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.
Original Language Analysis
בָּֽרִאשֹׁ֡ן
In the first
H7223
בָּֽרִאשֹׁ֡ן
In the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
1 of 14
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
עָשָׂ֨ר
month on the fourteenth
H6240
עָשָׂ֨ר
month on the fourteenth
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
3 of 14
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
י֣וֹם
day
H3117
י֣וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
מַצֹּ֑ת
unleavened bread
H4682
מַצֹּ֑ת
unleavened bread
Strong's:
H4682
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
עַ֠ד
H5704
עַ֠ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
י֣וֹם
day
H3117
י֣וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
10 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הָֽאֶחָ֧ד
until the one
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֧ד
until the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Historical Context
Reckoning days from evening to evening follows Hebrew timekeeping where days begin at sunset. This specific dating prevented confusion and ensured uniform observance throughout Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's concern for precise timing in worship challenge casualness in your own spiritual disciplines?
- What does the fixed calendar date teach about grounding faith in historical events rather than subjective feelings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The specification 'fourteenth day...at even' until 'one and twentieth day...at even' defines precisely seven complete days. The phrase 'in the first month' (Abib/Nisan) permanently anchors this observance to the redemption anniversary. The meticulous timing reveals God's concern for exact obedience in worship, not casual approximation.