New International Version If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. New Living Translation If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat. English Standard Version And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. Berean Standard Bible If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with the nearest neighbor based on the number of people, and apportion the lamb accordingly. Berean Literal Bible And if the house is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor who is near to his house shall take it by the number of souls, each man according to the mouth of his eating, you⁺ shall count for the lamb. King James Bible And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. New King James Version And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. New American Standard Bible Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; in proportion to what each one should eat, you are to divide the lamb. NASB 1995 Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to divide the lamb. NASB 1977 ‘Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to divide the lamb. Legacy Standard Bible Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to apportion the lamb. Amplified Bible Now if the household is too small for a lamb [to be consumed], let him and his next door neighbor take one according to the number of people [in the households]; according to what each man can eat, you are to divide the lamb. Berean Annotated Bible If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with the nearest neighbor based on the number of people, and apportion the lamb accordingly. Christian Standard Bible If the household is too small for a whole animal, that person and the neighbor nearest his house are to select one based on the combined number of people; you should apportion the animal according to what each will eat. Holman Christian Standard Bible If the household is too small for a whole animal, that person and the neighbor nearest his house are to select one based on the combined number of people; you should apportion the animal according to what each person will eat. American Standard Version and if the household be too little for a lamb, then shall he and his neighbor next unto his house take one according to the number of the souls; according to every man's eating ye shall make your count for the lamb. English Revised Version and if the household be too little for a lamb, then shall he and his neighbour next unto his house take one according to the number of the souls; according to every man's eating ye shall make your count for the lamb. GOD'S WORD® Translation A household may be too small to eat a whole animal. That household and the one next door can share one animal. Choose your animal based on the number of people and what each person can eat. Good News Translation If his family is too small to eat a whole animal, he and his next-door neighbor may share an animal, in proportion to the number of people and the amount that each person can eat. International Standard Version If a household is too small for a lamb, then it and its closest neighbor are to obtain one based on the number of individuals—dividing the lamb based on what each person can eat. NET Bible If any household is too small for a lamb, the man and his next-door neighbor are to take a lamb according to the number of people--you will make your count for the lamb according to how much each one can eat. New Heart English Bible and if the household is too little for a lamb, then he and his neighbor next to his house shall take one according to the number of the souls; according to what everyone can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. Webster's Bible Translation And if the household shall be too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with the nearest neighbor based on the number of people, and apportion the lamb accordingly. World English Bible and if the household is too little for a lamb, then he and his neighbor next to his house shall take one according to the number of the souls. You shall make your count for the lamb according to what everyone can eat. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd if the household is too few for a lamb, then he has taken, he and his neighbor who is near to his house, for the number of persons, each according to his eating you count for the lamb. Berean Literal Bible And if the house is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor who is near to his house shall take it by the number of souls, each man according to the mouth of his eating, you⁺ shall count for the lamb. Young's Literal Translation '(And if the household be too few for a lamb, then hath he taken, he and his neighbour who is near unto his house, for the number of persons, each according to his eating ye do count for the lamb,) Smith's Literal Translation And if the house shall be little from being for a sheep, and he taking, and his neighbor drawing nigh his house according to the number of souls; each according to the mouth of his eating shall ye reckon for the sheep. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if the number be less than may suffice to eat the lamb, he shall take unto him his neighbour that joineth to his house, according to the number of souls which may be enough to eat the lamb. Catholic Public Domain Version But if the number is less than may suffice to be able to consume the lamb, he shall accept his neighbor, who has been joined with his house according to the number of souls that may suffice to be able to eat the lamb. New American Bible If a household is too small for a lamb, it along with its nearest neighbor will procure one, and apportion the lamb’s cost in proportion to the number of persons, according to what each household consumes. New Revised Standard Version If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if the household is too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; every man according to the portion of his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if the household is too small to bring out a lamb for it, he and his neighbor that is near to his house will take by the number of souls, each man according to his eating, you will count for a lamb. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and if the household be too little for a lamb, then shall he and his neighbour next unto his house take one according to the number of the souls; according to every man's eating ye shall make your count for the lamb. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if they be few in a household, so that there are not enough for the lamb, he shall take with himself his neighbour that lives near to him, - as to the number of souls, every one according to that which suffices him shall make a reckoning for the lamb. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The First Passover…3Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household. 4If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with the nearest neighbor based on the number of people, and apportion the lamb accordingly. 5Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats.… Cross References If the household is too small for a whole lamb, 2 Chronicles 35:7-9 From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present. / His officials also contributed willingly to the people and priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the chief officials of the house of God, gave the priests 2,600 Passover offerings and 300 bulls. / Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, contributed to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls. 2 Kings 4:42-44 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD. Mark 6:37-44 But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?” / “Go and see how many loaves you have,” He told them. And after checking, they said, “Five—and two fish.” / Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass. … they are to share with the nearest neighbor Proverbs 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. / Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”—when you already have the means. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. Acts 2:44-45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. based on the number of people, Numbers 26:53-56 “The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. / Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. / Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. … Exodus 16:16-18 This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’” / So the Israelites did this. Some gathered more, and some less. / When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat. 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. / At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality. / As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.” and apportion the lamb accordingly. 2 Chronicles 35:12-14 They set aside the burnt offerings to be given to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD, as it is written in the Book of Moses. And they did the same with the bulls. / They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls and quickly brought them to all the people. / Afterward, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were offering up burnt offerings and fat until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. John 6:11-13 Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. / And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” / So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. Luke 22:17 After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves. Leviticus 25:10 So you are to consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be your Jubilee, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan. Numbers 9:10-14 “Tell the Israelites: ‘When any one of you or your descendants is unclean because of a dead body, or is away on a journey, he may still observe the Passover to the LORD. / Such people are to observe it at twilight on the fourteenth day of the second month. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs; / they may not leave any of it until morning or break any of its bones. They must observe the Passover according to all its statutes. … Deuteronomy 16:1-8 Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. / You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name. / You must not eat leavened bread with it; for seven days you are to eat with it unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left the land of Egypt in haste—so that you may remember for the rest of your life the day you left the land of Egypt. … 2 Chronicles 30:17-20 Since there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves, the Levites were in charge of slaughtering the Passover lambs for every unclean person to consecrate the lambs to the LORD. / A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone / who sets his heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of his fathers—even if he is not cleansed according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” … Treasury of Scripture And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. no reference Jump to Previous Count Determine Eat Eating House Household Little Nearest Neighbor Neighbour Persons Share Small Souls WholeJump to Next Count Determine Eat Eating House Household Little Nearest Neighbor Neighbour Persons Share Small Souls WholeExodus 12 1. The beginning of the year is changed3. The Passover is instituted 11. The import of the rite of the Passover 15. Unleavened bread 29. The firstborn are slain 31. The Israelites are driven out of the land 37. They come to Succoth 41. The time of their sojourning 43. The ordinance of the Passover If the household is too small for a whole lamb, A household that could not reasonably consume the animal in one night was not to slaughter more than it could eat. Nothing was to remain until morning, preserving the special character of the Passover meal and preventing waste. 2Ch 35:7-9 From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed… they are to share with the nearest neighbor Nearby households were to join together for the meal. This arrangement allowed the Passover to be observed fully while strengthening the shared identity of Israel as God’s redeemed people. Pro 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from the deserving,… based on the number of people, The size of the group determined how many households should participate. Each person was counted so that the meal would provide an appropriate portion for all present. Num 26:53-56 The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance… and apportion the lamb accordingly. The lamb was divided according to what each person could eat. The ordered distribution showed that God’s provision was sufficient and that every participant was to take part in the Passover sacrifice. 2Ch 35:12-14 They set aside the burnt offerings to be given… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe primary audience of the instructions given in Exodus 12, preparing for the first Passover. 2. Moses and Aaron Leaders of the Israelites, who conveyed God's instructions regarding the Passover. 3. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved and from which they were about to be delivered. 4. Passover The event where God would "pass over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the final plague. 5. Lamb The sacrificial animal whose blood would be a sign for the Israelites' protection. Teaching Points Community and SharingThe instruction to share the lamb with neighbors highlights the importance of community and mutual support among God's people. Stewardship and Provision God's command to consider the number of people and the amount each will eat teaches us about responsible stewardship and ensuring provision for all. Symbolism of the Lamb The lamb as a central element in the Passover points to Christ as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, whose sacrifice brings deliverance. Obedience to God's Instructions The Israelites' adherence to God's specific instructions demonstrates the importance of obedience in our walk with God. Inclusivity in Worship The sharing of the lamb ensures that no one is left out, teaching us about inclusivity in our worship and community life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 12:4?2. How does Exodus 12:4 emphasize community in observing the Passover? 3. What does "too small for a whole lamb" teach about God's provision? 4. How can we apply the principle of sharing resources in Exodus 12:4 today? 5. How does Exodus 12:4 connect with Jesus as the Lamb of God? 6. What does Exodus 12:4 reveal about God's instructions for worship and obedience? 7. How does Exodus 12:4 reflect God's instructions for community and sharing resources? 8. Why is the specific number of people per lamb significant in Exodus 12:4? 9. What does Exodus 12:4 reveal about God's provision and care for His people? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 12? (4) If the household be too little for the lamb.--There would be cases where the family would not be large enough to consume an entire lamb at a sitting. Where this was so, men were to club with their neighbours, either two small families joining together, or a large family drafting off some of its members to bring up the numbers of a small one. According to Josephus (Bell. Jud., vi. 9, ? 3), ten was the least number regarded as sufficient, while twenty was not considered too many. Every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.--Rather, shall ye count. In determining the number for any given Paschal meal, ye shall "count men according to their eating," admitting more or fewer, as they are likely to consume less or more. Verse 4. - If the household be too little for the lamb - i.e., "too few to consume it at a sitting." Usage in course of time fixed the minimum number at ten. (Joseph. Bell. Jud. 6:9, § 3.) The whole family, men, women and children participated. The lamb was generally slain between the ninth hour (3 p.m.) and the eleventh (5 p.m.). Let him and his neighbour take it according to the number of the souls. If there were a household of only five, which could not possibly consume the lamb, any large neighbouring family was to send five or six of its number, to make up the deficiency. Every man according to his eating, etc. It is difficult to see what sense our translators intended. The real direction is that, in providing a proper number of guests, consideration should be had of the amount which they would be likely to eat. Children and the very aged were not to be reckoned as if they were men in the vigour of life. Translate - "Each man according to his eating shall ye count towards the lamb." Exodus 12:4 weaves together stewardship, community, order, and redemption. God commands that households too small for an entire lamb join with neighbors so every individual is fed precisely and none of the sacrifice is wasted. This practical guideline reveals His heart: He provides exactly what His people need, invites them to care for one another, ensures orderly participation, and foreshadows the perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ, whose one sacrifice is more than sufficient for all who come to the table.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifוְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the household הַבַּיִת֮ (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house is too לְפִ֣י (lə·p̄î) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to small יִמְעַ֣ט (yim·‘aṭ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4591: To pare off, lessen, in, to be, small, few for a whole lamb, מִשֶּׂה֒ (miś·śeh) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat they are to ה֗וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are share with וְלָקַ֣ח (wə·lā·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take the nearest הַקָּרֹ֥ב (haq·qā·rōḇ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7138: Near neighbor, וּשְׁכֵנ֛וֹ (ū·šə·ḵê·nōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7934: A resident, a fellow-citizen based on the number בְּמִכְסַ֣ת (bə·miḵ·saṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4373: An enumeration, a valuation of people, נְפָשֹׁ֑ת (nə·p̄ā·šōṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion and apportion תָּכֹ֖סּוּ (tā·ḵōs·sū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3699: To estimate the lamb הַשֶּֽׂה׃ (haś·śeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat accordingly. אִ֚ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person Additonal Resources Exodus 12:4 Blue Letter BibleExodus 12:4 Bible Gateway Exodus 12:4 Bible.com Exodus 12:4 NIV |
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