Exodus 30:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ
Thou shalt also make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ
Thou shalt also make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּיּ֥וֹר
a laver
H3595
כִּיּ֥וֹר
a laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
2 of 16
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
also of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
also of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
3 of 16
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
also of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
also of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
5 of 16
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
and thou shalt put
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
and thou shalt put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹת֗וֹ
H853
אֹת֗וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּֽין
H996
בֵּֽין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
9 of 16
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אֹ֤הֶל
it between the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֤הֶל
it between the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
10 of 16
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵד֙
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵד֙
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
12 of 16
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
and thou shalt put
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
and thou shalt put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Exodus 40:7And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.Exodus 38:8And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.1 Kings 7:38Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: and every laver was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.1 Kings 7:23And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.2 Chronicles 4:2Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.Zechariah 13:1In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.Leviticus 8:11And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.2 Chronicles 4:6He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Historical Context
The bronze laver stood between the altar and tabernacle entrance, reminding priests that service requires both sacrifice and cleansing. The bronze construction (from women's mirrors, Exodus 38:8) symbolized judgment/self-examination.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ provide both initial cleansing (justification) and daily cleansing (sanctification)?
- What 'hands and feet' (work and walk) need daily washing in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The bronze laver for washing hands and feet represents ongoing sanctification—priests must wash before serving or die. Initial consecration washing (ch 29) cleansed once; laver washing cleanses continually for service. This prefigures the difference between justification (initial cleansing) and sanctification (ongoing cleansing). Christ provides both—His blood justifies once for all; His word sanctifies daily (John 13:10, 15:3, Ephesians 5:26).