King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:18 Mean?

Exodus 30:18 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tab... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

Exodus 30:18 · KJV


Context

16

And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

17

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

18

Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

19

For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:

20

When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bronze laver for washing hands and feet represents ongoing sanctification—priests must wash before serving or die. Initial consecration washing (ch 29) cleansed once; laver washing cleanses continually for service. This prefigures the difference between justification (initial cleansing) and sanctification (ongoing cleansing). Christ provides both—His blood justifies once for all; His word sanctifies daily (John 13:10, 15:3, Ephesians 5:26).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze laver stood between the altar and tabernacle entrance, reminding priests that service requires both sacrifice and cleansing. The bronze construction (from women's mirrors, Exodus 38:8) symbolized judgment/self-examination.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ provide both initial cleansing (justification) and daily cleansing (sanctification)?
  2. What 'hands and feet' (work and walk) need daily washing in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ1 of 16

Thou shalt also make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּיּ֥וֹר2 of 16

a laver

H3595

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

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת3 of 16

also of brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְכַנּ֥וֹ4 of 16

and his foot

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת5 of 16

also of brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

לְרָחְצָ֑ה6 of 16

to wash

H7364

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

וְנָֽתַתָּ֥7 of 16

and thou shalt put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹת֗וֹ8 of 16
H853

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

בֵּֽין9 of 16
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אֹ֤הֶל10 of 16

it between the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵד֙11 of 16

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

וּבֵ֣ין12 of 16
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ13 of 16

and the altar

H4196

an altar

וְנָֽתַתָּ֥14 of 16

and thou shalt put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שָׁ֖מָּה15 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מָֽיִם׃16 of 16

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 30:18 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 30:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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