King James Version

What Does Exodus 29:4 Mean?

Exodus 29:4 in the King James Version says “And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with wa... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 29:4 · KJV


Context

2

And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.

3

And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.

4

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

5

And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

6

And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Aaron and his sons are brought to the tabernacle entrance and 'washed with water.' Water washing symbolizes cleansing, regeneration (Titus 3:5). Before wearing holy garments or touching sacred things, priests must be washed. This prefigures Christian baptism—outward sign of inward cleansing through Christ's blood. The washing precedes clothing, anointing, and sacrifice, establishing that cleansing is foundational. We must be washed before we can serve.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The washing (רָחַץ, rachatz) likely involved complete bathing, not mere hand/foot washing. This initial cleansing at consecration differed from daily washings at the bronze laver—one comprehensive cleansing followed by regular maintenance washings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regeneration (spiritual washing) precede all other aspects of Christian life?
  2. What is the difference between initial cleansing (salvation) and ongoing cleansing (sanctification)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאֶת1 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַֽהֲרֹ֤ן2 of 12

And Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּנָיו֙4 of 12

and his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תַּקְרִ֔יב5 of 12

thou shalt bring

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל6 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֖תַח7 of 12

unto the door

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֣הֶל8 of 12

of the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד9 of 12

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וְרָֽחַצְתָּ֥10 of 12

and shalt wash

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

אֹתָ֖ם11 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בַּמָּֽיִם׃12 of 12

them with water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 29:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 29:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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