Exodus 12:19 - There shall be no yeast found in your houses for seven days, for whoever eats that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a foreigner, or one who is born in the land.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 12:19" mean?
This verse, Exodus 12:19, is part of the instructions for observing Passover (Pesach). Let's break down its meaning:
"There shall be no yeast found in your houses for seven days": This is a strict command. During the seven days of Passover (in Israel, and often eight days outside of Israel), Jewish people are forbidden to possess chametz (leavened bread or foods made with leavening agents like yeast). The entire home must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any traces of chametz.
"whoever eats that which is leavened": This refers to anyone consuming chametz during Passover.
"that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel": This is a very serious consequence. The term "cut off" (karet in Hebrew) has different interpretations in Jewish tradition, but it generally implies a severe spiritual penalty. It could mean:
Premature death or lack of posterity
Exclusion from the Jewish community and its spiritual blessings in the afterlife
Spiritual excommunication from the Jewish people
"whether he is a foreigner, or one who is born in the land": This emphasizes that the prohibition against eating chametz applies to everyone living within the Jewish community during Passover, regardless of their origin or status.
Symbolism and Significance:
Chametz as Symbol: Chametz, particularly bread that has risen, represents pride, arrogance, and corruption. Yeast symbolizes the "puffing up" of ego. The elimination of chametz symbolizes a cleansing, a getting rid of the old and making way for the new.
Matzah as Symbol: In contrast, matzah (unleavened bread) represents humility, simplicity, and the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. It is a reminder of their redemption from slavery.
Remembering the Exodus: The removal of chametz and the eating of matzah are both essential elements of the Passover Seder (the ritual meal) and serve to vividly remind Jewish people of their ancestors' exodus from Egypt.
In essence, this verse underscores the importance of adhering to the Passover laws. It is not just about avoiding certain foods; it's about participating in a spiritual cleansing and commemorating the foundational event of Jewish history - the Exodus.
Exodus 12:19 - There shall be no yeast found in your houses for seven days, for whoever eats that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a foreigner, or one who is born in the land.
What does "Exodus 12:19" mean?
This verse, Exodus 12:19, is part of the instructions for observing Passover (Pesach). Let's break down its meaning:
"There shall be no yeast found in your houses for seven days": This is a strict command. During the seven days of Passover (in Israel, and often eight days outside of Israel), Jewish people are forbidden to possess chametz (leavened bread or foods made with leavening agents like yeast). The entire home must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any traces of chametz.
"whoever eats that which is leavened": This refers to anyone consuming chametz during Passover.
"that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel": This is a very serious consequence. The term "cut off" (karet in Hebrew) has different interpretations in Jewish tradition, but it generally implies a severe spiritual penalty. It could mean:
Premature death or lack of posterity
Exclusion from the Jewish community and its spiritual blessings in the afterlife
Spiritual excommunication from the Jewish people
"whether he is a foreigner, or one who is born in the land": This emphasizes that the prohibition against eating chametz applies to everyone living within the Jewish community during Passover, regardless of their origin or status.
Symbolism and Significance:
Chametz as Symbol: Chametz, particularly bread that has risen, represents pride, arrogance, and corruption. Yeast symbolizes the "puffing up" of ego. The elimination of chametz symbolizes a cleansing, a getting rid of the old and making way for the new.
Matzah as Symbol: In contrast, matzah (unleavened bread) represents humility, simplicity, and the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. It is a reminder of their redemption from slavery.
Remembering the Exodus: The removal of chametz and the eating of matzah are both essential elements of the Passover Seder (the ritual meal) and serve to vividly remind Jewish people of their ancestors' exodus from Egypt.
In essence, this verse underscores the importance of adhering to the Passover laws. It is not just about avoiding certain foods; it's about participating in a spiritual cleansing and commemorating the foundational event of Jewish history - the Exodus.