Exodus 40:12

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤
And thou shalt bring
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אַהֲרֹן֙
Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בָּנָ֔יו
and his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
פֶּ֖תַח
unto the door
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#8
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#9
מוֹעֵ֑ד
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
#10
וְרָֽחַצְתָּ֥
and wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#11
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
בַּמָּֽיִם׃
them with water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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