Exodus 29:4
Exodus 29:4 in Multiple Translations
Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.
And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tent of meeting, and shalt wash them with water.
And let Aaron and his sons come to the door of the Tent of meeting, and there let them be washed with water.
Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and wash them with water.
And shalt bring Aaron and his sonnes vnto the doore of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and wash them with water.
'And Aaron and his sons thou dost bring near unto the opening of the tent of meeting, and hast bathed them with water;
You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall wash them with water.
And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of the testimony. And when thou hast washed the father and his sons with water,
Take Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Sacred Tent, and wash them ritually.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 29:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 29:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
וְ/אֶת
בָּנָי/ו֙
תַּקְרִ֔יב
אֶל
פֶּ֖תַח
אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֑ד
וְ/רָחַצְתָּ֥
אֹתָ֖/ם
בַּ/מָּֽיִם
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בָּנָי/ו֙
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
תַּקְרִ֔יב
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פֶּ֖תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
וְ/רָחַצְתָּ֥
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בַּ/מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 29:4
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בָּנָי/ו֙
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
תַּקְרִ֔יב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פֶּ֖תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
וְ/רָחַצְתָּ֥
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּ/מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Exodus 29:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 29:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 29:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 29:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 29:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
- Sermons on Exodus 29:4
Context — Consecration of the Priests
2along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil. Make them out of fine wheat flour,
3put them in a basket, and present them in the basket, along with the bull and the two rams.
4Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.
5Take the garments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastplate. Fasten the ephod on him with its woven waistband. 6Put the turban on his head and attach the holy diadem to the turban.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 40:12 | Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. |
| 2 | Hebrews 10:22 | let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. |
| 3 | Exodus 26:36 | For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. |
| 4 | Leviticus 8:3–6 | and assemble the whole congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him, and the assembly gathered at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. And Moses said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded to be done.” Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. |
| 5 | John 13:8–10 | “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 23:11 | When evening approaches, he must wash with water, and when the sun sets he may return to the camp. |
| 7 | Ephesians 5:26 | to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, |
| 8 | Titus 3:5 | He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. |
| 9 | Exodus 40:28 | Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. |
| 10 | Leviticus 14:8 | The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days. |
Exodus 29:4 Summary
This verse, Exodus 29:4, is talking about how Aaron and his sons were washed with water before they could start their jobs as priests. This washing was a symbol of making them clean and pure before God, as seen in Leviticus 16:4. Just like how we need to wash our bodies to get clean, our spirits need to be washed too, and this happens when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 22:16 and Ephesians 5:26. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that we are all called to be priests and ambassadors for God, and we need to make sure our hearts are clean and pure before Him, as referenced in 1 Peter 2:9 and Matthew 5:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was it necessary to wash Aaron and his sons with water?
The washing with water was a symbol of spiritual cleansing, as seen in Exodus 29:4, and it was a necessary step before they could be clothed with the sacred garments and begin their priestly duties, as referenced in Leviticus 16:4 and Hebrews 10:22.
What is the significance of presenting Aaron and his sons at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting?
The entrance to the Tent of Meeting was a sacred place where the people of Israel would come to worship and offer sacrifices, as seen in Exodus 29:4, and presenting Aaron and his sons there signified their new role as priests and mediators between God and the people, as explained in Exodus 28:1 and Hebrews 5:1.
How does this washing with water relate to our own spiritual cleansing?
Just as Aaron and his sons needed to be washed with water before beginning their priestly duties, we also need to be spiritually cleansed through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 22:16 and Ephesians 5:26, and this cleansing is available to us through the blood of Christ, as referenced in Hebrews 9:14 and 1 John 1:7.
What can we learn from the example of Aaron and his sons about our own role as priests in God's kingdom?
As believers, we are all called to be priests and ambassadors for Christ, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9 and 2 Corinthians 5:20, and we can learn from the example of Aaron and his sons the importance of humility, obedience, and spiritual cleansing in our own lives, as referenced in Exodus 29:4 and Matthew 5:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need spiritual cleansing, and how can I apply the principle of washing with water to my own spiritual journey?
- How can I, like Aaron and his sons, present myself to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, as seen in Romans 12:1?
- What are some ways I can fulfill my role as a priest in God's kingdom, and how can I use my gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, come to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, symbolically speaking, and worship God with reverence and awe, as seen in Hebrews 12:28?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 29:4
And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,.... That is, order and direct them to come thither; for it cannot be thought he was to carry them in his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 29:4
And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
Taken out of that laver, . This signified the universal pollution of all men, and the absolute need they have of washing, especially when they are to draw nigh to God. And this outward washing was only typical of their spiritual washing by the blood and Spirit of Christ in order to their acceptance with God.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
Exodus 29:4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.Ver. 4. Wash them with water.] A type of Christ’ s baptism.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
(4) Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door . . . —The place of the laver, not yet mentioned, but designed in God’s counsels, was between the brazen altar and the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:18), and consequently near the door of the latter. Rabbinical tradition says that it was not placed exactly opposite the door, but a little towards the south side of the court. And shalt wash them.—This is the first mention in Scripture of a religious ablution. Water is so natural a symbol of purity, and ablution so apt a representative of the purging from sin, that we can feel surprise neither at the widespread use of the symbolism in religions of very different characters, nor at its adoption into the system at this time imposed by Divine Providence upon the Hebrews. As it was to maintain its place even in the Divinely-appointed ceremonial of Christianity, it must have been à fortiori suitable for the earlier and less spiritual dispensation. The widespread employment of it in other religions—e.g., in Egypt (Herod. ii. 37); in Persia (Zendavesta, 8 p. 271. Spiegel’s translation); in Greece (Döllinger, Jew and Gentile, vol. i., p. 220); in Italy (Dict. of Greek and Rom. Antiq., p. 719), and elsewhere—was no argument against its adoption into the Mosaic ceremonial, since the Divine legislation of Sinai was not intended to annul or supersede natural religion, but only to improve and expand it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
Verse 4. Thou - shalt wash them] This was done emblematically, to signify that they were to put away all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 29:4
4. Washing of Aaron and his ‘sons’ (i.e. the common priests, as distinguished from the high priest); cf. Leviticus 8:6. This washing extended to the entire person; and was different from the subsequent ordinary washings of the hands and feet before the daily ministrations (Exodus 30:19 f.).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 29:4
4. Wash them with water — Comp. Leviticus 8:6; Leviticus 16:4. Cleanness, purity, symbolizing holiness, was important to be observed, and is made emphatic in this ceremony.
Sermons on Exodus 29:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Eternity by J. Wesley Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher uses various illustrations to emphasize the brevity of life and the importance of recognizing the limited time we have on Earth. He compares life to a |
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A Touch From God (Full) by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and being willing to fully surrender to Him, leaving behind defilement and busyness. It highlights the need for a de |
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Boldness to Enter God's Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's delight in our deliverance in order to experience true joy and peace. He uses the parable of the prodi |
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(Hebrews - Part 29): The Assembly of Believers by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church and the need for believers to be actively involved in it. He encourages the congregation to draw near to God, h |
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Garland, Texas - Conscience by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon delves into the historical context of moral decline post-American Revolution, highlighting the societal issues of drunkenness, immorality, and lawlessness. It transitio |
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Witness of the Spirit - Part 2 by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead emphasizes the necessity of genuine fellowship with God, contrasting it with the superficiality of modern evangelism. He challenges listeners to reflect on their per |
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He Is Able (2 of 2) - 1955 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a story about a criminal named Connell who was sentenced to death. The preacher, Philip Dodridge, tried his best to save Connell by using all |