Exodus 40:30

Authorized King James Version

And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙
And he set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַכִּיֹּ֔ר
the laver
properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl
#4
בֵּֽין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#5
אֹ֥הֶל
between the tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#6
מוֹעֵ֖ד
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
#7
וּבֵ֣ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#8
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ
and the altar
an altar
#9
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
שָׁ֛מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#11
מַ֖יִם
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#12
לְרָחְצָֽה׃
there to wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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