And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.
Parallel translations
- WEB A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much livestock.
- KJV And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
- NKJV A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds—a great deal of livestock.
- NASB A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a very large number of livestock.
- NLT A rabble of non-Israelites went with them, along with great flocks and herds of livestock.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
A mixed multitude went up with Israel, along with large flocks and herds.
Overview
Others besides ethnic Israelites joined the exodus, a 'mixed multitude' drawn out with God's people. This early inclusion hints that God's redemption would reach beyond Israel to the nations, anticipating the gospel's call to all peoples. The abundant livestock also marks the wealth and provision with which God brought His redeemed people out of bondage.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 2
- Num 11:4Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat?
- Zech 8:23This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The Passover lamb whose blood turns away death, the exodus through the sea, the manna, the rock, and the tabernacle where God dwells with his people all foreshadow Jesus — our Passover, our redemption, the bread from heaven, and God-with-us in the flesh.
How Exodus 12:38 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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