What does Exodus 12:10 mean?
ESV: And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn.
NIV: Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it.
NASB: And you shall not leave any of it over until morning, but whatever is left of it until morning, you shall completely burn with fire.
CSB: You must not leave any of it until morning; any part of it left until morning you must burn.
NLT: Do not leave any of it until the next morning. Burn whatever is not eaten before morning.
KJV: And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
NKJV: You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire.
Verse Commentary:
Many practices assigned for this first Passover will become mandatory traditions for the nation of Israel (Exodus 12:14–20). When the Hebrew slaves (Exodus 1:8–14) prepare their Passover lambs (Exodus 12:3–7), nothing is to be left unconsumed. The animal is to be roasted as whole as possible (Exodus 12:8–9). Whatever the family cannot eat—which should be mostly bones—is to be disposed of in the fire. These lambs symbolize the sacrifice of the Messiah, Jesus (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). Burning any leftover bits reflects the hasty departure which is to come (Exodus 12:11, 33).

The term "Passover" is fairly literal. God will see the blood on Israelite doorways and "pass over" (Exodus 12:12–13) that home as He brings devastation to Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6).
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
Moses was sent to lead Israel into freedom (Exodus 3:10). This meant announcing the Lord's supernatural judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–21). After nine such disasters (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), a tenth was promised (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6). In this chapter, God provides instructions for Israel to both survive and commemorate this first Passover night. Egypt reels from the death of its firstborn and demands Israel leave that very night. More directions about the future are to come (Exodus 13). Then Pharaoh will once again change his mind and confront the Hebrews on the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
Accessed 7/3/2025 2:59:17 PM
© Copyright 2002-2025 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
www.BibleRef.com