Deuteronomy 16:4
And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.
Deuteronomy 16:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible is about the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a significant event in Jewish tradition. During this festival, the Israelites were commanded to refrain from eating leavened bread for seven days. Leaven, or yeast, is often used in baking to make bread rise, but in this context, it symbolizes impurity and sin. The removal of leaven during this time is a symbolic way for the Israelites to cleanse themselves of sin and impurities as they remember their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Additionally, the verse emphasizes the importance of not allowing any leftover meat sacrificed on the first day of the festival to remain until the next morning. This serves as a reminder to trust in God's provision and to fully rely on Him for sustenance. Overall, this verse highlights the significance of obedience and faithfulness in observing religious traditions and the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in delivering His people.
Theological Overview
This verse from Exodus 34:25 is part of the instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the significance of leaven as a symbol of sin and corruption in the Bible. In this context, the absence of leavened bread during the Feast of Unleavened Bread represents purity and holiness before God. The removal of leaven serves as a reminder to the Israelites to cleanse themselves of sin and to walk in righteousness. Additionally, the prohibition against leaving any part of the sacrificed flesh until morning underscores the requirement for obedience and promptness in carrying out God's commands. Through these instructions, God teaches the Israelites the importance of living in obedience to His word and the necessity of maintaining spiritual purity. Word studies on terms such as "leavened bread" and "sacrificed the first day at even" can provide further insights into the cultural and religious context of these practices during biblical times.
Deuteronomy 16:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
And there shall be no leaven seen with thee in all thy borders seven days; neither shall any of the flesh, which thou sacrificest the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.
World English Bible
No yeast shall be seen with you in all your borders seven days; neither shall any of the flesh, which you sacrifice the first day at evening, remain all night until the morning.
Douay-Rheims
No leaven shall be seen in all thy coasts for seven days, neither shall any of the flesh of that which was sacrificed the first day in the evening remain until morning.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And there shalbe no leauen seene with thee in all thy coastes seuen dayes long: neither shall there remaine the night any of the flesh vntil the morning which thou offeredst ye first day at euen.