Exodus 12:6

KJV

And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall keep {H4931} it up until the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day {H3117} of the same month {H2320}: and the whole {H3605} assembly {H6951} of the congregation {H5712} of Israel {H3478} shall kill {H7819} it in {H996} the evening {H6153}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, and then the entire assembly of the community of Isra'el will slaughter it at dusk.

Berean Standard Bible

You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight.

American Standard Version

and ye shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at even.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:6 provides meticulous instructions for the Passover lamb, specifying that it must be kept until the fourteenth day of the same month, at which point the entire assembly of Israel is to slaughter it "in the evening." This command underscores the divine precision required for Israel's deliverance, emphasizing communal participation, the necessity of an unblemished substitutionary sacrifice, and the foundational act of redemption that would secure their liberation from Egyptian bondage and the impending tenth plague.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an indispensable component of God's detailed blueprint for the first Passover, as outlined in [Exodus 12:1-20](/exodus/12 "God's Instructions for the First Passover"). It follows the initial command in [Exodus 12:3-5](/exodus/12-3-5 "Selection of the Passover Lamb") for each household to select a lamb or goat "without blemish, a male of the first year," establishing the prerequisite for the sacrifice. Immediately after the instructions for the lamb's keeping and slaughter in [Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "The Passover Lamb's Keeping and Slaughter"), the narrative proceeds to detail the application of the lamb's blood to the doorposts and the consumption of its roasted flesh in [Exodus 12:7-11](/exodus/12-7-11 "Application of Blood and Eating the Lamb"). This sequence culminates in God's solemn promise to "pass over" the homes marked by the blood, thereby sparing the firstborn of Israel from the final, devastating plague, as described in [Exodus 12:12-13](/exodus/12-12-13 "God's Judgment and Protection"). The entire passage meticulously lays out the ritual that would serve as a perpetual memorial of God's redemptive power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover narrative is set against the dire backdrop of Israel's oppressive slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt. God had already unleashed nine plagues, each escalating in severity and targeting specific Egyptian deities, demonstrating His supreme power over all creation and false gods. The tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, was designed to be the decisive blow that would finally compel Pharaoh to release Israel. In the ancient Near East, animal sacrifice was a common religious practice, often performed to appease deities or secure blessings. However, the Passover sacrifice was unique in its specific timing, communal participation, and its direct link to an act of national liberation and covenant formation. The "keeping" of the lamb for four days (selected on the tenth, killed on the fourteenth) was crucial for thorough inspection, ensuring its ritual purity, a common requirement for acceptable sacrifices in the ancient world. The emphasis on the "whole assembly" underscored the corporate nature of their deliverance, binding the nation together in this foundational act of redemption.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 12:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Precision**, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and execution of salvation, leaving no detail to chance. Secondly, it powerfully introduces the theme of **Substitutionary Atonement**, where the life of an unblemished animal is given in place of human lives, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice for sin. This principle is foundational to understanding redemption throughout Scripture, from the earliest sacrifices in [Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Cain and Abel's Offerings") to the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Law detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Burnt Offering"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Communal Identity and Obedience**, as the "whole assembly" participates in the act, solidifying Israel's identity as a unified people redeemed by God's grace and bound by His covenant. This collective act of faith and obedience sets the stage for their journey as God's chosen nation, a theme further developed in the giving of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "The Israelites at Mount Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 12:6 is a pivotal instruction within the Passover narrative, detailing the critical steps for the lamb's sacrifice.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **keep (Hebrew, _mishmereth'_):** From H4931, meaning "watch, i.e. the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e. (abstractly) duty or (objectively) a usage or party." In this context, it denotes a period of careful custody, observation, and safeguarding. The lamb was not to be immediately slaughtered but kept within the household for four days, allowing for thorough scrutiny to ensure its unblemished quality, symbolizing the perfect purity required for a substitutionary sacrifice. This act of "keeping" was a prescribed duty and an ordinance.
* **whole assembly of the congregation of Israel (Hebrew, _kol qahal adat Yisrael'_):** Comprising H3605 (_kôl_, meaning "the whole; hence, all"), H6951 (_qâhâl_, meaning "assemblage, assembly, company, congregation, multitude"), H5712 (_ʻêdâh_, meaning "a stated assemblage, specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd; assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm"), and H3478 (_Yisrâʼêl_, meaning "he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel"). This collective phrase powerfully emphasizes the corporate, unified nature of the Passover. The sacrifice was not an individual act but a communal one, uniting the entire nation in their shared experience of redemption and obedience. It underscored that God's deliverance was for the people as a whole, establishing their identity as a redeemed community.
* **in the evening (Hebrew, _bêyn haʻereb'_):** Comprising H996 (_bêyn_, meaning "between") and H6153 (_ʻereb_, meaning "dusk; [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night"). This Hebrew phrase literally translates to "between the two evenings." While its precise timing has been debated, it generally refers to the twilight period, specifically between sunset and full darkness, or sometimes more broadly as late afternoon/early evening. This precise timing was crucial for the ritual and later became a key element in Jewish tradition for the Passover sacrifice, ensuring that the lamb was killed at the divinely appointed moment before the angel of death would "pass over."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month:"** This clause establishes the mandatory period of careful custody and observation for the selected lamb within each Israelite household. The lamb, chosen on the tenth day, was to be housed and inspected until the fourteenth day, allowing for a four-day period to confirm its perfect, unblemished condition. This meticulous inspection ensured the lamb's suitability as a pure sacrifice, while also fostering a personal connection and anticipation within each family regarding the animal that would soon represent their salvation and deliverance.
* **"and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it"**: This phrase underscores the communal responsibility and universal participation in the sacrificial act. The slaying of the lamb was not an exclusive duty for a priest or a select few, but a shared act of obedience performed by every household within the unified "assembly of the congregation." This collective action solidified their identity as a singular people under God's covenant, all equally participating in and dependent upon the means of their deliverance. It highlighted the solidarity of the nation in their shared plight and impending redemption.
* **"in the evening."**: This specifies the precise, divinely appointed timing for the sacrifice. The phrase "between the two evenings" was critical, ensuring that the lamb's blood could be applied to the doorposts before midnight, when the angel of death would pass through Egypt ([Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn")). This meticulous adherence to God's timing emphasizes His divine order, His sovereign control over the unfolding events, and the absolute necessity of obedient compliance with His commands for deliverance and salvation.

#### Literary Devices
The instructions in Exodus 12:6, embedded within the larger Passover narrative, function primarily as **Typology**. The Passover lamb, with its specific characteristics—unblemished, substitutionary, and its blood providing salvation—serves as a profound **type** or **foreshadowing** of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God. The entire ritual is a powerful **symbol** of redemption through sacrifice. The meticulous detail and precise timing in the command highlight God's **precision** and **sovereignty** in orchestrating His plan of salvation, emphasizing that deliverance is not haphazard but divinely ordained and perfectly executed. The communal participation also underscores the **corporate identity** of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:6 teaches several profound theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology. It reveals God's **Divine Precision and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that His plan for salvation is meticulously designed and perfectly executed, leaving no room for chance. The requirement for an **Unblemished Sacrifice**, carefully inspected, establishes the principle that atonement demands a perfect, pure offering, underscoring God's holiness and the gravity of sin, which necessitates a spotless substitute. This principle is foundational to the concept of **Substitutionary Atonement**, where the lamb's death averted the judgment that would have fallen on Israel's firstborn, illustrating the truth that "without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins" ([Hebodus/9-22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")). Furthermore, the communal nature of the sacrifice highlights **Corporate Redemption and Obedience**, emphasizing that salvation, while deeply personal, is also a collective experience, uniting the "whole assembly" in faith and obedience to God's redemptive plan. This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial theological anchor, connecting the historical deliverance of Israel to the broader biblical narrative of redemption through sacrifice, ultimately pointing to the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Life in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:6, though deeply rooted in an ancient historical event, offers powerful and enduring insights for contemporary believers. The meticulous preparation and communal killing of the Passover lamb serve as a stark reminder that our salvation was not trivial or easily obtained. It demanded a perfect, unblemished sacrifice, underscoring the profound holiness of God and the severe consequences of sin. This truth should cultivate within us a deep and abiding gratitude for the immeasurable cost of our redemption. Furthermore, the emphasis on the "whole assembly" participating in this pivotal act reminds us that faith is not merely an individual pursuit but an inherently communal journey. We are called to be part of the "congregation" of believers, united in worship, service, and spiritual growth, sharing in the blessings and responsibilities of God's covenant. Finally, the precise "evening" timing for the sacrifice highlights God's perfect precision in His redemptive plan. Just as the Passover lamb was slain at God's appointed time, Christ's death occurred "in the fullness of the time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "God Sends His Son in the Fullness of Time")), fulfilling prophecy and securing salvation. This encourages us to cultivate patient trust in God's timing in our own lives, knowing that His sovereign plans unfold with divine perfection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's instructions in [Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "The Passover Lamb's Keeping and Slaughter") deepen your appreciation for the precision and intentionality of God's redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways can we, as a "whole assembly" of believers today, better embody the corporate responsibility and unity demonstrated by Israel in the Passover, particularly in our shared worship and mission?**
* **Considering the four days of "keeping" the lamb, what practical steps can you take to "keep" or carefully consider the sacrifice of Christ in your daily life, ensuring your understanding and appreciation remain fresh and impactful?**

### FAQ
**Why was the lamb kept for four days before it was killed?**

Answer: The command to "keep it up until the fourteenth day" meant the lamb was selected on the tenth day of the month and then kept within the household for four days. This period served multiple crucial purposes. Primarily, it allowed for careful and thorough inspection to ensure the lamb was truly "without blemish," as required for a pure and acceptable sacrifice. This ensured its ritual purity. Additionally, this period of keeping the lamb within the family's dwelling allowed each household to personally identify with the animal, fostering a deeper understanding that this specific lamb would be their substitute, whose life would be given to secure their deliverance from the impending judgment. This personal connection deepened their appreciation for the significance of the upcoming redemption.

**What does "in the evening" (ben ha'arbayim) precisely mean?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase *ben ha'arbayim* (בֵּין הָעַרְבָּיִם) literally translates to "between the two evenings." While its precise timing has been a subject of historical and theological debate, it is generally understood to refer to the twilight period. Some Jewish traditions, particularly the Karaites and Samaritans, interpret it as the time between sunset and full darkness. Other interpretations, notably that of the Pharisees and later Rabbinic Judaism, understand it as the period between the decline of the sun (afternoon, around 3 PM) and sunset. Regardless of the exact minute, it signifies a specific, divinely appointed time in the late afternoon or early evening. This precise timing was absolutely crucial for the ritual, as it ensured that the lamb's blood could be applied to the doorposts before midnight, when the angel of death would "pass over" Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn").

**Why did the "whole assembly" kill the lamb, rather than just the head of the household or a priest?**

Answer: The instruction for "the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel" to kill the lamb profoundly emphasizes the communal and corporate nature of the Passover. It was not an act delegated solely to a religious leader or even just the patriarch of a family, but a shared responsibility and participation by every household within the nation. This highlighted that God's deliverance was for the entire nation of Israel, uniting them in their shared experience of redemption and obedience. It underscored their collective identity as a people under God's covenant, all equally dependent on the sacrificial blood for their salvation. This corporate participation fostered solidarity and a deep sense of shared destiny in their liberation from Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:6 stands as a profound prophetic foreshadowing of the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, revealing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover lamb. Just as the Passover lamb had to be "without blemish" and subjected to careful inspection, Jesus Christ is presented in the New Testament as the perfect, sinless Lamb of God ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1-peter/1-18-19 "Redemption through Christ's Precious Blood")). His life, lived in absolute purity and obedience, made Him the only suitable and acceptable sacrifice for humanity's sin, fulfilling the Old Testament requirement for a spotless offering. The four days of "keeping" the lamb can be seen as a type of the public scrutiny Jesus endured during His final week in Jerusalem, where His perfection and divine authority were confirmed before His crucifixion. John the Baptist explicitly identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")), directly linking Jesus to the Passover lamb whose blood provided protection from death. Paul unequivocally declares, "For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1-corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover")), solidifying Jesus's crucifixion as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice. His death on the cross, occurring precisely at the time of the Passover feast, was the supreme act of substitutionary atonement, protecting all who believe from the judgment of sin. Furthermore, the precise "evening" timing of the Passover sacrifice finds its ultimate parallel in Christ's death, which occurred at God's appointed time, fulfilling prophecy and securing salvation for all eternity. His death was not an accident but the culmination of God's eternal plan, perfectly timed to bring about redemption for all who trust in Him, as declared in [Romans 5:6](/romans/5-6 "Christ Died for the Ungodly at the Appointed Time").

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 23:5

In the fourteenth [day] of the first month at even [is] the LORD'S passover.

Numbers 28:16

¶ And in the fourteenth day of the first month [is] the passover of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:15

Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:18

For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

Exodus 12:18

In the first [month], on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.

Numbers 9:11

The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, [and] eat it with unleavened bread and bitter [herbs].

Ezekiel 45:21

In the first [month], in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten.