Exodus 12:34
And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
took
H5375
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
took
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
הָעָ֛ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
טֶ֣רֶם
H2962
טֶ֣רֶם
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
יֶחְמָ֑ץ
before it was leavened
H2556
יֶחְמָ֑ץ
before it was leavened
Strong's:
H2556
Word #:
6 of 11
to be pungent; i.e., in taste (sour, i.e., literally fermented, or figuratively, harsh), in color (dazzling)
מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛ם
their kneadingtroughs
H4863
מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛ם
their kneadingtroughs
Strong's:
H4863
Word #:
7 of 11
a kneading-trough (in which the dough rises)
צְרֻרֹ֥ת
being bound up
H6887
צְרֻרֹ֥ת
being bound up
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
8 of 11
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
Historical Context
Kneading troughs (misharot) were wooden bowls for preparing bread. Carrying these and dough in their outer garments shows the suddenness of departure after 430 years of settlement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does leaving with unleavened dough picture the Christian call to immediate obedience without perfect preparation?
- What does carrying raw materials rather than finished supplies teach about depending on God for daily provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Taking 'dough before it was leavened' demonstrates the haste of departure—no time for normal preparation. The phrase 'their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders' pictures a people ready for immediate travel, carrying raw supplies. This unplanned departure without provisions required faith in God's sustenance and led to the later miracle of manna.