Exodus 13:6
Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
Seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
Seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
1 of 8
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וּבַיּוֹם֙
day
H3117
וּבַיּוֹם֙
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
מַצֹּ֑ת
unleavened bread
H4682
מַצֹּ֑ת
unleavened bread
Strong's:
H4682
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
וּבַיּוֹם֙
day
H3117
וּבַיּוֹם֙
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Historical Context
This feast immediately follows Passover (fifteenth through twenty-first of Abib). Together they form an eight-day observance marking redemption and purification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the seven-day duration teach that sanctification is a sustained process, not a one-time event?
- What 'leaven' in your life needs purging to keep your spiritual house clean?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The seven-day feast of unleavened bread reiterates Exodus 12:15's command. Seven days symbolizes completeness—redemption sanctifies the whole of life, not just one day. The removal of leaven (representing corruption, sin, pride) pictures comprehensive purification. Paul explicitly applies this: 'purge out therefore the old leaven...let us keep the feast...with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth' (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).