Exodus 12:48
And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
Exodus 12:48
Verse 48 expands the Passover’s inclusivity: “And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.” A visitor living among Israel can participate fully in the Passover once he embraces covenant signs—most notably circumcision—to mark belonging. The verse articulates a pathway toward inclusion for non-Israelites who commit to the covenant. It also balances hospitality with covenant faithfulness, showing God’s intention to weave outsiders into His redemptive story without compromising the integrity of the ceremony. The reference to “males” being circumcised reflects that male membership is the gate into the ritual, consistent with covenantal practices at the time.
Theologically, this verse foreshadows the widening of God’s people beyond ethnic Israel. It points to the principle that conversion and covenant faithfulness enable full participation within the community of God. It also demonstrates that belonging to God’s people is defined by allegiance to Him and acceptance of His signs, not merely physical birth. In Christian terms, this resonates with the gospel’s call to welcome Gentiles who join the faith through baptism and faith, becoming insiders by transformation rather than by birthright alone.
Today, the verse invites churches to model hospitable inclusion while maintaining honest standards of discipleship. Welcoming visitors and newcomers should include clear pathways to belonging—teaching, baptism, membership vows, and participation in the life of the church—so that they can fully participate in worship and ministry. Just as circumcision signified entry into Israel’s covenant, baptism or a membership process signals entry into the church’s covenant community. Churches can create welcoming tracks for newcomers who wish to explore the faith, ensuring they understand core beliefs and commitments before partaking in shared rites. The balance of hospitality with covenant integrity remains essential: inclusion should lead to growth in holiness and mission.
Cross-References: Leviticus 19:33-34; Romans 15:8-9; Galatians 3:28-29; 1 Corinthians 7:17-24; Ephesians 2:11-22