Exodus 12:39
And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הוֹצִ֧יאוּ
which they brought forth
H3318
הוֹצִ֧יאוּ
which they brought forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 22
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מַצּ֖וֹת
unleavened
H4682
מַצּ֖וֹת
unleavened
Strong's:
H4682
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָמֵ֑ץ
for it was not leavened
H2556
חָמֵ֑ץ
for it was not leavened
Strong's:
H2556
Word #:
11 of 22
to be pungent; i.e., in taste (sour, i.e., literally fermented, or figuratively, harsh), in color (dazzling)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גֹרְשׁ֣וּ
because they were thrust out
H1644
גֹרְשׁ֣וּ
because they were thrust out
Strong's:
H1644
Word #:
13 of 22
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָֽכְלוּ֙
and could
H3201
יָֽכְלוּ֙
and could
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
16 of 22
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לְהִתְמַהְמֵ֔הַּ
not tarry
H4102
לְהִתְמַהְמֵ֔הַּ
not tarry
Strong's:
H4102
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, to question or hesitate, i.e., (by implication) to be reluctant
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
20 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Exodus 11:1And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.Exodus 6:1Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
Historical Context
This verse explains the historical origin of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. What began as circumstantial necessity became perpetual memorial of hasty redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's call to leave without full preparation teach that obedience must sometimes precede perfect planning?
- What does Israel's lack of provisions reveal about the faith required to step into the unknown at God's command?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Baking 'unleavened cakes of the dough' explains the permanent memorial feast's origin. The phrase 'they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry' emphasizes the urgency that prevented normal bread preparation. The statement 'neither had they prepared for themselves any victual' shows complete dependence on God. This lack of provision made the wilderness journey a sustained trust-exercise.