Exodus 30:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְרָֽחֲצ֛וּ
So they shall wash
H7364
וְרָֽחֲצ֛וּ
So they shall wash
Strong's:
H7364
Word #:
1 of 12
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
יְדֵיהֶ֥ם
their hands
H3027
יְדֵיהֶ֥ם
their hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 12
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
וְרַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם
and their feet
H7272
וְרַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם
and their feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
3 of 12
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 12
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 #:
5 of 12
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְהָֽיְתָ֨ה
H1961
וְהָֽיְתָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
חָק
not and it shall be a statute
H2706
חָק
not and it shall be a statute
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
8 of 12
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
עוֹלָ֛ם
for ever
H5769
עוֹלָ֛ם
for ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
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).