Definition: Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:19. It’s a really important and slightly shocking passage about how God handles a plague that afflicted the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “From now on, you absolutely must stop using anything that has yeast – like bread or dough – in your homes.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Seven days shall there be no leaven found…” : This refers to yeast. Yeast is a living substance that makes things rise – bread, beer, etc. The verse states it must be stopped. "...in your houses..." : This means ALL of you, including your families and everyone in your home. It’s not just about baking bread; it's about any food that contains yeast. “For whosoever eateth that which is leaved…” : This is a key part. "Eat" here means to consume something. “That which is leaved” refers to the yeast in food. So, whoever consumes food with yeast will be cut off from being part of Israel’s community. "...even that soul shall be cut off..." : This is a pretty dramatic statement – it suggests a consequence for those who disobey God's command. “Cut off” means to be excluded or removed from the group. What does this verse mean in context? This verse was part of a very serious event in the Old Testament: a massive plague that killed thousands of people and destroyed crops. God decided to punish the Israelites for their disobedience – specifically, for not obeying His laws about how to prepare food. By forbidding the use of yeast, he was essentially saying, "You need to stop this behavior and be more careful with your food so that you don’t become a part of our community.” Why is it important? This verse highlights God’s absolute control over His people and his judgment on disobedience. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience – following God's rules, even when they seem inconvenient or difficult. It speaks to themes of protection, accountability, and divine justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., its historical context?) Provide a simplified analogy to help understand the concept of “leavened” food? Discuss what this verse might mean for our lives today, relating it back to principles of obedience and responsibility?