Exodus 12:44
New International Version
Any slave you have bought may eat it after you have circumcised him,

New Living Translation
But any slave who has been purchased may eat it if he has been circumcised.

English Standard Version
but every slave that is bought for money may eat of it after you have circumcised him.

Berean Standard Bible
But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him.

King James Bible
But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

New King James Version
But every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it.

New American Standard Bible
but as for every slave that someone has purchased with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat it.

NASB 1995
but every man’s slave purchased with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat of it.

NASB 1977
but every man’s slave purchased with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat of it.

Legacy Standard Bible
but every man’s slave purchased with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat of it.

Amplified Bible
but every man’s slave who is bought with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat it.

Christian Standard Bible
But any slave a man has purchased may eat it, after you have circumcised him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But any slave a man has purchased may eat it, after you have circumcised him.

American Standard Version
but every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

Contemporary English Version
Your slaves may eat the meal if they have been circumcised,

English Revised Version
but every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Any male slave you have bought may eat it after you have circumcised him.

Good News Translation
but any slave that you have bought may eat it if you circumcise him first.

International Standard Version
though any slave purchased with money may eat it after you have circumcised him.

NET Bible
But everyone's servant who is bought for money, after you have circumcised him, may eat it.

New Heart English Bible
but every man's servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it.

Webster's Bible Translation
But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat of it.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him.

World English Bible
but every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and any man’s servant, the purchase of money, when you have circumcised him—then he eats of it;

Young's Literal Translation
and any man's servant, the purchase of money, when thou hast circumcised him -- then he doth eat of it;

Smith's Literal Translation
And every servant of a man bought with silver, and thou hast circumcised him, then he shall eat of it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But every bought servant shall be circumcised, and so shall eat.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But every bought servant shall be circumcised, and so he may eat from it.

New American Bible
However, every slave bought for money you will circumcise; then he may eat of it.

New Revised Standard Version
but any slave who has been purchased may eat of it after he has been circumcised;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But every man's servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And every Servant of a man bought with money when you have circumcised him, then he will eat from it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And every slave or servant bought with money - him thou shalt circumcise, and then shall he eat of it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Instructions for the Passover
43And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the statute of the Passover: No foreigner is to eat of it. 44But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him. 45A temporary resident or hired hand shall not eat the Passover.…

Cross References
Genesis 17:12-13
Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. / Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant.

Leviticus 22:11
But if a priest buys a slave with his own money, or if a slave is born in his household, that slave may eat his food.

Numbers 9:14
If a foreigner dwelling among you wants to observe the Passover to the LORD, he is to do so according to the Passover statute and its ordinances. You are to apply the same statute to both the foreigner and the native of the land.’”

Deuteronomy 16:11-12
and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. / Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and carefully follow these statutes.

Joshua 5:2-9
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.” / So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. / Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. ...

Isaiah 56:6-7
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Ezekiel 44:9
This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

1 Corinthians 7:18-19
Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. / Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.

Ephesians 2:11-13
Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

Genesis 34:14-17
“We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. / We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males. / Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We will dwell among you and become one people. ...

Exodus 4:24-26
Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. / But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. / So the LORD let him alone. (When she said, “bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.)


Treasury of Scripture

But every man's servant that is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

circumcised

Genesis 17:12,13,23
And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed…

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Bondman Bought Circumcised Circumcision Eat Money Purchase Purchased Servant Slave Thereof
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Bondman Bought Circumcised Circumcision Eat Money Purchase Purchased Servant Slave Thereof
Exodus 12
1. The beginning of the year is changed
3. 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














But any slave who has been purchased
In the ancient Near Eastern context, slavery was a common practice, and the Israelites themselves were once slaves in Egypt. The mention of a "purchased" slave indicates a legal transaction, suggesting ownership and integration into the household. This reflects the broader biblical theme of redemption, where God "purchases" His people from slavery to sin. The concept of being bought and belonging to a new master parallels the New Testament teaching of believers being bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

may eat of it
The "it" refers to the Passover meal, a significant event in Israelite history commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. Eating the Passover was a sign of inclusion in the covenant community. This inclusion of a purchased slave highlights the expansive nature of God's covenant, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith community, as seen in the New Testament (Ephesians 2:11-13).

after you have circumcised him
Circumcision was the physical sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:10-14). It was a prerequisite for participation in the Passover, symbolizing purification and commitment to God. This requirement underscores the importance of covenant identity and purity before partaking in holy observances. In the New Testament, circumcision of the heart becomes the focus (Romans 2:29), pointing to an inward transformation necessary for true inclusion in God's people. This transformation is fulfilled in Christ, who brings both Jews and Gentiles into one body through faith (Galatians 3:28).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being instructed on how to observe the Passover.

2. Servants
Specifically, those who are bought with money, indicating a bondservant or slave in the household of an Israelite.

3. Circumcision
A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, required for participation in the Passover.

4. The Passover
A significant event where the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, leading to their deliverance from Egypt.

5. Egypt
The land of bondage from which the Israelites are being delivered.
Teaching Points
Inclusivity in God's Covenant
The requirement for circumcision before partaking in the Passover meal highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant. It shows that even those who were not originally part of the Israelite community could be included through adherence to God's commands.

Symbolism of Circumcision
Circumcision is not just a physical act but a symbol of commitment and belonging to God's people. In the New Testament, this is paralleled by the circumcision of the heart, representing spiritual transformation and dedication to God.

Obedience to God's Commands
The instruction to circumcise servants before they can partake in the Passover meal underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands as a prerequisite for enjoying the blessings of His covenant.

Spiritual Preparation for Worship
Just as the Israelites had to prepare themselves and their households to partake in the Passover, believers today are called to prepare their hearts and lives for worship and communion with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 12:44?

2. How does Exodus 12:44 emphasize the importance of covenant inclusion through circumcision?

3. Why is circumcision required for a slave to eat the Passover meal?

4. How does Exodus 12:44 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual inclusion?

5. What does Exodus 12:44 teach about obedience and participation in God's covenant?

6. How can we apply the principle of covenant commitment in our daily lives?

7. Why does Exodus 12:44 require circumcision for participation in the Passover?

8. How does Exodus 12:44 reflect the inclusivity or exclusivity of God's covenant?

9. What historical evidence supports the practice described in Exodus 12:44?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 12?

11. How do contradictions in biblical law reflect divine wisdom?

12. In Ezekiel 44:9, foreigners are barred from the sanctuary, yet other passages invite them to worship--how can these conflicting views on outsiders be reconciled?

13. Exodus 26:1 - How could the Israelites, recently escaped slaves, acquire the fine twisted linen and skilled craftsmanship required for such intricate curtains?

14. Who was Zipporah, Moses' wife, in the Bible?
What Does Exodus 12:44 Mean
but any slave

The verse opens, “But any slave…,” clarifying that the Passover instructions in Exodus 12 extend beyond ethnic Israel.

• The Lord had already excluded “any foreigner” and “a hired worker” (Exodus 12:43, 45), so this clause deliberately re-opens a door.

Genesis 17:12–13 shows the precedent: “every male… including a slave who is born in your household or acquired with money… shall be circumcised.” Even before the exodus, Abraham’s household slaves were enfolded into covenant life.

• By mentioning a “slave,” God reminds Israel that redemption and belonging come by His covenant, not by social status. Galatians 3:28 carries the principle forward: “there is neither slave nor free… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”


who has been purchased

“…who has been purchased…” underscores ownership that transfers the slave into the master’s covenant household.

Leviticus 22:11 parallels the point: “If a priest buys a slave with his own money… that slave may eat his food.”

• A purchased slave differs from a hired laborer. A hireling is temporary; a purchased slave is a permanent member of the household and therefore may share its worship.

• Spiritually, the image hints at redemption. 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds believers, “you were bought at a price,” echoing the Passover motif of being claimed by God.


may eat of it

“…may eat of it…” grants full participation in the Passover meal.

Exodus 12:3–11 outlines the meal itself; it was more than food—it proclaimed salvation.

• By eating, the slave shares the same protection described in Exodus 12:13: “when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

• New-covenant fulfillment shines in 1 Corinthians 5:7: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Everyone purchased by Christ’s blood shares the deliverance prefigured in Egypt.


after you have circumcised him

“…after you have circumcised him” preserves the covenant sign given to Abraham.

• Circumcision marked entry into God’s promises (Genesis 17:14); without it, participation in Passover was impossible (Exodus 12:48).

Joshua 5:9 records a later national circumcision before celebrating Passover in Canaan, tying the two rites together.

Colossians 2:11 speaks of a “circumcision made without hands,” showing the outward sign’s deeper spiritual reality in Christ.


summary

Exodus 12:44 teaches that the blessings of God’s redemptive meal reach anyone incorporated into His covenant—yes, even a slave—once the covenant sign is received. Social standing does not hinder fellowship; purchased and marked as belonging, the slave eats the same lamb and enjoys the same deliverance. The verse foreshadows the wider redemption accomplished in Christ, where all who are “bought at a price” are welcomed to the table of salvation.

(44) Every man's servant.--Slaves born in the house were required to be circumcised on the eighth day, like Israelites (Genesis 17:13). Bought slaves were allowed their choice. It is noticeable that the circumcised slave was to be admitted to full religious equality with his master.

Verse 44. - Every man's servant that is bought for money. Or "every man's slave." The Mosaic Law found servitude existing, and left it existing, only guarding against its extreme abuses (Exodus 21:20-27). It put no check on the traffic in slaves. When thou hast circumcised him. The Jewish commentators say, that the desire of the slave to receive the rite and become a Jew is here implied. But it would seem rather, that opposition and refusal is not thought of as possible (see Genesis 17:13, 17). The case is like that of baptism among the barbarous nations, where no sooner was the king converted than a general order went forth for the baptism of his subjects, which no one thought of resisting. Then shall he eat thereof. It was a principle of the Jewish law that the slaves should be admitted to complete religious equality with the native Israelites. (compare Leviticus 22:11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But any
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

slave [who]
עֶ֥בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

has been purchased
מִקְנַת־ (miq·naṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4736: A buying, acquisition, a piece of property, the sum paid

may eat of it,
יֹ֥אכַל (yō·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

after you have circumcised him.
וּמַלְתָּ֣ה (ū·mal·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4135: To cut short, curtail, to blunt, to destroy


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