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What the Bible Says About Memorial

Overview

The Bible addresses memorial across 14 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Exodus, 1 Corinthians and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Firstborn, Frontlets, Redemption and Eucharist. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses and Aaron.

Key Bible verses about memorial

Old Testament

Exodus

Exodus 13:12

That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S. set: Heb. cause to pass over

Exodus 13:13

And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem. lamb: or, kid

Exodus 13:14

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: in: Heb. to morrow

Exodus 13:15

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

Exodus 13:16

And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

Exodus 16:32

And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.

Exodus 16:33

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.

Exodus 16:34

As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

Exodus 28:12

And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

People in the Bible and memorial

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying memorial for yourself

  • Begin with Exodus 13:12, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Exodus, 1 Corinthians and Leviticus each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Moses and Aaron and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Firstborn, Frontlets, Redemption and Eucharist.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about memorial?

The Bible addresses memorial across 14 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Exodus, 1 Corinthians and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Firstborn, Frontlets, Redemption and Eucharist. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses and Aaron.

How many Bible verses are about memorial?

The Bible references memorial in 14 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention memorial?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 13:12: “That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S. set: Heb. cause to pass over”

Which people in the Bible are associated with memorial?

Moses and Aaron.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on memorial.

Preach a series on Memorial