Exodus 13:7 - Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and no leavened bread shall be seen with you. No yeast shall be seen with you, within all your borders.

Generated Verse: Exodus 13:7

What does "Exodus 13:7" mean?


Exodus 13:7 is a very specific instruction related to the Passover festival. Let's break down what it means:

"Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days..." This refers to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is celebrated for seven days immediately following Passover. During this entire period, the Israelites are commanded to eat only unleavened bread (matzah). Unleavened bread symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt; they didn't have time to let their bread rise.

"...and no leavened bread shall be seen with you." This is a prohibition. It means that not only should they not eat leavened bread, but they also shouldn't possess it during those seven days.

"No yeast shall be seen with you, within all your borders." This reinforces the previous point. It broadens the prohibition from just leavened bread to the ingredient used to make it rise: yeast (or any other leavening agent). The command extends to all areas within their territory; no yeast or leavened bread should be present anywhere among them.

In summary, this verse commands the Israelites to completely abstain from all forms of leavened bread and yeast during the seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, both by not eating it and by not even possessing it within their land. This is a symbolic act meant to commemorate their hasty departure from Egypt and their liberation from slavery.

Key Takeaways:

Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread: This verse is part of the larger Passover narrative.
Matzah: Only unleavened bread (matzah) is permitted during this time.
Prohibition of Leaven: Leavened bread, yeast, and any leavening agents are forbidden.
Complete Removal: The prohibition extends beyond just eating; possession of leaven is also forbidden.
Symbolic Significance: The unleavened bread symbolizes the Israelites' haste and freedom from slavery.

This verse is taken very seriously by observant Jews. Before Passover, they engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes to remove any trace of leaven (called chametz). This is a practical and symbolic act of purification and remembrance.

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