Exodus 12:44

44 but every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

Exodus 12:44 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 12:44

But every man's servant that is bought for money
And so his own property: when thou hast circumcised him;
as such an one ought to be, according to the covenant of circumcision given to Abraham, ( Genesis 17:13 Genesis 17:27 ) , though one should think not without his consent; wherefore care was to be taken to purchase such servants as would be willing to conform to that rite, and pains were to be taken with them to instruct them in it, and persuade them to it; to which, when they had submitted, they had a right to eat the passover, but if they did not, it was not allowed: then shall he eat thereof;
but not otherwise.

Exodus 12:44 In-Context

42 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.
43 And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: there shall no foreigner eat thereof;
44 but every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
45 A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat thereof.
46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth aught of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.