Exodus 12:48

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Exodus 12:48 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to Jehovah, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to Jehovah, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
Exodus 12:48 — American Standard Version

Context — Exodus 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
48And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to Jehovah, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, &e.] Who by so doing became a proselyte of the gate, he observing the commands of the sons of Noah: and will keep the passover of the Lord; is desirous of being admitted to that ordinance: let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near, and keep it: first himself, and then all his male children and male servants, and then, and not till then, he might approach to this ordinance, and observe it; for by this means he would become a proselyte of righteousness, and in all respects as an Israelite, or son of Abraham, as it follows: and he shall be as one that is born in the land; a native and proper inhabitant of Canaan, enjoying all the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“No stranger that was uncircumcised might eat of it. Neither may any now approach the Lord's supper who have not first submitted to baptism; nor shall any partake of the benefit of Christ's sacrifice, who are not first circumcised in heart. Any stranger that was circumcised might eat of the passover, even servants. Here is an indication of favour to the poor Gentiles, that the stranger, if circumcised, stands upon the same level with the home - born Israelite; one law for both. This was a mortification to the Jews, and taught them that it was their dedication to God, not their descent from Abraham, that entitled them to their privileges. Next: Exodus Chapter 13”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a stranger: Exo 12:43; Num 9:14, Num 15:15, Num 15:16 let all: Gen 17:12; Eze 44:9, Eze 47:22 shall be: Gal 3:28; Col 3:11 Exodus 12:49”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification