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Numbers 9:12 - Pesach's perfect sacrifice demands completeness

Numbers 9:12 - במדבר 9:12

Hebrew Text

לֹא־יַשְׁאִירוּ מִמֶּנּוּ עַד־בֹּקֶר וְעֶצֶם לֹא יִשְׁבְּרוּ־בוֹ כְּכָל־חֻקַּת הַפֶּסַח יַעֲשׂוּ אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

They shall leave none of it to the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.

Transliteration

Lo-yash'iru mimenu ad-boker ve'etem lo yishberu-bo kechol-chukat hapesach ya'asu oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־יַשְׁאִ֤ירוּ מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ עַד־בֹּ֔קֶר וְעֶ֖צֶם לֹ֣א יִשְׁבְּרוּ־ב֑וֹ כְּכׇל־חֻקַּ֥ת הַפֶּ֖סַח יַעֲשׂ֥וּ אֹתֽוֹ׃
לֹֽא־יַשְׁאִ֤ירוּ מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ עַד־בֹּ֔קֶר וְעֶ֖צֶם לֹ֣א יִשְׁבְּרוּ־ב֑וֹ כְּכׇל־חֻקַּ֥ת הַפֶּ֖סַח יַעֲשׂ֥וּ אֹתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Leaving Over the Korban Pesach Until Morning

The verse states, "They shall leave none of it to the morning" (Shemot 12:10). Rashi explains that this prohibition applies to the meat of the Korban Pesach (Paschal lamb), which must be consumed entirely by midnight (Pesachim 120b). The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 8:15) rules that any leftovers must be burned, as derived from the phrase "לא ישאירו ממנו עד בוקר"—emphasizing the obligation to destroy any remaining meat.

Prohibition of Breaking the Bones

The verse continues, "nor break any bone of it" (Shemot 12:46). Rashi, citing the Mechilta, explains that this prohibition applies specifically to the Korban Pesach, not to other sacrifices. The Talmud (Pesachim 84a) discusses whether this refers to breaking bones to extract marrow or any fracture, concluding that the prohibition is absolute. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 10:1) codifies this as a biblical prohibition, emphasizing that the bones must remain intact during consumption.

Adherence to the Laws of Pesach

The verse concludes, "according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it." The Sifrei (Bamidbar 9:3) interprets this as a general directive to observe all the mitzvot associated with the Korban Pesach, including its slaughter, roasting, and consumption. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:1) emphasizes that these laws apply specifically to the first Pesach in Egypt and subsequent generations, ensuring continuity of the mitzvah.

  • Midnight Deadline: The meat must be consumed by midnight, and leftovers burned (Pesachim 120b).
  • Bone Integrity: No bones may be broken, even for marrow extraction (Mechilta, Pesachim 84a).
  • Comprehensive Observance: All Pesach laws must be followed meticulously (Sifrei, Rambam).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 84b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of the Passover offering, particularly the prohibition against leaving any of the meat until morning and not breaking any bones of the sacrifice.
📖 Zevachim 37a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper handling and consumption of sacrificial offerings, emphasizing the specific commandments related to the Passover sacrifice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 9:12 mean when it says not to leave any of the Passover offering until morning?
A: This verse teaches that the Passover offering (Korban Pesach) must be eaten entirely before morning and not left over. Rashi explains that this emphasizes the sanctity of the offering—it is a holy meal to be consumed with proper intent, not treated like ordinary food that can be saved for later. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 8:15) also states that leftovers must be burned, showing respect for the mitzvah.
Q: Why does the Torah forbid breaking the bones of the Passover lamb?
A: Breaking the bones of the Passover lamb is prohibited to show reverence for the offering. The Talmud (Pesachim 84a) compares it to a prince eating at the king's table—just as one wouldn’t disrespectfully break bones while eating a royal meal, we treat the Korban Pesach with dignity. Additionally, the Midrash (Mechilta) connects this to the idea that the Exodus was a miraculous redemption, and the intact bones symbolize the Jewish people’s unbroken spirit.
Q: How does Numbers 9:12 apply to Passover observance today?
A: Though we no longer bring the Korban Pesach, this verse influences modern Passover customs. For example, the Afikoman (the matzah eaten at the end of the Seder) must be consumed before midnight, echoing the rule against leaving the offering overnight. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 477:1) also teaches that no food should be eaten after the Afikoman, preserving the idea of treating the final taste of matzah with the same sanctity as the Passover offering.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the commandment to follow 'all the ordinances of the Passover'?
A: The phrase 'according to all the ordinances' teaches that every detail of a mitzvah matters. The Sforno explains that Passover rituals—like eating matzah, maror, and retelling the Exodus story—are interconnected; skipping one weakens the others. This teaches us that Jewish practice requires careful attention to both major principles and finer details, as they collectively shape our connection to Hashem and our history.