Exodus 12:20
ESV
You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwelling places you shall eat unleavened bread."
NIV
Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread."
NASB
You shall not eat anything with yeast; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’?'
CSB
Do not eat anything leavened; eat unleavened bread in all your homes."
NLT
During those days you must not eat anything made with yeast. Wherever you live, eat only bread made without yeast.'
KJV
Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.
NKJV
You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’ ”
What does Exodus 12:20 mean?
This continues (Exodus 12:19) to repeat instructions given regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15). All leaven, or yeast, was to be removed from all homes. This meant eating un-risen bread (Exodus 12:8), which provided Israel with food to carry when they were suddenly freed from slavery (Exodus 12:33, 39). Leaven also became a metaphor for sin (1 Corinthians 5:6–8). Israel is to commemorate these events for a week-long period each year, beginning immediately after celebrating Passover (Exodus 12:18).Violating these commands came with serious consequences. Disobedience meant being "cut off" from Israel: rejected and ostracized from the community and thus all the covenant promises of God's people (Genesis 17:14).
Exodus 12:1–28 records the Lord's instructions for the first observation of Passover. The Israelites are to sacrifice lambs and prepare a specific set of foods. These must be eaten while dressed for travel. The lamb's blood is to be collected at the threshold of the door and then applied to the top and side posts. On that first Passover, God will kill the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6). Houses marked with the lamb's blood will be spared: God's judgment will "pass over" them without harm (Exodus 11:7). This event will establish a new start for Israel's yearly calendar. It is to be commemorated every year by using various symbolic elements. Future generations are to be carefully taught the meaning of these things.
Israel is to realign their calendar to begin with the current month. They receive instructions to prepare a special meal. This includes sacrificing lambs and applying their blood to the doorway of each home. Following these instructions will cause God's wrath to "pass over" that house. Egypt's firstborn are killed and they demand Israel leave immediately. The people quickly gather their belongings and march out in a single massive group. These events are to be remembered with festivals to be celebrated for all time.