Exodus 12:38
And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
עֵ֥רֶב
And a mixed
H6154
עֵ֥רֶב
And a mixed
Strong's:
H6154
Word #:
2 of 10
the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race)
רַ֖ב
multitude
H7227
רַ֖ב
multitude
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
3 of 10
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
עָלָ֣ה
went up
H5927
עָלָ֣ה
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
4 of 10
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אִתָּ֑ם
H854
אִתָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וְצֹ֣אן
also with them and flocks
H6629
וְצֹ֣אן
also with them and flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
6 of 10
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וּבָקָ֔ר
and herds
H1241
וּבָקָ֔ר
and herds
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
7 of 10
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
מִקְנֶ֖ה
cattle
H4735
מִקְנֶ֖ה
cattle
Strong's:
H4735
Word #:
8 of 10
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
Cross References
Numbers 11:4And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?Zechariah 8:23Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
Historical Context
Mixed multitudes often caused problems (Numbers 11:4), yet God permitted them to join. This demonstrates that covenant membership came through faith and identification with Israel, not pure bloodline.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the mixed multitude's inclusion anticipate the gospel breaking ethnic boundaries to include all believers?
- What responsibilities come with publicly identifying yourself with God's people by joining their journey?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The 'mixed multitude' (erev rav, עֵרֶב רַב) were non-Israelites—Egyptians and others who joined the exodus after witnessing God's power. Their inclusion shows redemption extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who believe. The 'flocks, and herds, even very much cattle' represent wealth and provision for the journey. This mixed assembly prefigures the church—Jews and Gentiles united in faith.