Deuteronomy 16:4 - No yeast shall be seen with you in all your borders seven days; neither shall any of the meat, which you sacrifice the first day at evening, remain all night until the morning.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 16:4

What does "Deuteronomy 16:4" mean?


This verse from Deuteronomy 16:4 relates specifically to the observance of Passover (Pesach), a major Jewish festival. Let's break down its meaning:

"No yeast shall be seen with you in all your borders seven days": This is the core command against having any leavened products (anything made with yeast or other leavening agents) during the entire seven days of Passover. "Borders" implies that you shouldn't even have it stored anywhere in your territory or under your control. This isn't just about not eating it, but about actively removing it from your home. This prohibition is rooted in the story of the Exodus, where the Israelites had to leave Egypt in a hurry, without time for their bread to rise.

"neither shall any of the meat, which you sacrifice the first day at evening, remain all night until the morning": This refers to the Passover sacrifice (the korban Pesach). The animal sacrificed on the eve of Passover had to be completely consumed that night. Nothing was to be left over until the morning. This reflects the urgency and sacredness of the offering. The consumption had to be done within the time of the festival. Any remaining meat became invalid and could not be used.

In essence, the verse emphasizes the following key points about the Passover observance:

Complete removal of leaven: An absolute prohibition of leavened products (yeast, etc.) for the duration of the festival.
Prompt consumption of the Passover sacrifice: The sacrifice was to be eaten entirely on the first night of the festival.

Significance:

These commandments are designed to create a distinct experience during Passover, serving as a constant reminder of the Exodus from Egypt. Removing the yeast and eating the sacrifice promptly would have been a tangible way to internalize the story and its meaning, re-enacting the urgency of the Israelites' departure.

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