And this day will be a memorial for youThis phrase refers to the institution of the Passover, marking the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The term "memorial" signifies a lasting remembrance, emphasizing the importance of recalling God's mighty acts. In biblical context, memorials often serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and covenant with His people, similar to the stones set up by Joshua after crossing the Jordan River (
Joshua 4:7).
and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD
The celebration is not merely a cultural tradition but a religious observance dedicated to the LORD. The Passover feast involves specific rituals, including the sacrifice of a lamb, which prefigures Christ as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). This feast underscores the theme of redemption and deliverance, central to the narrative of salvation history.
as a permanent statute
The term "permanent statute" indicates that this observance is to be kept perpetually by the Israelites. It highlights the enduring nature of God's commands and the importance of obedience. This concept of a lasting ordinance is echoed in other biblical feasts and laws, such as the Sabbath (Exodus 31:16-17).
for the generations to come
This phrase emphasizes the transmission of faith and tradition across generations. It underscores the responsibility of each generation to teach the next about God's deliverance and covenant. This idea is reinforced inDeuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are instructed to diligently teach God's commandments to their children. The continuity of the Passover celebration serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His ongoing relationship with His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He communicated God's instructions regarding the Passover to the people.
2.
IsraelitesThe descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypt and were the recipients of God's deliverance through the Passover.
3.
EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved and from which God delivered them through a series of plagues, culminating in the Passover.
4.
PassoverThe event where God spared the Israelites from the final plague by passing over their homes marked with the blood of a lamb, leading to their liberation from Egypt.
5.
Feast of Unleavened BreadA seven-day feast immediately following Passover, commemorating the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, without time for their bread to rise.
Teaching Points
Perpetual RemembranceThe command to celebrate the Passover as a "perpetual statute" underscores the importance of remembering God's deliverance and faithfulness throughout generations.
Symbolism of DeliveranceThe Passover serves as a powerful symbol of God's deliverance, pointing forward to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb.
Community and Family WorshipThe celebration of the Passover was a communal and familial event, highlighting the importance of worship and remembrance within the family and community of faith.
Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites' observance of the Passover was an act of obedience to God's command, reminding us of the importance of following God's instructions in our lives.
Spiritual PreparationJust as the Israelites prepared for the Passover, believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives for worship and remembrance of God's work in their lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 12:14?
2.How can we "celebrate it as a feast" in our modern context?
3.What does "a lasting ordinance" mean for Christians today?
4.How does Exodus 12:14 connect to the Lord's Supper in the New Testament?
5.Why is it important to remember God's deliverance in our daily lives?
6.How can families incorporate the principles of Exodus 12:14 into their traditions?
7.How does Exodus 12:14 shape the understanding of Passover's significance in Christian theology?
8.Why is the observance of Exodus 12:14 important for understanding God's covenant with Israel?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 12:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 12?
11.What defines a lasting ordinance?
12.What are the Jewish feasts and festivals in the Bible?
13.What is the purpose of a Passover Seder?
14.Can unleavened bread be used for Communion?What Does Exodus 12:14 Mean
And this dayThe Lord singles out a specific twenty-four-hour period—the night He struck down Egypt’s firstborn (Exodus 12:29).
•Exodus 12:6 sets the timing: “You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month…”.
•Leviticus 23:5 confirms the annual marker.
Because God acts in real history, He anchors faith to a real calendar date.
will be a memorial for youThis phrase turns the historical moment into a lifelong reminder.
• Memorials in Scripture call God’s people to recall His mighty acts (Exodus 13:9;Joshua 4:6-7).
• Remembering guards hearts from drifting (Deuteronomy 7:18).
Practical takeaways:
- Look back with gratitude for deliverance.
- Let memory shape identity—as former slaves now free.
- Pass over from fear to trust by rehearsing what God has done.
and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORDThe memory moves from thought to joyful worship.
•Deuteronomy 16:2 describes bringing a sacrifice “to the place the LORD will choose.”
•Psalm 81:3-4 links celebration with praising God for setting Joseph free.
For believers today, Christ is “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8); the Lord’s Table carries the same spirit—remembered with reverence and joy.
as a permanent statuteGod’s command is not temporary or optional.
•Exodus 12:17 repeats, “You must keep this feast…as a permanent statute.”
• Jesus affirmed the enduring authority of God’s law (Matthew 5:17).
While the ceremonial details found fulfillment in Christ, the moral call to remember redemption remains binding.
for the generations to comeThe ordinance is forward-looking, safeguarding future faith.
•Exodus 12:24-27 anticipates children asking, “What does this service mean to you?”
•Psalm 78:4-7 urges fathers to tell sons so they will “set their hope in God.”
•Acts 2:39 extends the promise “to you and your children.”
Bullet points for practice:
- Tell the story—often.
- Bake remembrance into family rhythms.
- Show that God’s past grace guarantees His future faithfulness.
summaryExodus 12:14 binds Israel—and everyone redeemed by the Lamb—to a lifestyle of remembering, rejoicing, and relaying God’s rescue. One historic night became a perpetual feast, stamping every generation with the truth that salvation is the Lord’s work, celebrated forever.
(14)
Ye shall keep it a feast . . . by an ordinance for ever.--The Passover is continued in the Eucharist (
1Corinthians 5:7-8); and the Easter celebration, which the Church makes binding on all her members, exactly corresponds in time to the Paschal ceremony, and takes its place. In this way the Passover may be regarded as still continuing under Christianity, and as intended to continue, "even to the end of the world."
Verses 14-20. - Hitherto the directions given have had reference, primarily and mainly, if not wholly, to the first celebration of the Passover on the night preceding the Exodus. Now, it is announced,
(1) That the observance is to be an annual one; and
(2) That it is to he accompanied with certain additional features in the future. These are
(a) the eating of unleavened bread for seven days after the killing of the Passover; . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And thisהַזֶּ֤ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatdayהַיּ֨וֹם(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A daywill beוְהָיָה֩(wə·hā·yāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bea memorial for you,לְזִכָּר֔וֹן(lə·zik·kā·rō·wn)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2146:Memorial, remembranceand you are to celebrateוְחַגֹּתֶ֥ם(wə·ḥag·gō·ṯem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 2287:To make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feastitאֹת֖וֹ(’ō·ṯōw)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseas a feastחַ֣ג(ḥaḡ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2282:A festival gathering, feast, pilgrim feastto the LORD,לַֽיהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelas a lastingעוֹלָ֖ם(‘ō·w·lām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, alwaysordinanceחֻקַּ֥ת(ḥuq·qaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2708:Something prescribed, an enactment, statutefor the generations to come.לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם(lə·ḏō·rō·ṯê·ḵem)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1755:A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling
Links
Exodus 12:14 NIVExodus 12:14 NLTExodus 12:14 ESVExodus 12:14 NASBExodus 12:14 KJV
Exodus 12:14 BibleApps.comExodus 12:14 Biblia ParalelaExodus 12:14 Chinese BibleExodus 12:14 French BibleExodus 12:14 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 12:14 This day shall be to you (Exo. Ex) 
