Exodus 13:14

KJV

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be when thy son {H1121} asketh {H7592} thee in time to come {H4279}, saying {H559}, What is this? that thou shalt say {H559} unto him, By strength {H2392} of hand {H3027} the LORD {H3068} brought us out {H3318} from Egypt {H4714}, from the house {H1004} of bondage {H5650}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When, at some future time, your son asks you, 'What is this?' then say to him, 'With a strong hand ADONAI brought us out of Egypt, out of the abode of slavery.

Berean Standard Bible

In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand Jehovah brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 13:14 provides a foundational instruction for intergenerational discipleship, anticipating a future time when a child will inquire about the meaning of Israel's rituals. In response, parents are commanded to recount God's mighty and irresistible deliverance of their people from Egyptian slavery, thereby ensuring the foundational truth of divine power and redemption is passed down through every generation, anchoring their identity in Yahweh's decisive acts of salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 13:14 is strategically placed within a pivotal section of the Torah that outlines the initial commands given to Israel immediately following their miraculous liberation from Egypt. The preceding verses, particularly [Exodus 13:1-10](/exodus/13-1-10 "Commands regarding the firstborn and Unleavened Bread"), establish the dedication of the firstborn and the perpetual observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. These rituals are not arbitrary ceremonies but are meticulously designed as tangible, annual prompts for remembrance and instruction. The verse immediately following, [Exodus 13:15](/exodus/13-15 "God's killing of the firstborn in Egypt"), elaborates on the rationale behind the dedication of the firstborn, reinforcing the severity of God's judgment on Egypt and the profound wonder of Israel's salvation. This literary placement underscores that the ceremonies themselves are intended to evoke curiosity and provide a natural entry point for parents to educate their children about their national identity, which is inextricably rooted in God's redemptive acts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in much of the ancient Near East, society was predominantly oral, and the transmission of history, law, and faith relied heavily on storytelling, communal memory, and lived experience. Rituals such as the Passover and the dedication of the firstborn were not abstract concepts but embodied narratives, serving as powerful mnemonic devices. The anticipated question, "What is this?", reflects a common pedagogical approach where physical objects or practices triggered inquiry and facilitated the retelling of foundational stories. This verse highlights the vital role of the family as the primary institution for faith formation, emphasizing that the memory of God's "strength of hand" in delivering them from the "house of bondage"—a potent descriptor for the pervasive totality of Egyptian oppression—was to be actively preserved and transmitted across generations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It profoundly emphasizes God's **sovereign power and faithfulness** as the ultimate Deliverer, demonstrating that Israel's liberation was solely His doing, not a result of human effort or negotiation. The theme of **remembrance and intergenerational transmission of faith** is central, as the command ensures that the foundational story of the Exodus remains alive and relevant for future generations. It also reinforces the theme of **covenant identity**, where Israel's very existence as a nation is defined by God's redemptive acts. This pedagogical framework anticipates the comprehensive instructions for teaching found later in the Torah, such as in [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4-9 "The Shema and commands to teach diligently"), where the command to "teach them diligently to your children" is explicitly articulated, underscoring the continuous nature of God's covenant relationship with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Strength (Hebrew, _chôzeq'_):** From the root חָזַק (chazaq), meaning "to be strong," this word (H2392) denotes power, might, and intensity. In the context of "strength of hand," it signifies an overwhelming, irresistible, and decisive display of divine power. It emphasizes that Israel's liberation was not a result of human effort or chance, but solely a direct, forceful, and undeniable act of God's omnipotence. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's powerful interventions, leaving no doubt as to the singular source of Israel's freedom.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word (H3027) refers to the open hand, often symbolizing power, agency, direction, or means. When combined with "strength" (chôzeq), "strength of hand" (בְּחֹזֶק יָד) is a powerful idiom for God's active, personal, and forceful intervention. It conveys the idea of a direct, physical-like exertion of divine authority and might, underscoring that the deliverance from Egypt was a deliberate and forceful act of God, not a passive event.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term (H1004) primarily means "a house," but in its widest application, it can refer to a family, household, palace, or even an institution or system. In the phrase "house of bondage" (בֵּית עֲבָדִים), "house" implies a pervasive system or institution of servitude, not merely a physical dwelling. It conveys the totality and systemic nature of Israel's oppression in Egypt, underscoring that their freedom was not just from forced labor but from an all-encompassing system designed to dehumanize and enslave them. God's deliverance was therefore a complete liberation from this comprehensive tyranny.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this?"**: This opening clause anticipates a future, divinely ordained scenario, highlighting the forward-looking nature of God's commands and the covenant. The "son" (Hebrew, _bên'_, H1121) represents the next generation, emphasizing the continuity of the covenant community. The question "What is this?" underscores the pedagogical purpose of the rituals (such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the dedication of the firstborn). God designed these practices to be visible, tangible prompts for inquiry, creating a natural and organic opportunity for parents to teach. It is a divinely orchestrated moment of curiosity, ensuring that the memory of the Exodus is actively transmitted rather than passively forgotten.
* **"that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:"**: This is the prescribed answer, emphasizing divine agency and power as the sole source of Israel's liberation. The core message is unequivocal: Israel's freedom was not self-achieved but was the direct result of "the LORD" (Yahweh, Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_, H3068, God's covenant name) acting with overwhelming "strength of hand." This negates any human pride or claim to their liberation and highlights God's irresistible might (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_, H3318, "brought us out"). The repetition of "from Egypt, from the house of bondage" (Hebrew, _Mitsrayim'_, H4714, and _ʻebed'_, H5650) powerfully reiterates the specific context of their former oppression, reinforcing the magnitude of their deliverance and the completeness of God's redemptive act from a state of total servitude.

#### Literary Devices

Exodus 13:14 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Anticipation** or **Prolepsis**, where the text anticipates a future event—the son's question—to establish the necessity and importance of intergenerational teaching. This creates a didactic framework, making the instruction more immediate and relatable. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "strength of hand," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to describe His active, powerful intervention, making His actions comprehensible to human understanding without implying a physical body. The phrase itself, "strength of hand," can also be seen as a form of **Merism**, where a part (the hand, symbolizing power) represents the whole (God's entire being and omnipotence). Finally, **Repetition** and **Parallelism** are used effectively in the double mention of "from Egypt, from the house of bondage." This emphatic reiteration serves to underscore the completeness of Israel's liberation and the severity of their former state of oppression, reinforcing the magnitude of God's redemptive act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 13:14 teaches several profound theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology. Primarily, it reveals God as a **powerful and sovereign Deliverer**, whose "strength of hand" is irresistible and utterly sufficient to free His people from the most entrenched oppression. This underscores His unwavering **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, demonstrating that He remembered His people's cries and acted decisively on their behalf. The verse also highlights the **centrality of memory and testimony** in the life of faith; Israel's identity is inextricably linked to remembering and recounting God's past acts of salvation. Furthermore, it establishes the **sacred responsibility of intergenerational discipleship**, showing that the transmission of faith is not optional but a divine command, ensuring that each new generation understands the foundational truths of God's redemptive work. This theme of remembering and teaching God's mighty deeds is a recurring motif throughout the biblical narrative, forming the very basis of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and reminding them that their existence as a nation is solely due to His intervention.

* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "The command to teach children diligently")
* [Psalm 78:4](/psalm/78-4 "Passing on God's deeds to the next generation")
* [Isaiah 51:10](/isaiah/51-10 "God's strong hand drying up the sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Exodus 13:14 offers timeless and profoundly relevant principles for believers today, underscoring the vital and ongoing need for intentional intergenerational discipleship within families and the wider faith community. Just as ancient rituals prompted questions about God's deliverance from physical bondage, our Christian practices—such as communion, baptism, and corporate worship—should serve as powerful opportunities to explain the gospel story and God's ongoing work in our lives. We are called not only to remember God's past acts of salvation, supremely the redemptive work of Christ, but also to actively testify to them, ensuring that the next generation understands the foundational truths of our faith. This verse reminds us that true faith is a living, transmitted heritage, not merely a static set of intellectual beliefs. It challenges us to be proactive and intentional in creating environments where questions about faith are welcomed, encouraged, and answered with the powerful, transformative story of God's redemptive "strength of hand." This involves cultivating a culture of curiosity and spiritual storytelling, where the wonders of God's grace are continually recounted and celebrated, fostering a deep, personal connection to His saving acts.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **In what specific ways are you actively participating in passing on the story of God's saving acts, particularly the Gospel, to the next generation in your family, church, or community?**
* **What "rituals" or practices in your life (personal or corporate) serve as prompts for you to remember and share God's deliverance from spiritual bondage and the freedom found in Christ?**
* **Considering the irresistible "strength of hand" of the LORD, what current challenges, areas of "bondage," or seemingly impossible situations in your life do you need to fully entrust to God's powerful and decisive intervention?**

### FAQ

**Why is the question framed as "What is this?" instead of a direct command to teach?**

Answer: The framing of the question as "What is this?" is a brilliant pedagogical strategy that reveals God's profound understanding of human nature. It highlights that the rituals themselves are designed to be so distinctive and meaningful that they naturally provoke curiosity and wonder in the child. Instead of a dry, rote command to teach, God anticipates a genuine, organic inquiry from the child. This makes the teaching moment far more impactful and memorable, as it arises from the child's own wonder and desire to understand, rather than being a forced imposition. It emphasizes a responsive, relational approach to discipleship, where the parent is ready to engage with and explain the profound significance of their faith heritage.

**Does "strength of hand" imply God has a physical body?**

Answer: No, "strength of hand" is a classic example of **anthropomorphism**, a figure of speech where human characteristics (like a hand) are attributed to God to help us comprehend His actions and attributes. God is spirit ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "God is Spirit")), and therefore does not possess a physical body. The "hand" in this context symbolizes His power, authority, active intervention, and sovereign control. It conveys the idea of an irresistible, decisive, and personal act of divine power, leaving no doubt that Israel's liberation was solely by God's mighty and direct intervention, rather than by human effort or chance.

**Is this command only for fathers and sons?**

Answer: While the verse specifically mentions "thy son" asking "thee" (masculine singular), the underlying principle extends broadly to all parents and, by extension, the entire community of faith. The responsibility for intergenerational discipleship is a communal one, though the family unit is indeed the primary locus for this sacred task. Other passages, such as [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "The command to teach children diligently"), broaden the scope to include all parents and all children, emphasizing a continuous, pervasive teaching environment within the home and community. The core focus is on the faithful transmission of the covenant story and the foundational truths of God's redemptive work to the next generation, regardless of specific gender roles, ensuring the continuity of faith across time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 13:14, with its emphasis on God's "strength of hand" delivering Israel from the "house of bondage" in Egypt, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus event serves as a powerful **type**, or foreshadowing, of the greater spiritual redemption accomplished through Christ for all humanity. Just as Israel was enslaved in the literal "house of bondage" in Egypt, humanity is universally enslaved to sin and death, held captive by spiritual forces ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Freed from sin's slavery")). Jesus Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, provides the ultimate and complete deliverance from this spiritual "house of bondage." He declared, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "Freedom through the Son")), signifying a liberation far more profound and eternal than physical freedom. The "strength of hand" that brought Israel out of Egypt is supremely and definitively manifested in Christ's triumph over sin, Satan, and death. It was by God's mighty power that Christ was raised from the dead, demonstrating an irresistible divine force that conquered the ultimate enemies of humanity ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "God's mighty power in Christ")). His resurrection is the ultimate display of God's powerful hand, securing our redemption. The Passover, which immediately precedes and informs the commands in Exodus 13, points directly to Christ as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose shed blood delivers us from the judgment of sin and death ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ, our Passover lamb")). His sacrifice is the foundation of our spiritual Exodus. Just as the rituals of the Old Covenant prompted questions about God's deliverance, the New Covenant ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion) serve as tangible memorials that prompt believers to remember and proclaim Christ's saving death and resurrection until He returns. These practices become sacred opportunities for intergenerational teaching about the ultimate "strength of hand" that brought us out of spiritual bondage into the glorious freedom of God's children ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ")). Thus, the command to remember and teach finds its deepest meaning and ongoing practice in the church's faithful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the one who fully embodies God's saving power.

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

Joshua 4:6

That this may be a sign among you, [that] when your children ask [their fathers] in time to come, saying, What [mean] ye by these stones?

Exodus 13:3

And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this [place]: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

Deuteronomy 6:20

[And] when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [mean] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

Deuteronomy 6:24

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as [it is] at this day.

Exodus 12:26

And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

Exodus 12:27

That ye shall say, It [is] the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

Psalms 145:4

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.