and a commitment, symbolized by covenant signs. This verse teaches that access to divine grace is structured and requires adherence to God's revealed will.
* **The Identity of God's People:** The restriction on the "stranger" helped solidify Israel's identity as a distinct and consecrated nation, set apart by God for His purposes. Participation in the Passover was a public affirmation of belonging to this unique covenant community.
* **Inclusion by Covenant, Not Race:** Crucially, this verse, especially when read with [Exodus 12:44-48](/exodus/12-44-48 "Further Passover Regulations"), demonstrates that the barrier was not ethnic origin but covenant status. A foreigner who embraced the covenant through circumcision could partake, showing God's gracious provision for inclusion for those who joined His people.

This theme of covenant membership and access to God's blessings resonates throughout the biblical narrative:
* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel as a Holy People")
* [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Circumcision of Christ")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "One in Christ Jesus")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "No Longer Strangers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific command of [Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "The Ordinance of the Passover for Strangers") applies to the Old Covenant Passover, its underlying principles offer timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that participation in God's redemptive acts and spiritual blessings has always required a relationship with Him. In the New Covenant, this relationship is established through faith in Jesus Christ.

For modern believers, this verse prompts us to consider:
* **The Nature of Spiritual Participation:** Just as the Passover was not for casual observers, our participation in Christian ordinances like baptism and the Lord's Supper is not a mere cultural or social act. It signifies a genuine, covenantal relationship with Christ and His church. It calls for discernment and sincere faith, as taught in [1 Corinthians 11:27-29](/1_corinthians/11-27-29 "Discerning the Lord's Body").
* **Belonging to God's People:** The church, as the New Covenant community, is a distinct body set apart by God. While it welcomes all, true belonging and participation in its spiritual life require a personal commitment to Christ. This commitment is evidenced by faith, repentance, and obedience, marking one as truly "in Christ."
* **The Openness of the Gospel:** While the Old Covenant had physical barriers, the New Covenant joyfully removes them, inviting all people from every nation to become "insiders" through faith. This should fuel our passion for evangelism and radical hospitality to those who are "strangers" to the gospel, recognizing that Christ has broken down every wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Old Covenant's boundaries for participation (like in [Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "The Ordinance of the Passover for Strangers")) help us appreciate the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant in Christ?**
* **In what ways might we, as modern believers, sometimes treat spiritual blessings or church participation as something for "strangers" (i.e., those not truly committed) rather than for those in genuine covenant relationship with God?**
* **How can the church today balance the call to be a distinct, holy people with the imperative to welcome and evangelize those who are "strangers" to the faith?**

### FAQ
**Was God being exclusive or racist by restricting the Passover to "strangers"?**

Answer: No, the restriction was not based on race or ethnicity but on covenant relationship. The Hebrew phrase _ben-nêkâr_ (literally "son of a foreigner") in this context refers specifically to an uncircumcised person, meaning someone who had not entered into the Abrahamic covenant. [Exodus 12:44-48](/exodus/12-44-48 "Further Passover Regulations") explicitly states that any foreigner, slave, or sojourner who was circumcised could partake in the Passover. This demonstrates that God's plan was always open to people from all backgrounds, provided they committed to His covenant. The barrier was spiritual and covenantal, not racial or ethnic.

**What is the difference between a "stranger" (_ben-nêkâr_) and a "sojourner" (_ger_) in the Old Testament?**

Answer: While both terms refer to non-Israelites, _ben-nêkâr_ (stranger) generally denotes someone unauthorized or outside the consecrated group, specifically an uncircumcised foreigner with no covenant ties to Israel. _Ger_ refers to a resident alien or sojourner who lived among the Israelites. While _gerim_ were often subject to specific laws and protections, they, too, had to undergo circumcision to participate in the Passover, as clarified in [Exodus 12:48](/exodus/12-48 "Circumcision for Sojourners to Partake"). The distinction highlights that the key criterion for Passover participation was covenant membership, signified by circumcision, not merely physical presence in the land.

**Does this verse imply that non-believers should not attend church services or observe Christian rituals today?**

Answer: This verse applies to the specific covenant meal of the Old Covenant Passover. In the New Covenant, the church joyfully welcomes all people, including non-believers, to hear the gospel and attend services. However, participation in specific ordinances like the Lord's Supper (Communion) is generally understood to be for those who have professed faith in Christ and are in covenant with Him, similar to how the Passover was reserved for covenant members. This is based on New Testament teachings about discerning the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 11:27-29](/1_corinthians/11-27-29 "Discerning the Lord's Body")) and the spiritual significance of the meal. The church's doors are open to all to hear the good news, but its sacred rites are for those who belong to the covenant of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "The Ordinance of the Passover for Strangers") and the Passover as a whole are profoundly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb, whose blood saved Israel from death, prefigured Jesus, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist's Testimony")). His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of redemption, delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The restriction on the "stranger" in the Old Covenant Passover highlights the exclusive nature of salvation under the law, which was tied to physical descent and circumcision. However, Jesus's work inaugurates the New Covenant, which radically redefines "insiders" and "outsiders." This includes **Universal Access through Christ**: in Christ, the physical and ethnic barriers are broken down. The "stranger" is no longer defined by uncircumcision of the flesh but by spiritual alienation from God. Through faith in Jesus, anyone—Jew or Gentile, slave or free—can be circumcised in heart ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Circumcision of the Heart")) and brought into God's family ([Ephesians 2:11-13](/ephesians/2-11-13 "No Longer Strangers to the Covenant")). Jesus Himself is our Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover")). Furthermore, **The Lord's Supper as the New Covenant Meal**: The Passover foreshadowed the Lord's Supper (Communion), which Jesus instituted on the night He was betrayed ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Institution of the Lord's Supper")). This New Covenant meal commemorates Christ's body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. While the Old Covenant Passover was for those physically circumcised, the Lord's Supper is for those spiritually regenerate—those who have put their faith in Christ and are part of His body, the Church. Thus, the "stranger" who cannot partake is now the one who is a stranger to the covenant of grace through faith in Jesus. Finally, **From Physical to Spiritual Belonging**: Jesus's fulfillment shifts the focus from physical lineage and ritual to spiritual transformation and faith. He is the ultimate "door" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus the Door")) through whom all who believe, regardless of their former status as "strangers" or "outsiders," can enter into full participation in God's redemptive blessings and become fellow heirs with Christ, united in His new covenant.

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 12:48

And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

Numbers 9:14

And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

Exodus 12:11

And thus shall ye eat it; [with] your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it [is] the LORD'S passover.

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Leviticus 22:10

¶ There shall no stranger eat [of] the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat [of] the holy thing.