Exodus 13:3 - Moses said to the people, “Remember this day, in which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.

Generated Verse: Exodus 13:3

What does "Exodus 13:3" mean?


Exodus 13:3 is a key verse commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and establishing the festival of Passover. Let's break down its meaning:

"Moses said to the people, 'Remember this day, in which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage...' ": This emphasizes the importance of remembering the day of the Exodus. It wasn't just a historical event; it was a foundational event that shaped the identity and destiny of the Israelites. They were to actively and continually recall their liberation from slavery in Egypt, referred to as "the house of bondage". This liberation was their birth as a nation, freed from forced labor and oppression.

"...for by strength of hand Yahweh brought you out from this place.": This highlights that their freedom wasn't achieved by their own efforts but by the power of God (Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible). The "strength of hand" is a figure of speech referring to God's mighty acts, like the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, which demonstrated His intervention and power over the Egyptians.

"No leavened bread shall be eaten.": This introduces the ritual observance associated with the remembrance. Avoiding leavened bread (bread that has risen with yeast) is a symbolic act. It represents the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt, not having time for their bread to rise. It also symbolizes a rejection of the old, corrupted life in Egypt and an embrace of a new life dedicated to God. This command is the basis for the Passover tradition of eating matzah (unleavened bread).

In essence, this verse establishes a memorial, a way for each generation to remember and internalize the significance of the Exodus. It links the historical event with a ritual practice (avoiding leavened bread) that reinforces the meaning of freedom and God's deliverance. The verse reminds the Israelites of:

Their liberation from slavery: The Exodus was a turning point in their history.
God's power and faithfulness: God was the one who brought them out.
The importance of remembering: They were commanded to never forget what God had done for them.
The symbolic meaning of unleavened bread: A reminder of their hasty departure and a symbol of their new life.

The entire verse is about creating a tangible and ongoing reminder of God's redemptive act, meant to shape their identity and faith for generations to come.