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Exodus 12:4
ESV And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb.
NIV If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat.
NASB Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; in proportion to what each one should eat, you are to divide the lamb.
CSB If the household is too small for a whole animal, that person and the neighbor nearest his house are to select one based on the combined number of people; you should apportion the animal according to what each will eat.
NLT If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat.
KJV And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
NKJV And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb.

What does Exodus 12:4 mean?

Moses and Aaron (Exodus 12:1) are explaining the Lord's instructions for the first Passover (Exodus 12:2–3). These include a detailed process for sacrifice of a lamb. Here, God explains how families can join when a single lamb is too large for a family to eat (Exodus 12:10). This probably also applied when a family could not afford an appropriate sacrifice (Exodus 12:5).

These instructions are part of how Israel will be spared from God's wrath on Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6). Following these steps will cause the Lord to "pass over" that home in peace (Exodus 12:13). They also create a system of symbols and traditions supporting the ministry of the ultimate Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ (John 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19). His sacrificial death at Passover (Matthew 26:2) would fulfill the prophecies and promises established through Israel's patriarchs (Genesis 12:7; 15:5, 13–14; 17:5–6) and developed through the nation's experiences in Egypt (Hebrews 8:8–10; 10:11–14).
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