Exodus 12:46

KJV

In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

In one {H259} house {H1004} shall it be eaten {H398}; thou shalt not carry forth {H3318} ought of the flesh {H1320} abroad {H2351} out of the house {H1004}; neither shall ye break {H7665} a bone {H6106} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is to be eaten in one house. You are not to take any of the meat outside the house, and you are not to break any of its bones.

Berean Standard Bible

It must be eaten inside one house. You are not to take any of the meat outside the house, and you may not break any of the bones.

American Standard Version

In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth aught of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Delineates precise regulations for the consumption of the Passover lamb, underscoring its profound sacredness, the essential unity of its participants, and the inviolable integrity of the sacrifice. These divine mandates—that the lamb be eaten entirely within one household, that no portion of its flesh be carried outside, and crucially, that none of its bones be broken—collectively emphasize the corporate nature of God's redemptive act, the reverence due to His provision, and serve as a powerful foreshadowing of the complete, perfect, and unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb") is meticulously placed within God's detailed instructions for the inaugural Passover, delivered to Moses and Aaron just prior to the tenth and most devastating plague upon Egypt: the death of the firstborn. The preceding verses, [Exodus 12:43-45](/exodus/12-43-45 "Passover participation rules"), establish the parameters for who is permitted to partake in the Passover, specifically emphasizing the inclusion of the circumcised and the exclusion of foreigners and hired servants, thereby defining the covenant community. Following this verse, the narrative continues with further regulations regarding the Passover observance, including the universal requirement for all male participants to be circumcised ([Exodus 12:47-49](/exodus/12-47-49 "Further Passover regulations")), culminating in Israel's faithful execution of these commands ([Exodus 12:50](/exodus/12-50 "Israelites obey Passover commands")) and their subsequent miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage. Thus, [Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb") is a pivotal instruction, ensuring the ritual's holiness, efficacy, and proper communal observance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover ritual was not merely an event but a foundational act for the nascent nation of Israel, marking their definitive liberation from oppressive Egyptian slavery and forging their identity as God's redeemed people. In the ancient Near East, communal meals frequently served as powerful symbols of covenant relationships, shared identity, and solemn pledges. The concept of "house" (Hebrew: *bayit*) typically referred to an extended family unit or household, encompassing not only immediate relatives but also servants, resident aliens, and invited guests, thereby emphasizing a collective participation in significant religious and social events. Furthermore, sacrificial practices during this period were governed by strict rules concerning the handling, preparation, and consumption of offerings. These regulations were crucial for maintaining ritual purity and holiness, clearly distinguishing sacred acts from common activities. The integrity of the sacrificial animal, particularly the preservation of its bones, often signified its wholeness, perfection, or even its suitability as a complete offering, stressing the unique and unblemished nature of this specific, divinely ordained sacrifice.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's precise and detailed instructions for worship and obedience, leaving no aspect to human discretion. Every command, down to the handling of the lamb's bones, reveals God's absolute authority and His demand for holiness in His people's approach to Him. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Communal Identity and Unity**, as the command to eat the lamb "in one house" fosters solidarity among the participants, reinforcing their shared experience of deliverance and their collective identity as God's chosen people. This communal aspect is central to Israel's covenant relationship with God, as seen in the broader narrative of their journey from slavery to nationhood. Finally, and most profoundly, this instruction contributes to the theme of **Typology and Foreshadowing**, as the unblemished and unbroken Passover lamb serves as a powerful prefigurement of a greater, future sacrifice. The integrity required of the lamb points forward to the perfect and complete sacrifice of the [Messiah, the ultimate Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose atoning work would be without blemish or deficiency, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, particularly in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redemption by the Blood of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb") delivers three distinct, yet intrinsically linked, regulations concerning the consumption of the Passover lamb, each imbued with profound theological weight and practical significance for the Israelite community.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"One" (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This numeral (H259) emphasizes unity and singularity. In the context of "one house," it stresses the corporate and unified nature of the Passover observance. It signifies that the meal was to be a shared experience within a defined, cohesive group, fostering solidarity rather than individual or fragmented consumption. This concept of "one" is foundational to the communal identity of God's people.
* **"House" (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** More than merely a physical dwelling (H1004), *bayith* here denotes the extended household unit—a family, including its members, servants, and any circumcised guests. The instruction "In one house shall it be eaten" underscores the corporate nature of God's deliverance and the shared experience of redemption. It mandated a collective participation, fostering unity and solidarity among all those partaking in the sacred meal, identifying them as a single, redeemed entity.
* **"Flesh" (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** This term (H1320) refers specifically to the meat of the sacrificial lamb. The command "thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house" highlights the sacredness and exclusivity of the offering. The lamb's flesh was consecrated for this particular ritual and was not to be treated as common food, nor was it to be distributed casually or desecrated by being taken into an unholy or common space. This ensured the integrity and reverence of the sacred meal, distinguishing it from ordinary consumption.
* **"Break a bone" (Hebrew, _shâbar ʻetsem'_):** This phrase combines the verb "break" (H7665, *shâbar*) and the noun "bone" (H6106, *ʻetsem*). This seemingly minor detail carries profound weight. The prohibition "neither shall ye break a bone thereof" emphasizes the wholeness, perfection, and integrity required of the sacrificial lamb. It signifies that the offering must remain physically intact, a complete and unblemished sacrifice, even in its consumption. This detail is particularly significant in its prophetic foreshadowing, as discussed in the Christ-Centered Fulfillment section.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In one house shall it be eaten":** This initial clause establishes the communal and localized nature of the Passover meal. It was not a private act but a shared experience within a defined household unit, emphasizing solidarity and a shared understanding of their deliverance. This ensured that the entire family or designated group partook together in the act of remembrance and identification with God's saving act, reinforcing their corporate identity as the redeemed people of God.
* **"thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house":** This command reinforces the sacredness and exclusivity of the Passover lamb. The meat was consecrated for this holy purpose and was not to be treated as common food. Carrying it outside the designated sacred space of the house would risk its defilement, its casual distribution, or its misuse, thereby diminishing the reverence due to God's provision and the seriousness of the ritual. Any remaining meat was explicitly commanded to be burned ([Exodus 12:10](/exodus/12-10 "Instructions for Passover consumption")), further emphasizing its unique and consecrated status.
* **"neither shall ye break a bone thereof":** This specific prohibition emphasizes the integrity and wholeness of the sacrificial lamb. The lamb, chosen "without blemish" ([Exodus 12:5](/exodus/12-5 "Selection of the Passover Lamb")), was to remain physically intact even in its consumption. This detail speaks to the perfection and completeness required of the offering, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would require no augmentation or deficiency.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a concise, prescriptive, and legalistic tone, characteristic of divine commands found throughout the Torah. The predominant use of **negative commands** ("thou shalt not...") underscores the strictness, non-negotiable nature, and paramount importance of these regulations, leaving no room for misinterpretation or casual observance. The **parallelism** in the prohibitions ("thou shalt not carry forth... neither shall ye break...") reinforces the meticulousness required for the sacred ritual and highlights the distinct but equally vital aspects of the lamb's handling. The verse also employs **symbolism**, where the physical integrity of the lamb (its unbroken bones) symbolizes the perfection and completeness of the sacrifice itself, a concept that carries profound theological weight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb") reveals several profound theological truths that resonate throughout biblical history. Firstly, it highlights God's meticulousness and His demand for holiness in worship and obedience. Every detail of the Passover was divinely ordained, emphasizing that true worship is not arbitrary but conducted according to God's precise instructions, revealing His character as a God of order and sanctity. Secondly, the verse underscores the communal aspect of salvation and covenant. God's deliverance was for His people, experienced and celebrated together within the household, fostering unity and shared identity. This communal eating signifies a shared participation in God's redemptive work, binding individuals into a collective body. Thirdly, it emphasizes the completeness and integrity required of the sacrificial offering, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative concerning atonement and reconciliation, pointing to the need for a perfect sacrifice to bridge the gap between God and humanity. This verse, therefore, establishes foundational principles for Israel's identity as a redeemed people and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that would bring about a new covenant and a new community.

* [Leviticus 7:15-18](/leviticus/7-15-18 "Instructions for peace offerings")
* [Numbers 9:10-12](/numbers/9-10-12 "Passover for those unclean or far away")
* [1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb") offers rich insights for believers today, particularly concerning the nature of salvation, the community of faith, and reverence for God's work. The command to eat the lamb "in one house" powerfully reminds us that our faith is not meant to be a solitary journey. We are called into a vibrant community—the church—to share in the spiritual feast of Christ's grace and truth, fostering unity, mutual support, and collective worship. Just as the Passover united families in a shared experience of deliverance from bondage, so too does Christ unite us as His body, sharing in His redemption and forming a new spiritual household. This calls us to actively participate in and contribute to the unity of the body of Christ, recognizing that our individual salvation is part of a larger, communal story of redemption.

The prohibitions against carrying the flesh outside or breaking a bone speak to the sacredness and completeness of Christ's sacrifice. We are saved by a perfect, "once-for-all" offering that requires no addition, repetition, or human embellishment. This truth should instill in us a profound reverence for what God has accomplished through Christ, preventing us from treating our salvation casually or attempting to add to His finished work through our own efforts. Our faith and participation in God's redemptive plan should be approached with utmost seriousness, devotion, and gratitude, recognizing the immense cost of our redemption and the perfect sufficiency of Christ's atoning work. We are called to guard the purity of the gospel and to honor the completeness of Christ's sacrifice in our lives and in our churches.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on unity in [Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb") challenge our individualistic approaches to faith today, and what practical steps can we take to foster greater communal solidarity in our churches?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps unintentionally, "carry forth the flesh abroad" or treat sacred things casually in our modern lives, diminishing the reverence due to God's provisions or the gospel?**
* **How does the completeness and integrity of the Passover sacrifice, particularly the unbroken bone, deepen your understanding and appreciation of Christ's finished work on the cross?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important not to break a bone of the Passover lamb?**

Answer: The prohibition against breaking a bone of the Passover lamb underscored the integrity and perfection required of the sacrifice. It symbolized the wholeness and completeness of the offering, indicating that it was a perfect, unblemished sacrifice acceptable to God. Theologically, this detail held profound prophetic significance, prefiguring the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the ultimate Passover Lamb, also had no bones broken during His crucifixion, thereby fulfilling this ancient type ([John 19:36](/john/19-36 "John 19:36 - Jesus' bones not broken")).

**Does "in one house" mean only one biological family, or could multiple families participate?**

Answer: The term "house" (Hebrew: *bayit*) in the ancient Israelite context often referred to an extended household, which could include multiple biological families, servants, and even resident aliens who had joined the community and been circumcised. The emphasis was on a unified group partaking together, rather than strict biological family lines, ensuring that the lamb was fully consumed by a sufficient number of people. If a household was too small to consume an entire lamb, they were explicitly instructed to join with a neighbor ([Exodus 12:4](/exodus/12-4 "Exodus 12:4 - Passover lamb sharing instructions")), reinforcing the communal aspect.

**What happened if a household couldn't finish the entire lamb?**

Answer: [Exodus 12:10](/exodus/12-10 "Exodus 12:10 - Instructions for Passover consumption") specifies that "ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire." This strict instruction ensured that the sacred meat was fully consumed or properly disposed of by burning, preventing any desecration, casual use, or treatment as common food. It reinforced the idea of a complete, timely offering that was entirely dedicated to God for that specific, holy purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb") finds its most profound and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb itself is a powerful and direct type of Christ, who is sovereignly identified by John the Baptist as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The specific instruction, "neither shall ye break a bone thereof," is not merely an ancient ritualistic detail but a precise prophetic fulfillment in Jesus' crucifixion. When the Roman soldiers came to break the legs of the crucified men to hasten their deaths, they found Jesus already dead and therefore did not break His legs. [John 19:36](/john/19-36 "John 19:36 - Jesus' bones not broken") explicitly declares, "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken." This direct fulfillment unequivocally underscores Jesus' identity as the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice was perfect, complete, and utterly without blemish. His body, like the lamb's, remained whole, signifying the integrity and absolute sufficiency of His atoning work on the cross, a "once for all" sacrifice that perfectly satisfies God's righteous demands ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Furthermore, the command to eat the lamb "in one house" foreshadows the unity of believers in Christ's body, the Church. Just as the Passover meal brought a household together in a shared experience of deliverance, so the Lord's Supper (the Christian Passover) unites believers in communion with Christ and with one another ([1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")). In partaking of the bread and wine, we remember Christ's complete sacrifice and affirm our shared identity as His redeemed people, forming one spiritual household, united in His finished work. The sacredness of the Passover lamb and the prohibition against carrying its flesh outside the house also point to the uniqueness and sacredness of Christ's sacrifice—it is a finished work, not to be augmented or treated lightly, but reverently received within the community of faith.

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

Numbers 9:12

They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.

John 19:36

For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

John 19:33

But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

Ephesians 2:19

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:12

¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.

Psalms 34:20

He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.