Exodus 40:7
And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
And thou shalt set
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
And thou shalt set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכִּיֹּ֔ר
the laver
H3595
הַכִּיֹּ֔ר
the laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
3 of 11
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
בֵּֽין
H996
בֵּֽין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אֹ֥הֶל
between the tent
H168
אֹ֥הֶל
between the tent
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
5 of 11
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֖ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֖ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
7 of 11
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
And thou shalt set
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥
And thou shalt set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.Psalms 26:6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.Zechariah 13:1In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Historical Context
The laver, made from bronze mirrors donated by serving women (Exodus 38:8), provided water for priestly washing. Without this cleansing, priests entering the tent or serving at the altar would die (Exodus 30:20-21)—emphasizing that holiness, not merely forgiveness, enables service.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the laver's position illustrate that salvation includes both justification and sanctification?
- What does priestly washing before service teach about believers' need for daily cleansing?
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Analysis & Commentary
The laver 'between the tent and the altar' with water for washing teaches that cleansing follows sacrifice and precedes service. Priests washed hands and feet before entering the tent (v. 31-32), teaching that justified saints need sanctification for fellowship. The laver's position—after altar (justification) but before tent (communion)—illustrates salvation's order. The water symbolizes the Word (Ephesians 5:26) and Spirit cleansing believers. Christ's blood justifies; His Spirit sanctifies (1 Corinthians 6:11).