King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:19 Mean?

Exodus 30:19 in the King James Version says “For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 30:19 · KJV

Context

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:

21

So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

Read Exodus 30 full chapter

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 · 8 words
וְרָֽחֲצ֛וּ1 of 8

“shall wash”

H7364

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֥ן2 of 8

“For Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּבָנָ֖יו3 of 8

“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

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ4 of 8
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֶת5 of 8
H853

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

יְדֵיהֶ֖ם6 of 8

“their hands”

H3027

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

וְאֶת7 of 8
H853

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

רַגְלֵיהֶֽם׃8 of 8

“and their feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 30:19 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 30:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 52:11Psalms 26:6Exodus 40:31-32Hebrews 10:221 Corinthians 6:9-11Titus 3:5

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