Exodus Chapter 12 · Verse 42
It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
Original Language Analysis
הַלַּ֤יְלָה
It is a night
H3915
הַלַּ֤יְלָה
It is a night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְהֽוֹצִיאָ֖ם
for bringing
H3318
לְהֽוֹצִיאָ֖ם
for bringing
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
them out from the land
H776
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
them out from the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
6 of 16
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הַלַּ֤יְלָה
It is a night
H3915
הַלַּ֤יְלָה
It is a night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֵ֥י
of all the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
of all the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
This verse establishes Passover night as the most significant date in Jewish calendar. The 'night to be remembered' created a liturgical center around which Israel's worship year revolved.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that God 'watched' for you during your redemption deepen appreciation for His saving work?
- What specific ways do you 'observe' the anniversary of your conversion or spiritual milestones?
Analysis & Commentary
This night is 'much to be observed' (leil shimurim, לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים—a night of watching). God 'watched' to bring them out; Israel must 'observe' by remembering. The reciprocal watching creates a memorial where both divine vigilance and human remembrance meet. The phrase 'throughout their generations' ensures perpetual commemoration. This night becomes Israel's defining moment, annually re-experienced.