Exodus 12:42
New International Version
Because the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the LORD for the generations to come.

New Living Translation
On this night the LORD kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation.

English Standard Version
It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.

Berean Standard Bible
Because the LORD kept a vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt, this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, to be observed by all the Israelites for the generations to come.

King James Bible
It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

New King James Version
It is a night of solemn observance to the LORD for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

New American Standard Bible
It is a night to be observed for the LORD, for having brought them out of the land of Egypt; this night is for the LORD, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.

NASB 1995
It is a night to be observed for the LORD for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for the LORD, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.

NASB 1977
It is a night to be observed for the LORD for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for the LORD, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.

Legacy Standard Bible
It is a night to be kept for Yahweh for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for Yahweh, to be kept by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.

Amplified Bible
It is a night of watching to be observed for the LORD for having brought them out of the land of Egypt; this [same] night is for the LORD, to be observed and celebrated by all the Israelites throughout their generations.

Christian Standard Bible
It was a night of vigil in honor of the LORD, because he would bring them out of the land of Egypt. This same night is in honor of the LORD, a night vigil for all the Israelites throughout their generations.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It was a night of vigil in honor of the LORD, because He would bring them out of the land of Egypt. This same night is in honor of the LORD, a night vigil for all the Israelites throughout their generations.

American Standard Version
It is a night to be much observed unto Jehovah for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of Jehovah, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

Contemporary English Version
On that night the LORD kept watch for them, and on this same night each year Israel will always keep watch in honor of the LORD.

English Revised Version
It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That night the LORD kept watch to take them out of Egypt. (All Israelites in future generations must keep watch on this night, since it is dedicated to the LORD.)

Good News Translation
It was a night when the LORD kept watch to bring them out of Egypt; this same night is dedicated to the LORD for all time to come as a night when the Israelites must keep watch.

International Standard Version
That was for the LORD a night of vigil to bring them out of the land of Egypt. This same night belongs to the LORD, and is to be a vigil for all the Israelis from generation to generation.

Majority Standard Bible
Because the LORD kept a vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt, this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, to be observed by all the Israelites for the generations to come.

NET Bible
It was a night of vigil for the LORD to bring them out from the land of Egypt, and so on this night all Israel is to keep the vigil to the LORD for generations to come.

New Heart English Bible
It is a night to be much observed to the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

Webster's Bible Translation
It is a night to be much observed to the LORD, for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed by all the children of Israel in their generations.

World English Bible
It is a night to be much observed to Yahweh for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of Yahweh, to be much observed by all the children of Israel throughout their generations.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
It [is] a night of watchings to YHWH, to bring them out from the land of Egypt; it [is] this night of watchings to YHWH to all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.

Young's Literal Translation
A night of watchings it is to Jehovah, to bring them out from the land of Egypt; it is this night to Jehovah of watchings to all the sons of Israel to their generations.

Smith's Literal Translation
This a night of watchings to Jehovah, for bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt: it is this night to Jehovah of watching to all the sons of Israel for their generations.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
This is the observable night of the Lord, when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: this night all the children of Israel must observe in their generations.

Catholic Public Domain Version
This night is a worthy observance of the Lord, when he led them out of the land of Egypt. This all the sons of Israel must observe in their generations.

New American Bible
This was a night of vigil for the LORD, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt; so on this night all Israelites must keep a vigil for the LORD throughout their generations.

New Revised Standard Version
That was for the LORD a night of vigil, to bring them out of the land of Egypt. That same night is a vigil to be kept for the LORD by all the Israelites throughout their generations.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It was a night to be observed to the LORD for bringing them out of the land of Egypt; therefore, this very night is to be observed to the LORD by all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The night is kept to LORD JEHOVAH for their exodus from the land of Egypt; this night is kept to LORD JEHOVAH; it is for all the children of Israel for their generations.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
It was a night of watching unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt; this same night is a night of watching unto the LORD for all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
It is a watch kept to the Lord, so that he should bring them out of the land of Egypt; that very night is a watch kept to the Lord, so that it should be to all the children of Israel to their generations.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Exodus Begins
41At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt. 42Because the LORD kept a vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt, this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, to be observed by all the Israelites for the generations to come.

Cross References
Deuteronomy 16:1
Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night.

Numbers 33:3
On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians,

Leviticus 23:5
The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Deuteronomy 16:6
You must only offer the Passover sacrifice at the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name. Do this in the evening as the sun sets, at the same time you departed from Egypt.

Psalm 136:10-12
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever. / and brought Israel out from among them His loving devotion endures forever. / with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. His loving devotion endures forever.

Isaiah 30:29
You will sing as on the night of a holy festival, and your heart will rejoice like one who walks to the music of a flute, going up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel.

Jeremiah 31:32
It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD.

2 Chronicles 35:1
Then Josiah kept the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Ezekiel 20:6
On that day I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands.

Hosea 12:9
But I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt. I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.

Luke 22:7-8
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. / Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

John 13:1
It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. / Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth.

Hebrews 11:28
By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn.

Matthew 26:17-19
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” / So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.


Treasury of Scripture

It is a night to be much observed to the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

a night to be much observed.

Exodus 12:14
And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Deuteronomy 16:1-6
Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night…

Jump to Previous
Children Egypt Generations Honor Israel Israelites Kept Land Night Observance Observed Throughout Vigil Watching Watchings
Jump to Next
Children Egypt Generations Honor Israel Israelites Kept Land Night Observance Observed Throughout Vigil Watching Watchings
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














Because the LORD kept a vigil
The phrase "kept a vigil" is rooted in the Hebrew word "שִׁמֻּרִים" (shimmurim), which implies a watchful, protective oversight. This vigil signifies God's active and attentive presence, ensuring the safety and deliverance of the Israelites. Historically, this reflects God's covenant faithfulness, as He fulfills His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereignty and His role as a divine protector who intervenes in human history to accomplish His purposes.

that night
The specific mention of "that night" highlights the significance of the Passover night, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. It was a night of divine intervention and liberation, marking the transition from slavery to freedom. This night is commemorated annually in the Jewish Passover, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance. Theologically, it foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings spiritual liberation.

to bring them out of the land of Egypt
This phrase emphasizes the purpose of God's vigil: the deliverance of His people from bondage. The Hebrew word for "bring out" is "יָצָא" (yatsa), which conveys the idea of a powerful, purposeful extraction. Egypt, in this context, symbolizes oppression and sin. Theologically, this act of deliverance is a precursor to the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, who delivers believers from the bondage of sin and death.

all the Israelites are to keep this vigil
The command for "all the Israelites" to "keep this vigil" establishes a communal and perpetual observance. The Hebrew word "שָׁמַר" (shamar) means to guard or observe diligently. This vigil is not just a remembrance but an active participation in the account of redemption. It calls the community to unity and continuity in faith, reminding them of their identity as God's chosen people and their responsibility to live in obedience and gratitude.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" signifies that this vigil is an act of worship and devotion directed towards Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It is a recognition of His mighty acts and a declaration of His lordship. This observance is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt response to God's grace and mercy, acknowledging His role as the ultimate deliverer and sustainer.

for the generations to come
This phrase underscores the timeless nature of the vigil, intended to be observed "for the generations to come." It highlights the importance of passing down the faith and the account of God's deliverance to future generations. This continuity ensures that the knowledge of God's mighty works and His covenant faithfulness remains alive in the hearts and minds of His people. It serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises and the call to remain faithful across the ages.

Verse 42. - It is a night to be much observed. We must suppose that some of the Israelites actually commenced their march before the night was over, being "hastened" by the Egyptians (ver. 33), and having all things in readiness; but the bulk of the people can scarcely have started before daybreak. This is that night of the Lord - i.e., the night concerning which directions had been already given (vers. 6-11) - the only "night" for which any observances were appointed. In their generations. To all time - so long as they continue to be a people. On the bindingness of this commandment, see the comment on ver. 14 of this chapter.

CHAPTER 12:43-51

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Because the LORD
לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

kept a vigil
שִׁמֻּרִ֥ים (šim·mu·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8107: A watching, vigil

that
הוּא֙ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

night
לֵ֣יל (lêl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

to bring them out
לְהוֹצִיאָ֖ם (lə·hō·w·ṣî·’ām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of Egypt,
מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

this same
הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

night [is to be a vigil ]
הַלַּ֤יְלָה (hal·lay·lāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

to the LORD,
לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to be observed
שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים (šim·mu·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8107: A watching, vigil

by all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

for the generations to come.
לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃ (lə·ḏō·rō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling


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OT Law: Exodus 12:42 It is a night to be much (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 12:41
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