Exodus 12:44
But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִ֖ישׁ
But every man's
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
But every man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִקְנַת
that is bought
H4736
מִקְנַת
that is bought
Strong's:
H4736
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, a buying, i.e., acquisition; concretely, a piece of property (land or living); also the sum paid
כָּ֑סֶף
for money
H3701
כָּ֑סֶף
for money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
5 of 10
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וּמַלְתָּ֣ה
when thou hast circumcised
H4135
וּמַלְתָּ֣ה
when thou hast circumcised
Strong's:
H4135
Word #:
6 of 10
to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָ֖ז
H227
Historical Context
Servants in Israel gained covenant privileges through circumcision, contrasting with their exclusion in most ancient cultures. This anticipated Galatians 3:28's truth that in Christ there's neither slave nor free.
Questions for Reflection
- How does including purchased servants after circumcision illustrate that covenant standing comes through the covenant sign, not ethnicity?
- What does the requirement of circumcision before participation teach about visible commitment preceding covenant privileges?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The provision that 'every man's servant that is bought for money' can eat Passover after circumcision shows grace extending through covenant signs. Circumcision marked entrance into covenant community regardless of ethnicity. The purchased servant's inclusion demonstrates that redemption-price paid and covenant-sign received grants equal standing. This prefigures redemption in Christ opening covenant membership to all who believe.