New International VersionAnd when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’
New Living TranslationThen your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’
English Standard VersionAnd when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’
Berean Standard BibleWhen your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’
King James BibleAnd it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
New King James VersionAnd it shall be, when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’
New American Standard BibleAnd when your children say to you, ‘What does this rite mean to you?’
NASB 1995“And when your children say to you, ‘What does this rite mean to you?’
NASB 1977“And it will come about when your children will say to you, ‘What does this rite mean to you?’
Legacy Standard BibleAnd it will be when your children say to you, ‘What is the meaning of this new slavery to you?’
Amplified BibleWhen your children say to you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’
Christian Standard BibleWhen your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you? ’
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen your children ask you, ‘What does this ritual mean to you?’
American Standard VersionAnd it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
Contemporary English VersionYour children will ask you, "What are we celebrating?"
English Revised VersionAnd it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen your children ask you what this ceremony means to you,
Good News TranslationWhen your children ask you, 'What does this ritual mean?'
International Standard VersionAnd when your children say to you, 'What does this ritual mean?'
NET BibleWhen your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?'--
New Heart English BibleIt will happen, when your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this service?'
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd it shall come to pass, when your children shall say to you, What mean you by this service? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’
World English BibleIt will happen, when your children ask you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it has come to pass, when your sons say to you, What [is] this service you have?
Young's Literal Translation and it hath come to pass when your sons say unto you, What is this service ye have?
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it shall be when your sons shall say to you, What this service to you? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when your children shall say to you: What is the meaning of this service?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when your sons will say to you, ‘What is the meaning of this religious observance?’
New American BibleWhen your children ask you, ‘What does this rite of yours mean?’
New Revised Standard VersionAnd when your children ask you, ‘What do you mean by this observance?’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it shall come to pass when your children shall say to you, What is the meaning of this service?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd it will be when your children will say to you, ‘What is this service?’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you: What mean ye by this service?
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd it shall come to pass, if your sons say to you, What is this service?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Feast of Unleavened Bread… 25When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as He promised, you are to keep this service. 26Whenyour childrenask you,‘Whatdoes this servicemeanto you?’27you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’ ” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.…
Cross References Deuteronomy 6:20-25In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” / then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. / Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. ...
Joshua 4:6-7to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ / you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.”
Joshua 4:21-24Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ / you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ / For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. ...
Psalm 78:3-6that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. / We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, ...
Psalm 105:43-45He brought forth His people with rejoicing, His chosen with shouts of joy. / He gave them the lands of the nations, that they might inherit the fruit of others’ labor, / that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah!
Psalm 145:4-7One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts— / the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works. / They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds, and I will declare Your greatness. ...
Isaiah 38:19The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness.
Joel 1:3Tell it to your children; let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.
Exodus 13:8-9And on that day you are to explain to your son, ‘This is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ / It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.
Exodus 13:14-16In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. / And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’ / So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 4:9-10Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. / The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”
Deuteronomy 11:19Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. / Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth.
Hebrews 11:28By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn.
Luke 22:19-20And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” / In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.
Treasury of Scripture And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say to you, What mean you by this service? your children Exodus 13:8,9,14,15 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying,This is done because of thatwhich the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt… Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Jump to Previous ActCeremonyChildrenMeanReasonRiteServiceWhatWorshipJump to Next ActCeremonyChildrenMeanReasonRiteServiceWhatWorshipExodus 12 1.The beginning of the year is changed3.The Passover is instituted11.The import of the rite of the Passover15.Unleavened bread29.The firstborn are slain31.The Israelites are driven out of the land37.They come to Succoth41.The time of their sojourning43.The ordinance of the PassoverWhen your children ask you,This phrase anticipates a future inquiry from the next generation, highlighting the importance of passing down faith and traditions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, oral tradition was a primary means of education. The question from children signifies curiosity and a desire to understand their heritage, which is a common theme in the Bible ( Deuteronomy 6:20). It underscores the role of parents as spiritual educators, a principle echoed in Proverbs 22:6. ‘What does this service mean to you?’
The "service" refers to the Passover, a pivotal event in Israel's history commemorating their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This question invites reflection on the significance of the Passover, which is both a historical remembrance and a spiritual symbol. The Passover lamb is a type of Christ, as seen in1 Corinthians 5:7, where Paul refers to Jesus as "our Passover lamb." The inquiry encourages a personal connection to the ritual, ensuring that the observance is not merely a tradition but a meaningful act of worship. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of remembrance and the importance of understanding God's redemptive acts (Psalm 78:4-7). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is the one who conveys God's instructions regarding the Passover to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, who are enslaved in Egypt and are the recipients of God's deliverance through the Passover event. 3. EgyptThe land where the Israelites are enslaved. It is the setting for the plagues and the eventual Exodus. 4. PassoverThe event where God "passed over" the houses of the Israelites marked with lamb's blood, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn. 5. ChildrenThe future generations of Israelites who will inquire about the significance of the Passover, prompting the retelling of God's deliverance. Teaching Points Importance of RemembranceThe Passover serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance. It is crucial to remember and recount God's faithfulness in our lives. Role of Parents in Spiritual EducationParents are tasked with the responsibility of teaching their children about God's works and commandments, ensuring the faith is passed down through generations. Symbolism and FulfillmentThe Passover is a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. Understanding the Old Testament symbols enriches our comprehension of the New Testament fulfillment. Engaging the Next GenerationEncourage curiosity and questions from children about faith and traditions. This engagement is vital for their spiritual growth and understanding. Living Out Our FaithJust as the Israelites were to live in a way that prompted questions from their children, our lives should reflect our faith in a way that invites inquiry and discussion. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 12:26?
2.How can we explain the Passover's significance to our children today?
3.What does Exodus 12:26 teach about the importance of family spiritual education?
4.How does the Passover foreshadow Christ's sacrifice in the New Testament?
5.In what ways can we commemorate God's deliverance in our lives?
6.How can Exodus 12:26 inspire us to share our faith with others?
7.What is the significance of the Passover ritual described in Exodus 12:26 for Christians today?
8.How does Exodus 12:26 relate to the concept of salvation in Christian theology?
9.Why is it important for children to ask about the Passover in Exodus 12:26?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 12?
11.Is God our Father?
12.What does Passover commemorate?
13.What is the purpose of a Passover Seder?
14.If Psalm 1:2 calls for constant meditation on God’s law, how was this even possible in ancient societies with low literacy rates or in modern times with busy lifestyles?What Does Exodus 12:26 Mean WhenThe word “when” assumes the conversation will happen—it is not an if, but a sure event. God was building anticipation that faith questions naturally rise in young hearts. • Notice a similar expectation inDeuteronomy 6:20: “When your son asks you in times to come, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees…?’” •Joshua 4:6–7 shows the same pattern with the memorial stones “so that this would be a sign among you when your children ask in times to come.” •Psalm 78:4 calls parents to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD.” The timing word reminds us that God plans family discipleship moments before they happen. Our task is to stay alert and ready.
your childrenGod specifically highlights children, underscoring that the home is the primary classroom of faith. •Genesis 18:19 notes that Abraham was chosen “so that he will command his children…to keep the way of the LORD.” •Proverbs 22:6 encourages parents to “Train up a child in the way he should go.” •Joel 1:3 instructs, “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children.” Passover was designed not only as a national feast but as a living lesson plan that ties salvation history to family history.
ask youQuestions from kids are not interruptions; they are invitations. God presumes parents will answer personally. •Deuteronomy 6:7 directs parents to “talk of them when you sit in your house.” •Colossians 4:6 urges, “Let your speech always be gracious…so that you will know how to answer everyone.” •1 Peter 3:15 echoes, “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Instead of deflecting inquiries, we lean in, welcoming every “why” and “how” as a doorway to share God’s mighty works.
‘What does this service mean to you?’The child’s question drills down to personal significance, not mere ritual. Passover was more than a history lesson; it was a declaration of identity. Key themes to explain: • Deliverance –Exodus 12:27: “It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover…when He struck the Egyptians and spared our houses.” • Substitution – the lamb’s blood stood in place of the firstborn (foreshadowingJohn 1:29 and1 Corinthians 5:7). • Covenant – God bound Himself to His people in love and protection (Exodus 6:7). • Ongoing remembrance –Luke 22:19: “Do this in remembrance of Me,” where Jesus links Passover to His own redemptive work. • Personal ownership – note the child asks, “to you.” Each generation must internalize God’s salvation, not merely inherit tradition. Answering this question connects the historic act of redemption with the present experience of faith.
summaryExodus 12:26 teaches that God orchestrates teachable moments (“when”), targets the next generation (“your children”), expects verbal engagement (“ask you”), and invites every believer to make redemption personal (“What does this service mean to you?”). The verse calls families to keep the story of salvation alive, ensuring that the liberating power of the Passover—and ultimately of Christ our Passover Lamb—remains fresh and compelling in every heart and home. Verse 26. - When your children shall say unto you, what mean ye by this service. Apparently, Moses adds these injunctions by his own sole authority. He assumes that curiosity will be aroused by the strange and peculiar features of the Paschal ceremony, and that each generation in succession will wish to know its meaning and origin.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Whenכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionyour childrenבְּנֵיכֶ֑ם(bə·nê·ḵem)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1121:A sonask you,יֹאמְר֥וּ(yō·mə·rū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘Whatמָ֛ה(māh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatdoes this serviceהָעֲבֹדָ֥ה(hā·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5656:Work of any kindmeanהַזֹּ֖את(haz·zōṯ)Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,to you?’לָכֶֽם׃(lā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Law: Exodus 12:26 It will happen when your children ask (Exo. Ex) |
