What Is Passover?
What Is Passover? Passover is the annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, when the LORD passed over homes marked by the blood of a lamb.
Key verse: Exodus 12:13 (KJV)
Passover is the annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, when the LORD passed over homes marked by the blood of a lamb.
Passover is the annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, when the LORD passed over homes marked by the blood of a lamb.
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." — Exodus 12:13 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Passover was instituted in Exodus 12 on the night before Israel's exodus from Egypt. Each household was to select an unblemished year-old lamb, kill it at twilight, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their house. That night the LORD struck down the firstborn of Egypt, but when He saw the blood, He passed over that home. The lamb was roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, and the people ate with their belts fastened and staffs in hand, ready to depart. Passover became the foundational feast of Israel, celebrated annually on the fourteenth day of the first month. It foreshadows Christ, our Passover Lamb, whose blood covers believers from the judgment of God. At the Last Supper — a Passover meal — Jesus transformed the feast into the Lord's Supper, commanding His disciples to remember His sacrifice.
Key Scripture References
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt."
"For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you."
"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Feast of Firstfruits?
The Feast of Firstfruits was Israel's spring harvest offering, picturing the resurrection of Christ as the firstfruits of those who sleep.
What Is Pentecost?
Pentecost is the feast of weeks when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early church, empowering believers to proclaim the gospel.
What Is the Lord's Supper in the Bible?
The Lord's Supper, also called Communion or the Eucharist, is the Christian ordinance in which believers remember Christ's sacrifice through bread and wine in fellowship with Him and one another.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Passover in the Bible?
History & Origins
What Is the Feast of Passover?
History & Origins
Who Wrote the Bible?
History & Origins
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
The Serpent in Eden — Satan in Genesis 3 (KJV)
The serpent in Eden is Satan's first appearance in Scripture — questioning God's
The Passover — Firstborn Spared
The blood of a spotless lamb on the doorposts spared every Israelite firstborn t
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Passover?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.