Exodus 12:48
And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָג֨וּר
shall sojourn
H1481
יָג֨וּר
shall sojourn
Strong's:
H1481
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
אִתְּךָ֜
H854
אִתְּךָ֜
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
גֵּ֗ר
And when a stranger
H1616
גֵּ֗ר
And when a stranger
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
4 of 22
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
לַֽעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ
and keep
H6213
לַֽעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ
and keep
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
פֶסַח֮
the passover
H6453
פֶסַח֮
the passover
Strong's:
H6453
Word #:
6 of 22
a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)
לַֽיהוָה֒
to the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָה֒
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הִמּ֧וֹל
be circumcised
H4135
הִמּ֧וֹל
be circumcised
Strong's:
H4135
Word #:
8 of 22
to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
זָכָ֗ר
let all his males
H2145
זָכָ֗ר
let all his males
Strong's:
H2145
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
וְאָז֙
H227
יִקְרַ֣ב
and then let him come near
H7126
יִקְרַ֣ב
and then let him come near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
13 of 22
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
לַֽעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ
and keep
H6213
לַֽעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ
and keep
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְהָיָ֖ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
15 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּאֶזְרַ֣ח
it and he shall be as one that is born
H249
כְּאֶזְרַ֣ח
it and he shall be as one that is born
Strong's:
H249
Word #:
16 of 22
a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרֵ֖ל
for no uncircumcised person
H6189
עָרֵ֖ל
for no uncircumcised person
Strong's:
H6189
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)
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
Numbers 9:14And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Exodus 12:43And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:Exodus 12:19Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.Ezekiel 47:22And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.
Historical Context
This provision allowed Egyptians and others who witnessed the exodus to join Israel through circumcision. It created a legal path for Gentile inclusion in the covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the equal standing of circumcised strangers anticipate the gospel breaking down ethnic barriers?
- What does requiring the covenant sign before participation teach about visible profession preceding covenant privileges?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The provision for 'strangers' (ger, גֵּר—resident alien) to join through circumcision demonstrates gracious inclusion. Circumcision served as the covenant entrance sign—faith made visible through obedience. After circumcision, the former stranger becomes 'as one that is born in the land,' enjoying equal status. This gracious inclusion prefigures gospel truth: faith in Christ, marked by baptism, makes all believers equal covenant members regardless of background.