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Exodus 12:46 - Pesach unity, unbroken bones

Exodus 12:46 - שמות 12:46

Hebrew Text

בְּבַיִת אֶחָד יֵאָכֵל לֹא־תוֹצִיא מִן־הַבַּיִת מִן־הַבָּשָׂר חוּצָה וְעֶצֶם לֹא תִשְׁבְּרוּ־בוֹ׃

English Translation

In one house shall it be eaten: thou shalt not take any of the meat outside, out of the house; neither shall you break a bone of it.

Transliteration

Bevait echad ye'achel lo totzi min habayit min habasar chutza ve'etzem lo tishberu vo.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּבַ֤יִת אֶחָד֙ יֵאָכֵ֔ל לֹא־תוֹצִ֧יא מִן־הַבַּ֛יִת מִן־הַבָּשָׂ֖ר ח֑וּצָה וְעֶ֖צֶם לֹ֥א תִשְׁבְּרוּ־בֽוֹ׃
בְּבַ֤יִת אֶחָד֙ יֵאָכֵ֔ל לֹא־תוֹצִ֧יא מִן־הַבַּ֛יִת מִן־הַבָּשָׂ֖ר ח֑וּצָה וְעֶ֖צֶם לֹ֥א תִשְׁבְּרוּ־בֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 12:46) is part of the Torah's instructions regarding the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice), which was to be eaten by the Jewish people in Egypt on the night of their redemption. The verse emphasizes two key prohibitions: not removing the meat from the house where it is being eaten and not breaking any of its bones.

Prohibition Against Removing the Meat

Rashi explains that the phrase "לֹא־תוֹצִיא מִן־הַבַּיִת" ("thou shalt not take any of the meat outside") teaches that the Paschal lamb must be eaten in a designated group setting, reinforcing the idea of unity among the Jewish people during the redemption. The Midrash (Mechilta) adds that this prohibition also serves to distinguish the Korban Pesach from ordinary meat, elevating its sanctity.

Prohibition Against Breaking Bones

The command "וְעֶצֶם לֹא תִשְׁבְּרוּ־בוֹ" ("neither shall you break a bone of it") is interpreted by Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:12) as a sign of respect for the sacrifice. Breaking bones would imply treating it as mere food rather than a sacred offering. The Talmud (Pesachim 84a) further notes that this prohibition applies even after the meat has been consumed, ensuring the integrity of the bones.

Symbolism and Deeper Meaning

  • Unity: The requirement to eat the sacrifice in one house symbolizes the unity of the Jewish people, especially during the Exodus.
  • Kedushah (Holiness): The restrictions highlight the elevated status of the Korban Pesach, distinguishing it from mundane meals.
  • Respect for Mitzvot: The prohibition against breaking bones teaches the importance of treating mitzvot with reverence.

Halachic Implications

According to the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 476:1), these prohibitions remain relevant in the laws of the Seder, where the Afikoman (representing the Korban Pesach) is eaten in a manner reminiscent of the original sacrifice. The Rema adds that one should be careful not to break the matzah in a way that resembles breaking bones, preserving the memory of these commandments.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 85b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the Passover sacrifice, particularly the prohibition of breaking any bones of the sacrifice and the requirement to eat it within one house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:46 mean when it says the Passover lamb must be eaten in one house?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Pesachim 85b), the verse teaches that the Passover offering must be eaten in a single designated group ('chaburah') in one place, not split between multiple houses. This emphasizes unity and the sacred nature of the meal.
Q: Why can't we break any bones of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:46)?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 9:12) explains that breaking bones shows disrespect for the sanctity of the offering. The intact bones also symbolize the unity of the Jewish people during the Exodus, as the Midrash notes that no Israelite bones were broken during the redemption from Egypt.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Exodus 12:46 today?
A: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 16) derives from this verse that sacred things (like the Passover offering) require proper boundaries and respect. Today, this teaches us to treat mitzvot and holy objects with care and not to remove them from their proper context.
Q: Why does the Torah prohibit taking the Passover meat outside the house?
A: The Mechilta explains this prevents treating the sacred offering like ordinary food that can be eaten casually anywhere. The Sforno adds that keeping it inside maintains the meal's spiritual focus on redemption, avoiding any appearance of a secular feast.
Q: How do we apply Exodus 12:46's rules about the Passover lamb today?
A: While we no longer bring the Passover sacrifice, the Talmud (Pesachim 96a) teaches these laws still instruct us about proper conduct during the Seder: eating the matzah and afikoman in one place without interruption, and treating the Seder foods with reverence.