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Exodus 12:11 - Ready for redemption's call.

Exodus 12:11 - שמות 12:11

Hebrew Text

וְכָכָה תֹּאכְלוּ אֹתוֹ מָתְנֵיכֶם חֲגֻרִים נַעֲלֵיכֶם בְּרַגְלֵיכֶם וּמַקֶּלְכֶם בְּיֶדְכֶם וַאֲכַלְתֶּם אֹתוֹ בְּחִפָּזוֹן פֶּסַח הוּא לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

And thus shall you eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s passover.

Transliteration

Ve'kacha tochelu oto motneichem chagurim na'aleichem b'ragleichem u'maklechem b'yedchem va'achaltem oto b'chipazon pesach hu la'Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכָ֘כָה֮ תֹּאכְל֣וּ אֹתוֹ֒ מׇתְנֵיכֶ֣ם חֲגֻרִ֔ים נַֽעֲלֵיכֶם֙ בְּרַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם וּמַקֶּלְכֶ֖ם בְּיֶדְכֶ֑ם וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם אֹתוֹ֙ בְּחִפָּז֔וֹן פֶּ֥סַח ה֖וּא לַיהֹוָֽה׃
וְכָ֘כָה֮ תֹּאכְל֣וּ אֹתוֹ֒ מׇתְנֵיכֶ֣ם חֲגֻרִ֔ים נַֽעֲלֵיכֶם֙ בְּרַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם וּמַקֶּלְכֶ֖ם בְּיֶדְכֶ֑ם וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם אֹתוֹ֙ בְּחִפָּז֔וֹן פֶּ֥סַח ה֖וּא לַיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Command to Eat the Passover in Haste

The verse (Shemot 12:11) describes the manner in which Bnei Yisrael were to eat the Korban Pesach (Paschal lamb) on the night of the Exodus. Rashi explains that the phrase "מָתְנֵיכֶם חֲגֻרִים" ("your loins girded") signifies readiness for a journey, as travelers would tie their garments tightly for ease of movement. The "נַעֲלֵיכֶם בְּרַגְלֵיכֶם" ("your shoes on your feet") and "מַקֶּלְכֶם בְּיֶדְכֶם" ("your staff in your hand") further emphasize their imminent departure from Egypt, as they were to eat in a state of preparedness for redemption.

The Symbolism of Eating in Haste

The instruction to eat "בְּחִפָּזוֹן" ("in haste") reflects the urgency of the moment. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this haste was not due to fear of the Egyptians, but rather a demonstration of their faith in Hashem's promise to redeem them swiftly. The Sforno adds that eating in this manner reinforced their trust that the redemption was imminent and irreversible.

The Significance of "Pesach LaHashem"

The concluding phrase "פֶּסַח הוּא לַיהוָה" ("it is the Lord’s passover") underscores the divine nature of the Korban Pesach. The Mechilta explains that the term "Pesach" refers to Hashem "passing over" the houses of Bnei Yisrael during the plague of the firstborn. The Korban Pesach thus serves as a remembrance of Hashem's mercy and the covenant between Him and His people.

Halachic Implications

  • Mitzvah of Eating in Haste: The Gemara (Pesachim 96a) derives from this verse that the Korban Pesach must be eaten in a manner resembling haste, even in future generations, to commemorate the Exodus.
  • Preparation for Redemption: The Maharal (Gevuros Hashem 61) teaches that the physical readiness (loins girded, shoes on, staff in hand) symbolizes spiritual readiness—Bnei Yisrael were to internalize that they were transitioning from slavery to divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of eating the Passover offering, particularly the requirement to eat it in haste and with readiness to depart, as the Israelites did when leaving Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:11 mean when it says to eat the Passover lamb with 'loins girded' and 'shoes on your feet'?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentators, the instruction to eat the Passover lamb with 'loins girded' (clothing tucked in for travel) and 'shoes on your feet' symbolizes being ready to leave Egypt immediately. This shows the urgency and faith required at the time of the Exodus, as the Israelites needed to be prepared to depart at any moment.
Q: Why did the Israelites eat the Passover meal in haste (Exodus 12:11)?
A: The Passover meal was eaten quickly because the Israelites were about to be redeemed from Egypt. The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) explains that this haste reflected their readiness to follow Hashem's command immediately. It also symbolizes how redemption can come suddenly, requiring us to be spiritually prepared at all times.
Q: What is the significance of holding a staff while eating the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:11)?
A: The staff represents both a walking stick for the journey and a symbol of leadership (as seen with Moshe's staff). Ramban explains that holding it during the meal reinforced the idea that they were about to embark on a journey to freedom. It also served as a reminder that they were leaving slavery to become a nation.
Q: How do we apply the lessons of Exodus 12:11 today?
A: The Passover Seder incorporates these elements to help us relive the Exodus. For example, we eat matzah (the 'bread of haste') and lean like free people. The verse teaches us about being spiritually prepared for redemption and the importance of eagerly following Hashem's commandments without delay, as the Rambam discusses in Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah.
Q: Why is the Passover called 'Pesach LaHashem' (the Lord's Passover) in Exodus 12:11?
A: Rashi explains it's called 'Hashem's Passover' because He 'passed over' (pasach) the Israelite homes during the plague of the firstborn. The Midrash (Mechilta) adds that this name emphasizes the miracle was from Hashem alone. It reminds us that our redemption comes through Divine intervention, not human power.