King James Version

What Does Exodus 30:21 Mean?

Exodus 30:21 in the King James Version says “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 hi...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 30:21 · KJV

Context

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,

23

Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,

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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 · 12 words
וְרָֽחֲצ֛וּ1 of 12

“So they shall wash”

H7364

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

יְדֵיהֶ֥ם2 of 12

“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

וְרַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם3 of 12

“and their feet”

H7272

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

וְלֹ֣א4 of 12
H3808

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

יָמֻ֑תוּ5 of 12

“that they die”

H4191

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

וְהָֽיְתָ֨ה6 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֧ם7 of 12
H0
חָק8 of 12

“not and it shall be a statute”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

עוֹלָ֛ם9 of 12

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

ל֥וֹ10 of 12
H0
וּלְזַרְע֖וֹ11 of 12

“to them even to him and to his seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

לְדֹֽרֹתָֽם׃12 of 12

“throughout their generations”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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 30:21 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 30:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:43Exodus 27:21

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 30 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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