44 But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
44 Any slave you have bought may eat it after you have circumcised him,
44 but every slave that is bought for money may eat of it after you have circumcised him.
44 Any slave, if he's paid for and circumcised, can eat it.
44 But every man's servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it.
44 But any slave who has been purchased may eat it if he has been circumcised.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 12:44
Commentary on Exodus 12:43-51
(Read Exodus 12:43-51)
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a nation favoured by God, entitled them to their privileges, not their descent from Abraham. Christ our passover is sacrificed for us, 1 Corinthians 5:7; his blood is the only ransom for our souls; without the shedding of it there is no remission; without the sprinkling of it there can be no salvation. Have we, by faith in him, sheltered our souls from deserved vengeance under the protection of his atoning blood? Do we keep close to him, constantly depending upon him? Do we so profess our faith in the Redeemer, and our obligations to him, that all who pass by may know to whom we belong? Do we stand prepared for his service, ready to walk in his ways, and to separate ourselves from his enemies? These are questions of vast importance to the soul; may the Lord direct our consciences honestly to answer them.