Old Testament
Exodus 12:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For 7 days you must eat unleavened bread. On the very first day, remove all leaven from your houses. Whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
Compare translations
Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
What Exodus 12:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs the Israelites to eat unleavened bread for seven days. This means they must remove all leaven, or yeast, from their homes on the first day. Leaven symbolizes sin and corruption, so this act represents a fresh start. Anyone who eats leavened bread during this time will be cut off from the community. This command emphasizes the importance of purity and obedience to God’s instructions. The Israelites are reminded that their actions have consequences, and they must take their commitment seriously. By following these guidelines, they prepare themselves for a significant moment in their history, marking their liberation from slavery in Egypt. This practice is not just about food; it’s about spiritual readiness and dedication to God’s ways. It serves as a reminder to cleanse their lives of anything that could lead them away from their faith and community. The act of removing leaven is a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal in their relationship with God.
How to apply Exodus 12:15 to your life
Consider what 'leaven' might represent in your life today. Are there habits or influences that need to be removed for a fresh start? Embrace the opportunity to cleanse your life and focus on what truly matters in your relationship with God and others. This can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with your community. Take action today to make positive changes in your life and surroundings. Keep your heart open to transformation.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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: The First Passover (Exodus 12:1–28)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 Exodus 12:15
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 Exodus 12:15
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 12:15 mean?
Exodus 12:15 instructs the Israelites to eat unleavened bread for seven days and remove all leaven from their homes. This symbolizes a fresh start and the importance of purity and obedience to God's commands.
What is the significance of unleavened bread in Exodus 12:15?
Unleavened bread represents purity and a break from sin, as leaven symbolizes corruption. The command to eat it for seven days emphasizes the need for spiritual readiness and commitment to God.
Why must leaven be removed from homes according to Exodus 12:15?
Leaven must be removed to symbolize the cleansing of sin and the preparation for a new beginning. This act reflects the Israelites' dedication to following God's instructions.
What happens if someone eats leavened bread during the seven days in Exodus 12:15?
Anyone who eats leavened bread during this period will be 'cut off from Israel,' indicating serious consequences for disobedience to God's command.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.