Verse (Click for Chapter) 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. Berean Literal Bible It is a night of vigil for YHWH to bring them out from the land of Egypt. This same night for YHWH, a vigil for all the sons of Israel throughout their generations. 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. Berean Annotated Bible Because the LORD {YHWH} kept a vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt (land of bondage), this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, to be observed by all the Israelites (God prevails) for the generations to come. 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBecause 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. 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 VersionIt [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. Berean Literal Bible It is a night of vigil for YHWH to bring them out from the land of Egypt. This same night for YHWH, a vigil for 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 BibleThis 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 BibleIt 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 1917It 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 Because the LORD kept a vigil that night Exodus 13:21-22 And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people. Nehemiah 9:12 You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel. Psalm 121:4 Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. to bring them out of the land of Egypt, Deuteronomy 26:8 Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders. Joshua 24:6-7 When I brought your fathers out of Egypt and you reached the Red Sea, the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horsemen as far as the Red Sea. / So your fathers cried out to the LORD, and He put darkness between you and the Egyptians, over whom He brought the sea and engulfed them. Your very eyes saw what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the wilderness for a long time. 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. this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, 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. Exodus 13:10 Therefore you shall keep this statute at the appointed time year after year. Numbers 9:2-3 “The Israelites are to observe the Passover at its appointed time. / You are to observe it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with its statutes and ordinances.” to be observed by all the Israelites 2 Chronicles 30:1-5 Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel. / For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, / since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem. … 2 Chronicles 35:17-19 The Israelites who were present also observed the Passover at that time, as well as the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. / No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem. / In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed. Joshua 5:10-11 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover. / The day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate unleavened bread and roasted grain from the produce of the land. for the generations to come. Deuteronomy 4:9-10 Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. / The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.” Joel 1:3 Tell it to your children; let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. Psalm 78:4-7 We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children … 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, 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 WatchingsJump to Next Children Egypt Generations Honor Israel Israelites Kept Land Night Observance Observed Throughout Vigil Watching WatchingsExodus 12 1. The beginning of the year is changed3. 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 that night This phrase highlights God's active role in the deliverance of the Israelites. The term "vigil" implies watchfulness and protection. In the biblical context, this night refers to the Passover, when God passed over the homes of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn. This act of divine intervention underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It also foreshadows the vigilance of Christ, who watches over His people. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who actively intervenes in history to deliver His people. 2. The Israelites The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypt and are the recipients of God's deliverance. 3. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved, representing bondage and oppression. 4. The Passover Night The night when God struck down the firstborn of Egypt and spared the Israelites, leading to their liberation. 5. The Vigil A night of watching and remembrance, instituted by God for the Israelites to observe throughout their generations. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessThe vigil night underscores God's faithfulness in keeping His promises. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life. Remembrance and Celebration The Israelites were commanded to remember their deliverance. Consider how you can incorporate remembrance of God's work in your life into your spiritual practices. Generational Teaching The vigil was to be observed by future generations. Think about ways to pass on your faith and experiences of God's deliverance to the next generation. God's Vigilance Just as God kept vigil over Israel, He watches over us. Trust in His constant care and protection in your daily life. Christ as Our Passover Reflect on how the Passover points to Jesus as the ultimate deliverer, and how this impacts your understanding of salvation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 12:42?2. Why is Exodus 12:42 called a "night of vigil" for the Israelites? 3. How does Exodus 12:42 emphasize God's faithfulness in delivering His people? 4. What connections exist between Exodus 12:42 and the observance of Passover today? 5. How can Christians today keep a "night of vigil" in their spiritual lives? 6. In what ways does Exodus 12:42 inspire gratitude for God's deliverance in Christ? 7. Why is Exodus 12:42 called a "night of vigil" for the Israelites and the LORD? 8. How does Exodus 12:42 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 12:42? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 12? 11. What is the purpose of a Passover Seder? 12. How did early Israelites fulfill the centralized requirement of bringing firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26) before a formal temple or priesthood was consistently established? 13. Who was Miriam in the Bible? 14. What defines a prayer vigil? What Does Exodus 12:42 Mean Because the LORD kept a vigil that night- The verse opens by spotlighting God Himself as the One who “kept a vigil,” underscoring His personal, watchful care over Israel (cf. Psalm 121:4; Exodus 3:7-8). - This was no ordinary night; it was the decisive moment when the Lord actively guarded His people while judgment fell on Egypt (Exodus 12:12-13). - The phrase highlights God’s unwavering faithfulness: He stayed awake so His redeemed could walk free (Isaiah 27:3). - Just as a parent watches over sleeping children, the Lord ensured nothing could thwart His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14). to bring them out of the land of Egypt - The vigil had a clear purpose: deliverance. Israel’s exit was not gradual but a sudden, dramatic liberation orchestrated by God (Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 26:8). - This deliverance pictures salvation itself—God moving His people from bondage to freedom (John 8:36). - The exodus became the foundational redemption story, later echoed in prophets and psalms (Micah 6:4; Psalm 105:37). this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD - Because God stayed awake for them, Israel must stay awake for Him—an act of grateful remembrance (Exodus 12:24-27). - The night belongs “to the LORD,” shifting focus from Israel’s rescue to God’s glory (Leviticus 23:5). - Keeping vigil means deliberately pausing, recounting the story, and honoring the Deliverer (Joshua 4:6-7). to be observed by all the Israelites for the generations to come - The command is perpetual, binding every generation into the same story (Psalm 78:5-7). - Passover becomes a yearly classroom where parents tell children how God saves (Exodus 13:8-10). - The continuity safeguards national identity and spiritual vitality, reminding Israel that their existence rests on divine intervention (1 Corinthians 5:7-8 links this pattern to believers today). summary Exodus 12:42 presents a night unlike any other: God Himself stayed up to protect His people and pull them out of slavery. In response, every generation of Israelites is called to stay up in thankful remembrance, passing on the story of divine deliverance. The perpetual vigil of Passover turns historical fact into living faith, anchoring God’s people in His unchanging faithfulness and foreshadowing the ultimate redemption found in Christ. 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 Hebrew Because the LORDלַֽיהוָ֔ה (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 Links Exodus 12:42 NIVExodus 12:42 NLT Exodus 12:42 ESV Exodus 12:42 NASB Exodus 12:42 KJV Exodus 12:42 BibleApps.com Exodus 12:42 Biblia Paralela Exodus 12:42 Chinese Bible Exodus 12:42 French Bible Exodus 12:42 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 12:42 It is a night to be much (Exo. 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