Exodus 30:20

Authorized King James Version

When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּבֹאָ֞ם
When they go
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֹ֧הֶל
into the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#4
מוֹעֵ֛ד
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
#5
יִרְחֲצוּ
they shall wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#6
מַ֖יִם
with water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יָמֻ֑תוּ
that they die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#9
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#10
בְגִשְׁתָּ֤ם
not or when they come near
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙
to the altar
an altar
#13
לְשָׁרֵ֔ת
to minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#14
לְהַקְטִ֥יר
to burn offering
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#15
אִשֶּׁ֖ה
made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#16
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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