Elucidating the Verb 'Pasach' in Exodus 12 in Light of Ancient Bible Translations and its use in the Tanakh

Most English translations render the verb 'פָסַחְתִּי' (Exodus 12:13) as "pass over," aligning with traditional Jewish perception. According to this reading, God Himself struck the Egyptian firstborn while passing over the houses marked with blood. However, an alternative approach interprets pasach as the exact opposite, meaning to "stand still", "protect" or "spare". In this view, God stood at the blood-marked entrances to actively shield them from "the destroyer" (v. 23). This article examines the meaning of the verb pasach in Exodus 12, focusing on verse 13. By analyzing ancient Jewish translations, other biblical occurrences of pasach, and the immediate narrative context – specifically in light of the identity of the "destroyer" in verse 23 – this study evaluates whether the biblical text describes God passing over or standing still.

What does the verb pasach mean in the account of the first Passover? Dr. Golan Broshi examines Exodus 12:13 alongside verse 23, ancient Jewish translations, other uses of the verb in the Tanakh, and the immediate narrative context. The presentation compares the familiar reading "pass over" with interpretations emphasizing protection, sparing, or remaining at the blood-marked entrance. Its central question concerns how the text describes God's action and the role of "the destroyer."

Dr. Golan Broshi is affiliated with Israel College of the Bible. He holds two BA degrees, in Education and in Sociology and Anthropology, from the University of Haifa; an MA in Sociology of Education from the University of Haifa; an MA in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University; and a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) from Dallas Theological Seminary. His selected books and articles address biblical interpretation, Jewish religious traditions, and Jewish followers of Jesus.