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Exodus 12:12
ESV For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord.
NIV "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.
NASB For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and fatally strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the human firstborn to animals; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the Lord.
CSB "I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both people and animals. I am the Lord; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt.
NLT On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!
KJV For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.
NKJV ‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.

What does Exodus 12:12 mean?

When God first commissioned Moses to lead Israel out of slavery, He predicted terrible judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–20). He also warned Moses that it would take the direst threats to make Pharaoh finally give up the captive Hebrews (Exodus 4:21–23). After nine catastrophes (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), the Lord is about to make good on His promise of a tenth plague (Exodus 11:4–6). This will involve the death of every firstborn—the primary heirs—from animals to servants to the household of pharaoh himself. This will be the ultimate proof that the God of Israel, not the idols of Egypt, have divine power.

Instructions in this chapter are for the Israelites to avoid being caught in this judgment. By marking their homes with lamb's blood (Exodus 12:3–7), they demonstrate faith and obedience to the Lord. Over such homes, He will "pass over" in His wrath (Exodus 12:13). That will reinforce the idea that God favors the people of Israel over their oppressors (Exodus 11:7).

When the judgment comes, it will so devastate Egypt that they will demand the Israelites leave immediately (Exodus 12:29–33).
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