Exodus 13:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto the people {H5971}, Remember {H2142} this {H2088} day {H3117}, in which ye came out {H3318} from Egypt {H4714}, out of the house {H1004} of bondage {H5650}; for by strength {H2392} of hand {H3027} the LORD {H3068} brought you out {H3318} from this place: there shall no leavened bread {H2557} be eaten {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to the people, "Remember this day, on which you left Egypt, the abode of slavery; because ADONAI, by the strength of his hand, has brought you out of this place. Do not eat hametz.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses told the people, “Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand. And nothing leavened shall be eaten.

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 13:3 records Moses' foundational instruction to the newly liberated Israelites, commanding them to perpetually commemorate the day of their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery. This divine act, achieved solely by the LORD's overwhelming power, was to be remembered not merely as a historical event but as a defining moment in their national identity, concretized by the annual observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, symbolizing their hasty exodus and a spiritual break from their past bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the climactic tenth plague and the institution of the Passover in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Passover and the Exodus"), which served as the initial act of Israel's redemption. The narrative flow in [Exodus 13](/exodus/13 "Consecration and Feast of Unleavened Bread") transitions from the immediate events of the Exodus to the establishment of perpetual memorials. [Exodus 13:1-2](/exodus/13-1-2 "Consecration of the Firstborn") introduces the consecration of the firstborn, a direct consequence and perpetual reminder of God's power over death in Egypt. Following this, [Exodus 13:3](/exodus/13-3 "Remembering the Exodus") introduces the command to "remember this day" of their departure, directly linking it to the ongoing observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, whose specific regulations are further detailed in [Exodus 13:6-7](/exodus/13-6-7 "Feast of Unleavened Bread Instructions"). The subsequent verses in [Exodus 13:8-16](/exodus/13-8-16 "Teaching Future Generations") reinforce the critical importance of teaching these events and their associated rituals to future generations, underscoring the enduring, memorial nature of these divine commands and their role in shaping Israel's identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had endured approximately 430 years of increasingly brutal slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt, characterized by forced labor, severe oppression, and the horrific decree of infanticide against their male children. Their deliverance was not a gradual political negotiation or a military victory but a sudden, dramatic, and divinely orchestrated event that profoundly shaped their identity as a nascent nation. In an ancient oral culture, where written records were not universally accessible, the command to "remember this day" was crucial for ensuring that the foundational narrative of their liberation would be accurately and faithfully transmitted across generations. The practice of eating unleavened bread (matzah) during the Passover week was a tangible, sensory reminder of their hasty departure, when there was no time for bread dough to rise ([Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Israelites leave Egypt in haste")). This annual, physical act served as a perpetual memorial, embedding the historical reality of God's saving power into their daily lives and cultural practices, distinguishing them from their former oppressors and other nations.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 13:3 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty**, showcasing Yahweh as the powerful, covenant-keeping God who actively intervenes in history to rescue His people from oppression, as seen throughout [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "The Plagues and Passover"). Closely related is the theme of **Remembrance and Memorial**, emphasizing that God's mighty acts are not to be forgotten but are to be actively recalled and re-enacted through ritual, ensuring that future generations understand their heritage and God's faithfulness. This is a recurring motif, particularly in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Finally, the prohibition of leaven introduces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, signifying a clean break from the past and a call to purity, which becomes a foundational principle for Israel's identity as God's set-apart people in the wilderness and the Promised Land, as elaborated in [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 13:3 serves as a pivotal command, establishing the bedrock of Israel's national identity rooted in divine deliverance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This word (H2142) is a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." In the biblical context, "remember" is far more than a passive mental recollection; it implies an active, intentional engagement with the past that shapes present and future actions. It often involves ritual or re-enactment, ensuring that the significance of an event is never forgotten and continues to impact the community's life and identity.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term (H1004) refers to "a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)." When paired with "bondage" (H5650, 'ebed, meaning "servant" or "bondman"), "house of bondage" (Hebrew: *beit avadim*) vividly portrays Egypt not merely as a geographical location but as an institutionalized system of oppressive slavery, a place of utter powerlessness and servitude from which God delivered them.
* **Leavened bread (Hebrew, _châmêts'_):** This word (H2557) refers to "ferment" or "leavened (bread)." Its prohibition during the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a tangible, sensory reminder of the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, when there was no time for their dough to rise. Beyond the historical detail, leaven often symbolizes corruption or sin in other biblical contexts, suggesting a call to purity and a clean break from the "old life" of bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day":** This opening phrase establishes Moses' direct and authoritative communication as God's chosen intermediary. The command to "remember" is a divine imperative, not merely a suggestion. It calls for an active, ongoing engagement with the past, implying a commitment to live in light of that memory and ensure its transmission to future generations.
* **"in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage;":** This clause explicitly states the foundational event to be remembered: the Exodus from Egypt. The powerful phrase "house of bondage" (literally "house of slaves") underscores the severity of their former oppression, highlighting the profound transition from a state of utter powerlessness and servitude to freedom. This vivid description emphasizes the magnitude of God's intervention and the dire circumstances from which they were delivered.
* **"for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this [place]:"**: This is the crucial theological justification for the command to remember. Their liberation was not due to their own might, Pharaoh's benevolence, or a stroke of luck. It was "by strength of hand" (Hebrew: *b'chozeq yad*) – a powerful idiom signifying overwhelming, irresistible force, decisive action, and divine omnipotence. This phrase is consistently used throughout the Exodus narrative to attribute the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea directly to God's sovereign power. The "LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) is identified as the sole agent of their salvation, emphasizing His covenant faithfulness and absolute control over history. The repetition of "brought you out" reinforces the divine initiative in their deliverance.
* **"there shall no leavened bread be eaten."**: This is the practical, tangible command that grounds the abstract concept of "remembering." The prohibition of "leavened bread" (Hebrew: *chametz*) during the Passover week serves as a perpetual, sensory reminder of their hasty departure. They left so quickly that they had no time for their dough to rise ([Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Israelites leave Egypt in haste")). This command transforms a historical necessity into a sacred, annual ritual, ensuring that every generation would physically participate in the memory of the Exodus, making the past a present reality.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "brought you out," which underscores the divine agency and the decisive nature of God's action in their liberation. The phrase "house of bondage" functions as a powerful **metaphor**, vividly portraying Egypt not merely as a geographical location but as a system of oppressive slavery, emphasizing the profound contrast with the freedom God provided. Finally, the command regarding "no leavened bread" is a **symbolic act**, transforming a historical detail (the haste of their departure) into a perpetual, tangible memorial that carries deep spiritual significance beyond its literal meaning, pointing towards purity and a clean break from the past.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 13:3 reveals several profound theological truths. First, it underscores **God's sovereign power and redemptive initiative**. Israel's freedom was not earned or achieved by their own efforts but was a direct result of the LORD's "strength of hand," demonstrating His absolute authority over human empires and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Second, it highlights the **importance of active remembrance in faith**. God commands His people to actively recall His mighty acts, not just as historical facts but as foundational truths that shape their identity, foster gratitude, cultivate trust, and compel obedience. Third, the command regarding unleavened bread introduces the theme of **holiness and separation**. The removal of leaven, which can symbolize corruption or sin in other biblical contexts, foreshadows a call to purity and a clean break from the "old life" of bondage, establishing a pattern for God's people to live distinctively. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative by establishing the Exodus as the **archetypal act of salvation** in the Old Testament, setting the pattern for God's deliverance of His people from oppression, a theme that recurs throughout Scripture and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 6:20-23](/deuteronomy/6-20-23 "Teaching the Exodus to Future Generations"): This passage directly instructs parents to teach their children the meaning of the Exodus and the feasts, reinforcing the generational imperative to remember God's mighty hand in bringing them out of the "house of bondage."
* [Psalm 136:10-12](/psalm/136-10-12 "God's Steadfast Love in the Exodus"): This psalm praises God for His steadfast love, specifically mentioning His striking down the firstborn of Egypt and bringing Israel out "with a strong hand and an outstretched arm," echoing the language and theological emphasis of Exodus 13:3.
* [Leviticus 23:6](/leviticus/23-6 "Feast of Unleavened Bread Law"): This verse provides further legal detail for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing its perpetual observance and its intrinsic connection to the Exodus, reinforcing the ritual aspect of remembering God's deliverance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Exodus 13:3 offers profound spiritual parallels and timeless principles for living. Just as Israel was delivered from physical slavery, Christians are delivered from the "house of bondage" of sin and death by the mighty hand of God through Jesus Christ. This verse profoundly calls us to:

* **Actively Remember God's Deliverance:** We are prone to spiritual amnesia, quickly forgetting God's faithfulness and mighty acts in our lives. This verse urges us to intentionally recall His past acts of salvation—whether it's our initial conversion, a specific deliverance from hardship, or His daily provision and guidance. This practice cultivates deep gratitude, strengthens our faith for future challenges, and anchors our identity in His redemptive work.
* **Acknowledge God's Sole Power:** Our salvation, both spiritual and often physical, is entirely a work of God's "strength of hand," not our own efforts, merit, or cleverness. This truth should humble us, eliminate self-reliance, and direct our trust solely to His sovereign grace and omnipotent power in every area of life. It reminds us that true freedom comes only from Him.
* **Live a Life of Purity and Separation:** The symbolism of unleavened bread, representing a swift and pure break from the past, challenges us to "purge out the old leaven" of sin from our lives. As those redeemed by Christ, we are called to live a life of holiness, reflecting our new identity in Him and our separation from the corrupting influences of the world. This involves actively renouncing sin and pursuing righteousness as a tangible expression of our freedom in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "days" or moments of God's "strength of hand" in your personal history or the history of your community do you need to actively remember and celebrate? How can you make this remembrance more intentional?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Israelites, be tempted to forget God's powerful deliverance and rely instead on our own strength, worldly solutions, or the "leaven" of cultural norms?**
* **What "leaven" (sinful habits, attitudes, or influences) do you need to intentionally remove from your life as a tangible expression of your freedom and new identity in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is unleavened bread so important for remembering the Exodus?**

Answer: The prohibition of leavened bread (chametz) is a tangible, sensory reminder of the haste of the Exodus. The Israelites left Egypt so quickly that they didn't have time for their bread dough to rise ([Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Israelites leave Egypt in haste")). Eating unleavened bread (matzah) annually during Passover week allows each generation to physically participate in and remember that pivotal moment of rapid, divinely-orchestrated deliverance. It's a concrete way to embody the memory, making the historical event a present reality for every participant. Beyond the historical, it also carries symbolic weight, often representing purity and a clean break from the past.

**Does "remember this day" imply that the Israelites were prone to forget God's mighty acts?**

Answer: Yes, the command to "remember" (Hebrew: *zakhar*) is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, often given precisely because humanity is prone to forgetfulness, especially concerning God's past faithfulness and mighty deeds. The human tendency is to quickly move on, take blessings for granted, or attribute success to oneself rather than to divine intervention. God institutes these memorials and commands (like the Feast of Unleavened Bread in [Exodus 13:6-7](/exodus/13-6-7 "Feast of Unleavened Bread Instructions")) to counteract this inherent human forgetfulness and ensure that the foundational truths of His character and actions are passed down and lived out by each succeeding generation. This constant call to remember is a testament to God's understanding of human nature and His desire for an enduring covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 13:3, with its emphasis on a decisive deliverance from bondage by God's mighty hand and the symbolism of unleavened bread, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus itself is a powerful **type** of the greater salvation accomplished through Christ. Just as Israel was delivered from physical slavery to Pharaoh and the "house of bondage" of Egypt, humanity is delivered from the spiritual "house of bondage" of sin and death by Christ's "strength of hand" on the cross and through His glorious resurrection. Jesus is explicitly identified by the Apostle Paul as "our Passover Lamb" in [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb"), whose sacrifice inaugurates a new exodus, a liberation from the ultimate oppressor. The command to "purge out therefore the old leaven" in [1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "Purge out the old leaven") directly applies the symbolism of unleavened bread to the Christian life. The "old leaven" represents malice and wickedness, while the "unleavened bread" represents sincerity and truth, signifying that those who have been redeemed by Christ are called to a new life of purity and holiness, having been freed from the corrupting influence of sin by His sacrifice. The hasty departure from Egypt prefigures the urgent call to turn from sin and embrace the new life in Christ. Our salvation, like Israel's, is not by human effort or merit but by the irresistible, decisive power of God revealed in Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, which truly brings us out of spiritual bondage into glorious freedom and newness of life, as promised in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life in Christ").

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

Deuteronomy 24:18

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Deuteronomy 5:15

And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Deuteronomy 5:6

¶ I [am] the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Deuteronomy 16:12

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.

Deuteronomy 15:15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Deuteronomy 6:12

[Then] beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.