King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:20 Mean?

Exodus 30:20 in the King James Version says “When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come n...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Exodus 30:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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 · 16 words
בְּבֹאָ֞ם1 of 16

“When they go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֧הֶל3 of 16

“into the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֛ד4 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

יִרְחֲצוּ5 of 16

“they shall wash”

H7364

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

מַ֖יִם6 of 16

“with water”

H4325

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

וְלֹ֣א7 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמֻ֑תוּ8 of 16

“that they die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

א֣וֹ9 of 16
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְגִשְׁתָּ֤ם10 of 16

“not or when they come near”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֶל11 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙12 of 16

“to the altar”

H4196

an altar

לְשָׁרֵ֔ת13 of 16

“to minister”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

לְהַקְטִ֥יר14 of 16

“to burn offering”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

אִשֶּׁ֖ה15 of 16

“made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

לַֽיהוָֽה׃16 of 16

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 30:20 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 30:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 6:19Hebrews 12:28-29Psalms 89:7Leviticus 10:1-3Leviticus 16:1-2Exodus 12:15

Test Your Knowledge

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