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Book of Exodus - Chapter 12 - Verse 20

12:20
Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Meaning

When the Bible mentions eating unleavened bread and avoiding leavened food, it is referring to a symbolic act that was commonly practiced in the context of ancient Jewish traditions. Leaven, or yeast, is often seen as a symbol of corruption, sin, and impurity in the Bible. By consuming unleavened bread, the Israelites were reminded of their liberation from slavery in Egypt, a time when they had to hastily make bread without leaven in order to flee. The act of eating only unleavened bread during certain religious observances was a way for the Israelites to remember their history and the faithfulness of God in delivering them from bondage. This verse serves as a reminder to maintain spiritual purity and righteousness in all aspects of life, by symbolically avoiding anything that represents sin or corruption.

Theological Overview

The verse 'Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread' from Exodus 12:20 emphasizes the importance of consuming unleavened bread during the feast of Passover. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the symbolic significance of leaven, which is often associated with sin and corruption in the Bible. By instructing the Israelites to eat unleavened bread, God is reminding them of the haste with which they left Egypt and the purity required for their journey to the Promised Land. Additionally, the act of eating unleavened bread serves as a tangible reminder of God's deliverance and provision for His people. Word studies on 'leavened' and 'unleavened' further reveal the contrast between the corruptible nature of sin and the purity found in obedience to God's commandments. Through this verse, believers are encouraged to reflect on the symbolic meaning of unleavened bread and its significance in the celebration of Passover as a reminder of God's faithfulness and redemption.

American Standard Version

Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.
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