Exodus 12:44

44 But any slave who has been purchased may eat it if he has been circumcised.

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 On this night the LORD kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation.

43 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the instructions for the festival of Passover. No outsiders are allowed to eat the Passover meal.

44 But any slave who has been purchased may eat it if he has been circumcised.

45 Temporary residents and hired servants may not eat it.

46 Each Passover lamb must be eaten in one house. Do not carry any of its meat outside, and do not break any of its bones.