Old Testament
Exodus 12:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The lamb must be a 1-year-old male with no defects. You may choose it from either the sheep or the goats.
Compare translations
Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
What Exodus 12:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs the Israelites on how to select a lamb for a significant ritual. The lamb must be a one-year-old male, symbolizing purity and innocence. It should be without any defects, emphasizing the importance of offering something valuable and perfect. This lamb can come from either sheep or goats, giving the people some flexibility in their choice. The requirement for a flawless lamb highlights the seriousness of the sacrifice and its role in their deliverance. This act foreshadows deeper themes of sacrifice and redemption that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. By choosing a perfect lamb, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to following God's commands and trusting in His plan for their freedom. This moment marks a pivotal point in their journey, as it sets the stage for their liberation from slavery in Egypt. The lamb becomes a powerful symbol of hope and salvation, reminding us of the importance of offering our best in our relationship with God.
How to apply Exodus 12:5 to your life
When we think about what we offer in our lives, we should strive to give our best, just as the Israelites were instructed to choose a perfect lamb. This can apply to our time, talents, and resources. By doing so, we honor our commitments and deepen our relationships with others and with God. Reflect on what you can offer today that reflects your best self.
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 12:5
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 12:5
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 12:5 mean?
Exodus 12:5 provides instructions for selecting a lamb for a significant ritual, emphasizing that it must be a one-year-old male without defects. This symbolizes purity and the importance of offering something valuable to God.
What is the significance of the lamb in Exodus 12:5?
The lamb in Exodus 12:5 represents innocence and the seriousness of sacrifice. It foreshadows themes of redemption and deliverance, marking a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey to freedom from slavery in Egypt.
Why does Exodus 12:5 specify a male lamb?
The specification of a male lamb in Exodus 12:5 highlights the cultural and ritual significance of male animals in sacrifices, which were often seen as more valuable and pure.
What does 'without blemish' mean in Exodus 12:5?
'Without blemish' in Exodus 12:5 means that the lamb must be perfect and free from any defects, symbolizing the importance of offering the best to God in sacrifices.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.