Exodus 12:44
But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
Exodus 12:44
In the Passover instructions, God lays out a precise social boundary about who may eat the Passover meal. Exodus 12:44 speaks to the status of a “servant bought for money”—a slave acquired through purchase. In the ancient Near Eastern economy, households sometimes included slaves who were owned by their masters, and the Passover meal is a covenant meal that assumes the participants are within the household. The order here, “when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof,” ties eligibility to both physical inclusion (circumcision) and belonging (the meal is for insiders). Circumcision is a sign of the Abrahamic covenant, marking one who belongs to Israel. The verse thus governs a status transition: a purchased servant becomes eligible for the Passover once circumcised, signaling that inclusion in God’s people hinges on belonging to the covenant community, not merely legal status or proximity to Israel’s geography. Culturally, this clarifies that the Passover is a communal, covenant meal for those who are bound to Israel by covenant sign, not simply a meal for citizens or free people.
This verse foregrounds belonging over mere consumer participation. The Passover is not a generic feast; it is a covenant meal that sanctifies community boundaries around who belongs to God’s people. By requiring circumcision for a hired servant to participate, the text emphasizes that inclusion in the covenant follows a personal, covenantal step—marking one as part of the people. It also reflects God’s gracious redefinition of family: those who are integrated into Israel’s covenant through circumcision are fully included, irrespective of birth status. Theologically, it highlights the persistent biblical theme that covenantal access is mediated through faith-acts that signify belonging. It foreshadows the New Testament pattern where belonging to God’s people requires a response of faith and allegiance.
Practically, this verse challenges believers to consider what “belonging” in a faith community requires today. It’s not simply showing up; it’s aligning with the community’s shared life and commitments. For families wrestling with inclusivity, the principle is that genuine participation in the church’s life involves commitment—spiritual or symbolic markers of belonging (baptism, confirmation, or agreed-upon norms in a local church). For households that welcome workers or new members today, the verse invites discernment: what steps establish true belonging? Clear, compassionate guidelines help protect the integrity of the community and ensure the meal (or its modern equivalent) remains a symbol of covenant fidelity. In practice, churches can articulate a welcoming pathway: explanation of beliefs, baptism or membership vows, and mutual accountability, ensuring newcomers are genuinely integrated into the life and mission of God’s people.
Cross-References: Leviticus 22:10-13; Romans 4:11-12; Galatians 3:29; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; Colossians 4:11-12