Exodus 40:31
And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:
Original Language Analysis
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וּבָנָ֑יו
and his sons
H1121
וּבָנָ֑יו
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְדֵיהֶ֖ם
their hands
H3027
יְדֵיהֶ֖ם
their hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 9
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
Historical Context
The priestly washing requirement (Exodus 30:19-21) under death penalty emphasized that even consecrated priests needed repeated cleansing. The hands and feet (not the whole body) indicated that justified priests needed sanctification, not re-justification (cf. John 13:10, Jesus washing disciples' feet).
Questions for Reflection
- How does washing hands (deeds) and feet (walk) teach that holiness encompasses both conduct and character?
- What does repeated washing (not once-for-all) teach about believers' ongoing need for sanctification?
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Analysis & Commentary
Aaron and his sons washing hands and feet at the laver establishes priestly purity requirements. The hands (service) and feet (walk) symbolize conduct and character—ministry requires holiness in deed and direction. The washing's regularity ('when they went into...when they came near,' v. 32) teaches that cleansing is ongoing, not once-for-all—justification occurs once, sanctification continues. The 8th and final 'as the LORD commanded Moses' in chapter 40 completes the obedience emphasis (eight = new beginning). Believers, as priests (1 Peter 2:9), need continual cleansing (1 John 1:9).