Exodus 30:21

Authorized King James Version

So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרָֽחֲצ֛וּ
So they shall wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#2
יְדֵיהֶ֥ם
their hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#3
וְרַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם
and their feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#4
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יָמֻ֑תוּ
that they die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
וְהָֽיְתָ֨ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לָהֶ֧ם
H0
#8
חָק
not and it shall be a statute
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#9
עוֹלָ֛ם
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#10
ל֥וֹ
H0
#11
וּלְזַרְע֖וֹ
to them even to him and to his seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#12
לְדֹֽרֹתָֽם׃
throughout their generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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