Exodus 30:20
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:
Original Language Analysis
בְּבֹאָ֞ם
When they go
H935
בְּבֹאָ֞ם
When they go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֹ֧הֶל
into the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֧הֶל
into the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
3 of 16
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֛ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֛ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
4 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
מַ֖יִם
with water
H4325
מַ֖יִם
with water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
6 of 16
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָמֻ֑תוּ
that they die
H4191
יָמֻ֑תוּ
that they die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
8 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
9 of 16
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
בְגִשְׁתָּ֤ם
not or when they come near
H5066
בְגִשְׁתָּ֤ם
not or when they come near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
10 of 16
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
לְשָׁרֵ֔ת
to minister
H8334
לְשָׁרֵ֔ת
to minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
13 of 16
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
לְהַקְטִ֥יר
to burn offering
H6999
לְהַקְטִ֥יר
to burn offering
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
14 of 16
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
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
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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).