Exodus 12:1

Authorized King James Version

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And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

Original Language Analysis

לֵאמֹֽר׃ saying H559
לֵאמֹֽר׃ saying
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 9
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָה֙ And the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 9
near, with or among; often in general, to
מֹשֶׁ֣ה unto Moses H4872
מֹשֶׁ֣ה unto Moses
Strong's: H4872
Word #: 4 of 9
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
וְאֶֽל H413
וְאֶֽל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 9
near, with or among; often in general, to
אַהֲרֹ֔ן and Aaron H175
אַהֲרֹ֔ן and Aaron
Strong's: H175
Word #: 6 of 9
aharon, the brother of moses
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ in the land H776
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ in the land
Strong's: H776
Word #: 7 of 9
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
מִצְרַ֖יִם of Egypt H4714
מִצְרַ֖יִם of Egypt
Strong's: H4714
Word #: 8 of 9
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
לֵאמֹֽר׃ saying H559
לֵאמֹֽר׃ saying
Strong's: H559
Word #: 9 of 9
to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis & Commentary

The divine initiative in establishing Passover emphasizes God's sovereignty in redemption. This inaugural command, given while Israel remained enslaved, demonstrates that deliverance precedes obedience—grace before law. The dual address to both Moses and Aaron establishes the prophetic-priestly leadership pattern that would guide Israel through the exodus.

Historical Context

Spoken in Egypt, likely in Goshen, during the final month of Israel's 430-year Egyptian sojourn (Exodus 12:40-41). This marks the beginning of Israel's sacred calendar.

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