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Exodus 12:27 - Passover's eternal redemption reminder

Exodus 12:27 - שמות 12:27

Hebrew Text

וַאֲמַרְתֶּם זֶבַח־פֶּסַח הוּא לַיהוָה אֲשֶׁר פָּסַח עַל־בָּתֵּי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּמִצְרַיִם בְּנָגְפּוֹ אֶת־מִצְרַיִם וְאֶת־בָּתֵּינוּ הִצִּיל וַיִּקֹּד הָעָם וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ׃

English Translation

that you shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Yisra᾽el in Miżrayim, when he smote Miżrayim, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

Transliteration

Va'amartem zevach-pesach hu la'Adonai asher pasach al-batei venei-Yisrael be'Mitzrayim benagpo et-Mitzrayim ve'et-bateinu hitsil vayikod ha'am vayishtachavu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֡ם זֶֽבַח־פֶּ֨סַח ה֜וּא לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּ֠סַ֠ח עַל־בָּתֵּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם בְּנׇגְפּ֥וֹ אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְאֶת־בָּתֵּ֣ינוּ הִצִּ֑יל וַיִּקֹּ֥ד הָעָ֖ם וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ׃
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֡ם זֶֽבַח־פֶּ֨סַח ה֜וּא לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּ֠סַ֠ח עַל־בָּתֵּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם בְּנׇגְפּ֥וֹ אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְאֶת־בָּתֵּ֣ינוּ הִצִּ֑יל וַיִּקֹּ֥ד הָעָ֖ם וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Meaning of "Zevach Pesach" (The Passover Sacrifice)

The verse describes the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) as "זֶבַח־פֶּסַח" – a sacrifice commemorating Hashem's act of "פָּסַח" (passing over) the houses of Bnei Yisrael in Egypt. Rashi explains that the term "Pesach" refers to Hashem skipping over the Jewish homes during the plague of the firstborn, sparing them while striking the Egyptians. The Mechilta adds that this demonstrates divine precision in judgment, distinguishing between Israel and Egypt.

The Dual Nature of the Miracle

The verse mentions two aspects of the Exodus event:

  • Divine Judgment: "בְּנָגְפּוֹ אֶת־מִצְרַיִם" – when He struck Egypt with the final plague.
  • Divine Protection: "וְאֶת־בָּתֵּינוּ הִצִּיל" – and He saved our houses. The Sforno notes that this emphasizes how the same divine act that brought punishment to Egypt simultaneously brought salvation to Israel.

The People's Response of Worship

The conclusion of the verse states: "וַיִּקֹּד הָעָם וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ" – the people bowed and prostrated themselves. Ramban explains this as an expression of gratitude and recognition of Hashem's miracles. The Talmud (Pesachim 96b) connects this bowing to the mitzvah of recounting the Exodus, showing that proper acknowledgment of miracles leads to worship.

The Korban Pesach as an Eternal Symbol

The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:1) emphasizes that this sacrifice serves as a perpetual reminder of our redemption from Egypt. The verse's phrasing "וַאֲמַרְתֶּם" (you shall say) teaches, according to the Chizkuni, that each generation must verbally declare the significance of the Pesach sacrifice, ensuring the transmission of the Exodus story to future generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of the Passover sacrifice and the historical context of the Exodus from Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Pesach' mean in Exodus 12:27?
A: The word 'Pesach' (פֶּסַח) means 'pass over.' In this verse, it refers to how Hashem passed over the houses of the Israelites during the final plague in Egypt, sparing their firstborn while striking the Egyptians. Rashi explains that this miracle is the reason we call the holiday 'Pesach' and offer the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) in remembrance.
Q: Why did the people bow down after hearing about the Korban Pesach?
A: The verse says the people 'bowed the head and worshipped' out of gratitude and awe for Hashem's salvation. The Ramban teaches that their bowing was an expression of thanks for being spared during the plague and for the future redemption from Egypt. This teaches us the importance of showing gratitude for miracles.
Q: What is the significance of the Korban Pesach mentioned in this verse?
A: The Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. The Mishnah in Pesachim explains that it was offered on the 14th of Nisan and eaten with matzah and maror. Its blood on the doorposts was a sign for Hashem to 'pass over' Jewish homes, as described in this verse. Today, we remember it through the Seder and the Afikoman.
Q: How does this verse connect to the holiday of Passover today?
A: This verse is the basis for the Passover Seder, where we retell the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus). The Haggadah quotes this verse to explain why we celebrate Pesach. The Talmud (Pesachim 96b) discusses how the Korban Pesach was central to the holiday, and today, we fulfill its memory through the Seder plate and reciting the story of redemption.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem 'passing over' Jewish homes in Egypt?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 17:3) teaches that this miracle shows Hashem's special protection over the Jewish people. Just as He distinguished between Egyptian and Israelite homes then, He watches over us today. This teaches us emunah (faith) in Divine providence and the importance of keeping mitzvot, as the Israelites were saved through their faithfulness in marking their doors with the lamb's blood.