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Exodus 12:38
ESV A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.
NIV Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.
NASB A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a very large number of livestock.
CSB A mixed crowd also went up with them, along with a huge number of livestock, both flocks and herds.
NLT A rabble of non-Israelites went with them, along with great flocks and herds of 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.

What does Exodus 12:38 mean?

This passage describes Israel's exit from Egypt (Exodus 12:37, 40–41). The Lord has made a clear distinction between His people and the people of Egypt (Exodus 8:22; 9:4, 7, 26; 10:22–23). The purpose of these many disasters (Exodus 3:19–20) has been freeing the Hebrews from slavery (Exodus 1:11–14). Yet here, we see a large number of non-Israelites coming along in the exodus.

In Scripture, God does not judge on the basis of ethnicity or ancestry. The nation of Israel is His chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2). While that identity is hereditary from generation to generation, it is primarily about faith. Those Egyptians who saw supernatural signs (Exodus 8:19; 10:7) had an opportunity to submit to the One True God. Prominent examples of this inclusivity are Rahab (Joshua 6:25) and Ruth (Ruth 1:4; 4:10–12). Both are ethnic outsiders, and both become part of the family of Israel (Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31). When the Lord gave instructions for the Passover (Exodus 12:11–14), He was already including non-Jewish people in the plans (Exodus 12:19). Unassimilated peoples—"foreigners" (Exodus 12:43, 45)—are not part of this.

Israel also leaves with a large contingent of animals. God spared them from the horrific losses inflicted on Egypt (Exodus 9:6; 10:25). This will provide the people with transportation, muscle power, and food. These animals will also be crucial for sacrifices that must be offered under the upcoming covenant (Exodus 10:26).
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