Exodus 30:18

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ

H6213

Thou shalt also make

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּיּ֥וֹר

H3595

a laver

properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת

H5178

also of brass

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְכַנּ֥וֹ

H3653

and his foot

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת

H5178

also of brass

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

לְרָחְצָ֑ה

H7364

to wash

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

וְנָֽתַתָּ֥

H5414

and thou shalt put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹת֗וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֵּֽין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#10

אֹ֤הֶל

H168

it between the tabernacle

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

#11

מוֹעֵד֙

H4150

of the congregation

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

#12

וּבֵ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#13

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ

H4196

and the altar

an altar

#14

וְנָֽתַתָּ֥

H5414

and thou shalt put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#15

שָׁ֖מָּה

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#16

מָֽיִם׃

H4325

water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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