Exodus 12:23

Exodus 12:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

King James Version KJV

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

American Standard Version ASV

For Jehovah will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side-posts, Jehovah will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For the Lord will go through the land, sending death on the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the two sides and the top of the door, the Lord will go over your door and will not let death come in for your destruction.

Free Bible Version FBV

When the Lord passes through to punish the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. He will pass over the door, and he will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and kill you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For the Lord will passe by to smite the Egyptians: and when he seeth the blood vpon the lintel and on the two doore cheekes, the Lord wil passe ouer the doore, and wil not suffer the destroyer to come into your houses to plague you.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And Jehovah hath passed on to smite the Egyptians, and hath seen the blood on the lintel, and on the two side-posts, and Jehovah hath passed over the opening, and doth not permit the destruction to come into your houses to smite.

World English Bible WEB

For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side-posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For the Lord will pass through striking the Egyptians: and when he shall see the blood on the transom, and on both the posts, he will pass over the door of the house, and not suffer the destroyer to come into your houses and to hurt you.

Translation for Translators T4T

When Yahweh goes throughout Egypt to kill the oldest male in each Egyptian family, he will see the blood on the ◄lintels/beams of your doorways►, and he will ignore and pass by those houses. He will not allow the angel who causes people to die to enter your houses and kill any of your oldest sons.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 12:23

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 12:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עָבַ֣ר יְהוָה֮ לִ/נְגֹּ֣ף אֶת מִצְרַיִם֒ וְ/רָאָ֤ה אֶת הַ/דָּם֙ עַל הַ/מַּשְׁק֔וֹף וְ/עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י הַ/מְּזוּזֹ֑ת וּ/פָסַ֤ח יְהוָה֙ עַל הַ/פֶּ֔תַח וְ/לֹ֤א יִתֵּן֙ הַ/מַּשְׁחִ֔ית לָ/בֹ֥א אֶל בָּתֵּי/כֶ֖ם לִ/נְגֹּֽף

וְ/עָבַ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Qal-3ms

יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לִ/נְגֹּ֣ף nâgaph H5062 to strike Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מִצְרַיִם֒ Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper

וְ/רָאָ֤ה râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דָּם֙ dâm H1818 blood Art | N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/מַּשְׁק֔וֹף mashqôwph H4947 lintel Art | N-ms

וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

שְׁתֵּ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

הַ/מְּזוּזֹ֑ת mᵉzûwzâh H4201 doorpost Art | N-fp

וּ/פָסַ֤ח pâçach H6452 to pass Conj | V-Qal-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/פֶּ֔תַח pethach H6607 entrance Art | N-ms

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יִתֵּן֙ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

הַ/מַּשְׁחִ֔ית shâchath H7843 to ruin Art | N-ms

לָ/בֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

בָּתֵּי/כֶ֖ם bayith H1004 place N-mp | Suff

לִ/נְגֹּֽף nâgaph H5062 to strike Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 12:23

וְ/עָבַ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לִ/נְגֹּ֣ף nâgaph H5062 "to strike" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To strike or smite is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in Joshua to describe battles and in Psalms to describe God's judgment. It can also mean to stumble or hurt someone, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִצְרַיִם֒ Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

וְ/רָאָ֤ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/דָּם֙ dâm H1818 "blood" Art | N-ms

Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/מַּשְׁק֔וֹף mashqôwph H4947 "lintel" Art | N-ms

This word refers to the horizontal beam above a door, known as a lintel. In the Bible, it appears in books like Exodus and Ezekiel, often describing the architecture of buildings or temples.

Definition: lintel (of door)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: lintel. See also: Exodus 12:7; Exodus 12:22; Exodus 12:23.

וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

שְׁתֵּ֣י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

הַ/מְּזוּזֹ֑ת mᵉzûwzâh H4201 "doorpost" Art | N-fp

A doorpost is the vertical post on either side of a door, and in biblical times, it was a prominent feature of a house. The Hebrew word for doorpost is mezuzah.

Definition: doorpost, gatepost

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (door, side) post. See also: Exodus 12:7; 1 Kings 6:31; Proverbs 8:34.

וּ/פָסַ֤ח pâçach H6452 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

To limp or hop is the meaning of this verb, which can also mean to skip over or spare something. It is used in Exodus 12:27 to describe the Israelites' actions during the Passover.

Definition: 1) to pass over, spring over 1a) (Qal) to pass over 1b) (Piel) to skip, pass over

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: halt, become lame, leap, pass over. See also: Exodus 12:13; 2 Samuel 5:6; Isaiah 31:5.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

הַ/פֶּ֔תַח pethach H6607 "entrance" Art | N-ms

A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.

Definition: opening, doorway, entrance

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִתֵּן֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

הַ/מַּשְׁחִ֔ית shâchath H7843 "to ruin" Art | N-ms

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.

לָ/בֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

בָּתֵּי/כֶ֖ם bayith H1004 "place" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

לִ/נְגֹּֽף nâgaph H5062 "to strike" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.

Study Notes — Exodus 12:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 12:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:23
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 12:23
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:23
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:23
Sermons on Exodus 12:23

Context — The Feast of Unleavened Bread

21Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and told them, “Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for each family, and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning.

23When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

24And you are to keep this command as a permanent statute for you and your descendants. 25When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as He promised, you are to keep this service.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Revelation 7:3	“Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God.”
2	Revelation 9:4	They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
3	Hebrews 11:28	By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn.
4	Exodus 12:12–13	On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
5	1 Corinthians 10:10	And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.
6	Ezekiel 9:6	Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple.
7	Isaiah 37:36	Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!
8	2 Samuel 24:16	But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
9	Hebrews 12:24	to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
10	Ezekiel 9:4	“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”

Exodus 12:23 Summary

Exodus 12:23 tells us that when God saw the blood on the doorframe, He would pass over that house and not allow the destroyer to enter. This means that God would spare the lives of those who had faith in the blood of the lamb. In the same way, when we put our faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, we are spared from God's judgment and wrath (Romans 5:9). This verse reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands, and how He provides protection and salvation for those who trust in Him (Psalm 91:1-2).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the blood on the doorframe in Exodus 12:23?

The blood on the doorframe represents the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, which symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins, as seen in John 1:29 and 1 Corinthians 5:7. This act of obedience and faith in the blood of the lamb spared the Israelites from the destroyer.

Who is the destroyer mentioned in Exodus 12:23?

The destroyer is likely an angel of the Lord or a divine agent of judgment, as seen in Exodus 12:13 and Hebrews 11:28, who was sent to execute God's judgment on the Egyptians but passed over the Israelites who had applied the blood of the lamb to their doorframes.

Why did God instruct the Israelites to stay inside their houses until morning?

God instructed the Israelites to stay inside their houses until morning to protect them from the destroyer and to demonstrate their faith and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Exodus 12:22 and Deuteronomy 6:25.

What is the spiritual application of Exodus 12:23 for believers today?

The spiritual application of Exodus 12:23 for believers today is that just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from the destroyer, the blood of Jesus Christ protects believers from God's judgment and wrath, as seen in Romans 5:9 and 1 Thessalonians 1:10.

Reflection Questions

What does the concept of 'passing over' mean to me personally, and how can I apply it to my life as a believer?
How does the image of the blood on the doorframe remind me of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and what does it mean for my salvation?
In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and obedience to God's commands, just as the Israelites did by applying the blood to their doorframes?
How can I trust in God's protection and provision, just as the Israelites trusted in the blood of the lamb to spare their lives?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 12:23

For the Lord will pass though to smite the Egyptians,.... All the firstborn in the several families, in all the towns and cities in Egypt: and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and upon the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 12:23

Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. Then Moses called ... Here are given special directions for the observance.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 12:23

Will not suffer, Heb. not give him license or commission. The destroyer, i.e. the destroying angel, which whether it were a good or bad angel is not agreed, nor is it necessary to determine.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 12:23

Exodus 12:23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite [you].Ver. 23. Will not suffer the destroyer.] Angels delight to be executioners of God’ s judgments, and saviours of his people.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 12:23

(23) The destroyer.—The “plague” of Exodus 12:13 is here called “the destroyer” (τὸνὀλεθρεύοντα, LXX.), as again in Hebrews 12:28. Jehovah seems to have employed an angel, or “angels” (Ps. 79:48) as His agents to effect the actual slaying of the firstborn. (Comp. 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:15; 2 Kings 19:35.) There is no struggle or opposition (as Bishop Lowth and Redslob think) between Jehovah and” the destroyer,” who is simply His minister (Hebrews 1:14), bidden to enter some houses and to “pass over” others.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 12:23

23. pass over] The verb is cognate with pιsaḥ ?. See on v. 13. the destroyer] The destroying angel: cf. esp. 2 Samuel 24:16; also Isaiah 37:36. LXX. ὁὀλεθρεύων: cf. Hebrews 11:28; and (with allusion to Numbers 16:46-50) Wis 18:25, 1 Corinthians 10:10 (ὁὀλοθρευτής).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 12:23

22, 23. Hyssop — This has not been mentioned before. The hyssop included several species of herb, but that used in Egypt was, according to Kimchi and Maimonides, wild marjoram, an aromatic plant and

Sermons on Exodus 12:23

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 11:10 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the gods of Egypt claiming the firstborn of both man and beast. However, God intervenes and takes what belongs to Him. The spea
	Hebrews 11 by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories from the Bible to emphasize the importance of seeking God's perspective in difficult situations. He recounts the story of a little o
	I Can't Take It by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, Pastor Symbol emphasizes the importance of shining as believers by doing everything without complaining or arguing. He acknowledges that this is not an easy task, b
	Midnight! What Then? by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the ten virgins from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and ready for the return of Christ. The five f
	The Lamb by G.W. North	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and Moses in Egypt as a way to illustrate how God prepares for his people. He emphasizes that everything in the world bel
	(Revelation - Part 2): A Prognosis of Events by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ. He uses a story about a boy who eagerly awaits his father's return
	(Through the Bible) Revelation 13-15 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the final judgments of God and the coming of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that mankind has reached the peak of rebellion against God, and it i