Exodus 12:44

KJV

But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

But every man's {H376} servant {H5650} that is bought {H4736} for money {H3701}, when thou hast circumcised {H4135} him, then shall he eat {H398} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if anyone has a slave he bought for money, when you have circumcised him, he may eat it.

Berean Standard Bible

But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him.

American Standard Version

but every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:44 establishes a pivotal condition for non-Israelite male servants, acquired through purchase, to partake in the inaugural Passover meal: they must undergo circumcision. This divine directive underscores God's principle of covenantal inclusion, extending the sacred privileges and identity of His redeemed community beyond mere birthright to those who embrace the covenant sign, thereby integrating them into the spiritual heritage and redemptive history of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into God's precise instructions for the first Passover, delivered to Moses and Aaron just prior to the decisive tenth plague upon Egypt. The preceding verses ([Exodus 12:1-20](/exodus/12-1 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb")) meticulously detail the selection, preparation, and consumption of the Passover lamb, defining it as the foundational act of worship and remembrance that would forever shape Israel's identity as a people redeemed by God. Significantly, [Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "No Stranger Shall Eat Thereof") explicitly declares, "No stranger shall eat thereof," establishing a general rule of exclusion for outsiders. Exodus 12:44 immediately follows, providing a crucial and specific qualification to this rule, outlining the conditions under which a particular category of non-Israelites—the purchased servant—*could* partake. This exception highlights God's pathway for inclusion into His covenant community, a theme further elaborated in [Exodus 12:45-49](/exodus/12-45 "Further Passover Regulations"), which distinguish between temporary hired hands and sojourners (who remain excluded) and the circumcised foreigner (who is included), emphasizing the profound significance of covenantal commitment over transient association.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Passover were given in ancient Egypt, marking the precipice of Israel's liberation from centuries of slavery. The Passover was not merely a religious ritual but the defining event that forged Israel's national identity as a people set apart by God's redemptive power. The inclusion of "servants bought for money" reflects the pervasive societal structures of the ancient Near East, where large households often comprised not only nuclear family members but also extended kin, foreign residents, and individuals acquired through purchase or debt. These "purchased servants" (often better understood as permanent household members rather than chattel slaves in the modern sense, with certain legal protections in Israelite law) were deeply integrated into the economic and social fabric of the household. God's directive here demonstrates His profound concern for the spiritual integration of *all* individuals within an Israelite household, extending the covenant privileges and responsibilities beyond ethnic Israelites to those who fully embraced the covenant sign, thereby emphasizing spiritual belonging over mere biological or social status.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 12:44 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Inclusion**, demonstrating that while the covenant was primarily established with Abraham's descendants, God always provided a pathway for outsiders to join His people, contingent upon their embrace of the covenant terms. This principle foreshadows God's universal redemptive plan, which culminates in Christ's invitation to all nations ([Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6 "Foreigners joining the Lord")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Centrality of the Covenant Sign**, with circumcision serving as the indispensable physical marker of identity and commitment to God's covenant promises, a concept first introduced in [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9 "The Covenant of Circumcision"). Participation in the Passover, the ultimate expression of Israel's redeemed identity, was inextricably linked to this visible sign. Finally, the verse subtly highlights the **Spiritual Responsibility of the Household Head**, placing the onus on the master to facilitate the spiritual well-being and integration of all within his domain, ensuring that those under his authority had the opportunity to partake in God's blessings if they chose to identify with His covenant. This responsibility extends beyond physical provision to spiritual nurture and guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** This term (H5650) refers to an individual bound to service, often a permanent household member. While sometimes translated as "slave," the broader context of ancient Near Eastern law and Israelite regulations suggests a more nuanced status, often involving a long-term, familial-like relationship within the household, distinct from temporary laborers. The inclusion of the `ʻebed` in the Passover, contingent on circumcision, highlights God's concern for the spiritual status of all within the Israelite household, regardless of their social origin.
* **Circumcised (Hebrew, _mûwl'_):** This verb (H4135) signifies the act of cutting short, specifically the foreskin. It is the physical sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:10-14](/genesis/17-10 "Circumcision as a Sign")), representing a profound act of identification with God's chosen people and His covenant promises. For a non-Israelite servant, undergoing `mûwl` was a visible, irreversible commitment to the God of Israel and His ways, signifying their adoption into the covenant community and their separation unto God.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root (H398) means "to eat" literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to partaking in the Passover meal, the most sacred ritual commemorating God's redemption of Israel from slavery. Permission to `ʼâkal` "thereof" (the Passover lamb) signifies full spiritual inclusion and access to the covenant blessings, marking the individual as a participant in God's redemptive history and a member of His redeemed people.

#### Verse Breakdown
Exodus 12:44 presents a clear conditional statement, outlining the specific criteria for participation in the Passover:
* **"But every man's servant that is bought for money,"**: This initial clause precisely identifies the specific group of individuals under consideration. These are not casual visitors, temporary hired laborers, or foreign sojourners, but those permanently integrated into an Israelite household through a transaction of purchase. The phrase implies a lasting connection and places a unique responsibility on the master for their spiritual oversight.
* **"when thou hast circumcised him,"**: This is the mandatory and non-negotiable condition for participation. The responsibility falls upon the master of the household to ensure that his male purchased servants undergo circumcision. This act transforms their status from mere household members to participants in the Abrahamic covenant, signifying a deliberate and active step of inclusion into the covenant community.
* **"then shall he eat thereof."**: This is the divinely ordained consequence of fulfilling the condition. Once circumcised, the purchased servant is granted the privilege and right to partake in the Passover meal. This participation signifies their full integration into the religious life and covenant blessings of the Israelite household and, by extension, the nation, marking them as truly belonging to God's redeemed people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a clear and direct **conditional statement** ("when...then...") to establish a precise legal and theological principle. This straightforward grammatical structure leaves no ambiguity regarding the necessary prerequisite for participation in the sacred Passover rite. Furthermore, there is an element of **juxtaposition** as this verse immediately follows the general exclusion of "strangers" in [Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "No Stranger Shall Eat Thereof"), highlighting the unique pathway of inclusion offered to the circumcised purchased servant. This contrast emphasizes the profound significance of the covenant sign as the sole gateway to sacred participation for those outside the direct lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:44 unveils several profound theological truths. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates God's **inclusive nature** even within the Old Covenant. While the covenant was primarily established with Abraham's descendants, God consistently provided a pathway for outsiders to join His people, provided they embraced the terms of the covenant. This reveals that belonging to God's people was never solely a matter of biological descent but fundamentally a matter of spiritual commitment and identification. Secondly, the verse underscores the **centrality of the covenant sign** (circumcision) as the visible and indispensable marker of identity and commitment to God. It served as the gateway to participating in the most sacred rituals and blessings of the community, signifying a cutting away of the old life and a dedication to God. Thirdly, it highlights the **spiritual responsibility of the household head** to facilitate the spiritual well-being and integration of all within his domain, reflecting God's concern for the spiritual state of every individual under an Israelite's care.

This theme of inclusion through covenant commitment resonates throughout the broader biblical narrative, foreshadowing God's expansive redemptive plan:
* [Genesis 17:12-13](/genesis/17-12 "Circumcision for all in the household")
* [Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3 "Foreigners joining the Lord")
* [Ephesians 2:11-13](/ephesians/2-11 "Gentiles brought near by Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:44, though rooted in ancient practices, offers timeless principles for believers today, illuminating the nature of true participation in God's blessings and sacred community. It teaches us that genuine belonging requires a wholehearted commitment and identification with God's ways. Just as the ancient servant had to embrace the covenant sign of circumcision, so too must we, under the New Covenant, embrace faith in Jesus Christ, which is our spiritual circumcision—a cutting away of the old self and a new identity in Him. This verse encourages us to consider the depth of our own commitment and how we, as the church, reflect God's heart for inclusion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Inclusion and Hospitality:** How can we, as the church, more fully embody God's heart for inclusion, extending genuine welcome to those from diverse backgrounds into the fellowship of believers, provided they embrace the terms of the New Covenant (faith in Christ)?
* **Spiritual Responsibility:** What is our responsibility for the spiritual well-being of those within our "households" or spheres of influence (family, friends, employees, neighbors)? Are we actively facilitating their encounter with Christ and their integration into His body?
* **Cost of Discipleship:** What "circumcision of the heart" (spiritual commitment, letting go of old ways, embracing new disciplines) might God be calling us to embrace more fully to truly partake in the fullness of His blessings and mission in our lives?

### FAQ
**Why was physical circumcision required for participation in the Passover?**

Answer: Circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham, signifying belonging to God's chosen people and being set apart for Him. For the Passover, which commemorated God's redemptive act for His covenant people, it was essential that participants identified with that covenant. It was a tangible mark of commitment and inclusion, distinguishing those who were fully aligned with Israel's God and His redemptive history from mere temporary residents or "strangers" ([Exodus 12:43](/exodus/12-43 "No Stranger Shall Eat Thereof")). This act demonstrated a willing submission to God's covenant and a desire to be counted among His people.

**Does "bought for money" imply that God condoned slavery?**

Answer: The term "servant bought for money" refers to a common societal practice in the ancient Near East, which involved various forms of servitude, often as a means of debt repayment, economic stability, or even a form of adoption into a household. While the Bible operates within this cultural reality, it also introduces regulations that significantly mitigated the harshness of such systems, especially for fellow Israelites ([Exodus 21:1-11](/exodus/21-1 "Laws Concerning Servants")), and provided protections for all servants, including foreigners ([Deuteronomy 23:15-16](/deuteronomy/23-15 "Runaway Slaves")). This verse, in particular, focuses not on the ethics of the institution itself, but on God's profound concern for the spiritual integration of *all* individuals within an Israelite household, demonstrating His desire for their participation in His covenant and redemptive acts, regardless of their social status.

**What about women servants? Were they excluded from the Passover because they couldn't be circumcised?**

Answer: The command for physical circumcision applied only to males. However, women were considered part of the covenant community and participants in its blessings through their male head of household (father or husband). Therefore, a woman servant "bought for money" would partake in the Passover meal if the male members of her household (e.g., her master and his sons, or her husband if married) were circumcised and thus part of the covenant. Her inclusion was through the covenant identity of her household, rather than individual circumcision, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society where women's spiritual standing was often mediated through the covenant head of their family unit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:44, with its emphasis on inclusion through a covenant sign for participation in a redemptive meal, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Passover meal itself, into which circumcised servants were permitted to enter, prefigured Christ, who is our ultimate [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb"), whose sacrificial death delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and death, just as the original lamb delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery. The physical circumcision required for Old Covenant inclusion is transformed in the New Covenant, where true circumcision is now a matter of the heart, a spiritual transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit, not by human hands ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "True Circumcision is of the Heart") and [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11 "Spiritual Circumcision in Christ")). This "circumcision of Christ" signifies the cutting away of the sinful nature, a spiritual act that marks one as belonging to God's new covenant people. Just as Exodus 12:44 provided a pathway for non-Israelites to join the covenant community, Christ's work radically expands this inclusion to all nations, so that Gentiles (non-Jews) are no longer "strangers and aliens" but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" through faith in Him ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "No Longer Strangers")). The "bought for money" servant of the Old Testament finds their ultimate spiritual counterpart in all believers who are "bought with a price"—the precious blood of Christ ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "Bought with a Price") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "Redeemed by Precious Blood")). The Passover meal, into which the circumcised servant was welcomed, is fulfilled and superseded by the Lord's Supper (Communion), which is open to all who have put their faith in Christ and are spiritually circumcised by the Spirit, regardless of their ethnic or social background. Participation in the Lord's Supper signifies identification with Christ's death and resurrection, and belonging to His new covenant people, the Church. Thus, Exodus 12:44 powerfully foreshadows God's expansive plan of salvation, culminating in Christ, who provides the ultimate means of inclusion into God's family through faith, replacing physical rites with a spiritual transformation that unites all believers in 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

Genesis 17:12

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which [is] not of thy seed.

Genesis 17:13

He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Genesis 17:23

¶ And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.