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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
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.
New Testament
1 Corinthians
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. in: or, for a remembrance
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. ye do: or, shew ye
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
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