Exodus 12:13

Authorized King James Version

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַדָּ֔ם

H1818

And the blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

לָכֶ֜ם

לְאֹ֗ת

H226

shall be to you for a token

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

עַ֤ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבָּתִּים֙

H1004

upon the houses

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַתֶּ֣ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שָׁ֔ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#10

וְרָאִ֙יתִי֙

H7200

where ye are and when I see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

הַדָּ֔ם

H1818

And the blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

#13

וּפָֽסַחְתִּ֖י

H6452

I will pass

to hop, i.e., (figuratively) skip over (or spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp, to dance

#14

עֲלֵכֶ֑ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#17

בָכֶ֥ם

#18

נֶ֙גֶף֙

H5063

over you and the plague

a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)

#19

לְמַשְׁחִ֔ית

H4889

shall not be upon you to destroy

destructive, i.e., (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption)

#20

בְּהַכֹּתִ֖י

H5221

you when I smite

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#21

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#22

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 1 Corinthians 5:7 1 Corinthians 5:7
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
— Christ our passover
² 1 Peter 1:19 1 Peter 1:19
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
— Precious blood of Christ
³ Hebrews 11:28 Hebrews 11:28
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
— Through faith kept the passover

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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