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Exodus 12:44 - Circumcision enables Passover participation.

Exodus 12:44 - שמות 12:44

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־עֶבֶד אִישׁ מִקְנַת־כָּסֶף וּמַלְתָּה אֹתוֹ אָז יֹאכַל בּוֹ׃

English Translation

but every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat of it.

Transliteration

Vechol-eved ish miknat-kasef umalta oto az yochal bo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־עֶ֥בֶד אִ֖ישׁ מִקְנַת־כָּ֑סֶף וּמַלְתָּ֣ה אֹת֔וֹ אָ֖ז יֹ֥אכַל בּֽוֹ׃
וְכׇל־עֶ֥בֶד אִ֖ישׁ מִקְנַת־כָּ֑סֶף וּמַלְתָּ֣ה אֹת֔וֹ אָ֖ז יֹ֥אכַל בּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Exodus 12:44) appears in the context of the laws of the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice), detailing who may partake of it. The Torah specifies that a servant purchased with money must first be circumcised before being permitted to eat from the sacrifice.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 12:44) clarifies that the term "מִקְנַת־כָּסֶף" ("bought for money") refers to a non-Jewish servant acquired by a Jewish master. The requirement of circumcision signifies the servant's entry into the covenant of Avraham Avinu (Abraham our forefather), thereby making him eligible to participate in the mitzvah of the Korban Pesach, which is reserved for members of the Jewish people or those who have joined the covenant.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 5:6) rules that a servant who undergoes circumcision but has not yet immersed in a mikveh (ritual bath) is still not permitted to eat the Korban Pesach. This emphasizes that full conversion—circumcision and immersion—is required for a servant to be considered part of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish community) in this context.

Midrashic Insight

The Mechilta (Bo 12) connects this verse to the broader theme of geirut (conversion). It teaches that a servant’s circumcision is akin to the Jewish people’s readiness for the Exodus—just as Bnei Yisrael needed circumcision (as mentioned in Joshua 5:5) to merit redemption, so too must a servant affirm his commitment to Hashem’s covenant to partake in the Pesach offering.

Key Halachic Principles

  • Inclusion through Conversion: A non-Jewish servant must undergo circumcision (and immersion) to join the Jewish people and participate in mitzvot tied to the community.
  • Ownership vs. Status: The verse highlights that even a purchased servant—who might otherwise lack autonomy—gains religious agency through conversion.
  • Pesach as a Covenant Meal: The Korban Pesach is not merely a sacrifice but a reaffirmation of belonging to Hashem’s nation, accessible only to those bound by the covenant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:44 mean when it says a servant must be circumcised to eat the Passover sacrifice?
A: This verse teaches that a non-Jewish servant purchased by a Jew must undergo circumcision (brit milah) and accept Jewish practices before being allowed to partake in the Passover sacrifice (Korban Pesach). This shows that joining the Jewish people requires commitment to the covenant, as explained by Rashi and the Talmud (Pesachim 96a).
Q: Why is circumcision required for a servant to eat the Passover offering?
A: Circumcision is the sign of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people (Genesis 17:10-14). The Torah (Exodus 12:48) states that no uncircumcised male may eat the Passover sacrifice. Thus, a servant must enter the covenant to participate in this mitzvah, as the Rambam discusses in Hilchot Korban Pesach.
Q: Does this verse apply today even though we don’t bring the Passover sacrifice?
A: While we no longer bring the Korban Pesach, the principle remains relevant: accepting Jewish practices (including circumcision for males) is essential for someone joining the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yevamot 46a) and halachic authorities like the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 268) discuss this requirement for conversion.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 12:44 about the importance of circumcision?
A: This verse highlights that brit milah is fundamental to Jewish identity and participation in sacred rituals. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 19:5) emphasizes that circumcision represents dedication to Hashem, which is why it was required even for servants to join in the Passover experience.