What Is the Passover in the Bible?
What Is the Passover in the Bible? The Passover commemorates God sparing the Israelite firstborn in Egypt when the blood of a lamb was applied to their doorposts—a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice.
Key verse: Exodus 12:13 (KJV)
The Passover commemorates God sparing the Israelite firstborn in Egypt when the blood of a lamb was applied to their doorposts—a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice.
The Passover commemorates God sparing the Israelite firstborn in Egypt when the blood of a lamb was applied to their doorposts—a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice.
"When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you." — Exodus 12:13 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
The Passover was instituted in Exodus 12 on the night of the tenth plague. Each Israelite household was to select a lamb without blemish, kill it at twilight, and apply its blood to the doorposts. When the angel of death passed through Egypt, he 'passed over' homes marked with blood. The Israelites ate the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, dressed and ready to leave Egypt. God commanded this to be an annual remembrance forever. In the New Testament, Paul identifies Christ as 'our passover' sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper during a Passover meal, connecting His death directly to this foundational act of redemption.
Key Scripture References
"When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you."
"For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us."
"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Were the Ten Plagues of Egypt?
The ten plagues were divine judgments God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites: blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn.
What Is the Story of the Exodus?
The Exodus is the dramatic account of God delivering the Israelites from Egyptian slavery through Moses, the ten plagues, and the crossing of the Red Sea.
What Happened at the Last Supper?
At the Last Supper, Jesus shared a final Passover meal with His disciples, instituted communion, washed their feet, predicted His betrayal, and gave final teachings.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Scripture
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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 the Passover in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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