Old Testament
Deuteronomy 16:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Do not eat any bread made with yeast during this time. For 7 days, eat only unleavened bread — the bread of affliction — because you left Egypt in such a rush. This way, you'll remember the day you came out of Egypt for the rest of your life.
Compare translations
Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.
What Deuteronomy 16:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of eating unleavened bread for seven days as a way to remember the hasty escape from Egypt. The bread symbolizes the struggles and hardships faced during that time, often referred to as the 'bread of affliction.' By abstaining from yeast, which represents a more comfortable life, the people are reminded of their past and the urgency of their liberation. This practice serves as a powerful reminder of their identity and history. It encourages reflection on the journey from oppression to freedom. The act of remembering is crucial, as it shapes their understanding of who they are and where they came from. This tradition is not just about food; it’s about connecting with their roots and honoring their experiences. By keeping this memory alive, they ensure that future generations understand the significance of their past and the value of freedom. It’s a call to cherish and learn from history, making it a personal and collective experience.
How to apply Deuteronomy 16:3 to your life
Consider what experiences shape your identity today. Reflect on your past and how it influences your present. Create your own traditions that honor your journey and remind you of the importance of freedom and resilience in your life. Share these stories with others to keep the memory alive. Embrace your history as a source of strength and inspiration for the future.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 16:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 16:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 16:3 mean?
Deuteronomy 16:3 instructs the Israelites to eat unleavened bread for seven days to remember their quick escape from Egypt. This bread symbolizes their hardships and the urgency of their liberation.
What is the significance of unleavened bread in Deuteronomy 16:3?
Unleavened bread, referred to as the 'bread of affliction,' represents the struggles faced during the Israelites' escape from Egypt. Eating it serves as a reminder of their past and the importance of freedom.
Why is it important to remember the Exodus in Deuteronomy 16:3?
Remembering the Exodus is crucial as it shapes the identity of the Israelites and reinforces their history of liberation from oppression. It encourages reflection on their journey and the value of freedom.
What does 'bread of affliction' mean in Deuteronomy 16:3?
The 'bread of affliction' refers to unleavened bread that symbolizes the hardships and struggles faced by the Israelites during their hasty departure from Egypt.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.