Exodus 30:21
Exodus 30:21 in Multiple Translations
Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.”
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.
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.
Their hands and feet are to be washed. so that they may be safe from death: this is an order to them for ever; to him and his seed from generation to generation.
they must also wash so that they will not die. This requirement is to be observed by them and their descendants for all generations.”
So they shall wash their handes and their feete that they die not: and this shall be to them an ordinance for euer, both vnto him and to his seede throughout their generations.
then they have washed their hands and their feet, and they die not, and it hath been to them a statute age-during, to him and to his seed to their generations.'
So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they not die. This shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his descendants throughout their generations.”
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.
Lest perhaps they die. It shall be an everlasting law to him, and to his seed by successions.
They must wash their hands and their feet, in order that they will not die. They and the males descended from them must obey this ritual throughout all generations.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 30:21
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 30:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָחֲצ֛וּ
יְדֵי/הֶ֥ם
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
וְ/לֹ֣א
יָמֻ֑תוּ
וְ/הָיְתָ֨ה
לָ/הֶ֧ם
חָק
עוֹלָ֛ם
ל֥/וֹ
וּ/לְ/זַרְע֖/וֹ
לְ/דֹרֹתָֽ/ם
וְ/רָחֲצ֛וּ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
יְדֵי/הֶ֥ם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
regel
H7272
foot
Conj | N-fd | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָמֻ֑תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/הָיְתָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
לָ/הֶ֧ם
Prep | Suff
חָק
chôq
H2706
statute
N-ms
עוֹלָ֛ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וּ/לְ/זַרְע֖/וֹ
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
לְ/דֹרֹתָֽ/ם
dôwr
H1755
generation
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 30:21
וְ/רָחֲצ֛וּ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
יְדֵי/הֶ֥ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
regel
H7272
"foot"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָמֻ֑תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/הָיְתָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/הֶ֧ם
""
Prep | Suff
חָק
chôq
H2706
"statute"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
עוֹלָ֛ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וּ/לְ/זַרְע֖/וֹ
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
לְ/דֹרֹתָֽ/ם
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
Study Notes — Exodus 30:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 30:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 30:21
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:21
- Sermons on Exodus 30:21
Context — The Bronze Basin
19with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet.
20Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die.
21Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.”
22Then the LORD said to Moses, 23“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 28:43 | Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. |
| 2 | Exodus 27:21 | In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come. |
Exodus 30:21 Summary
In Exodus 30:21, God requires the priests to wash their hands and feet to stay pure and alive. This is a reminder that we need to stay pure and clean in our hearts and actions, just like the priests did. We can do this by obeying God's commands and seeking forgiveness when we sin, as seen in 1 John 1:9. By doing so, we can maintain a clean conscience and live a life that honors God, just like the priests were called to do (Hebrews 10:22).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God require the priests to wash their hands and feet in Exodus 30:21?
God required the priests to wash their hands and feet to maintain ritual purity and to prevent death, as stated in Exodus 30:20, and this was a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants, as seen in Exodus 30:21.
What happens if the priests fail to wash their hands and feet as required?
If the priests fail to wash their hands and feet, they will die, as stated in Exodus 30:20, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.
Is this requirement of washing hands and feet still applicable today?
While the specific requirement of washing hands and feet is part of the Old Testament priesthood, the principle of maintaining spiritual purity and obedience to God's commands is still applicable today, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of purification in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger theme of purification in the Bible, which ultimately points to the need for spiritual cleansing through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Hebrews 10:22 and 1 John 1:7-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'wash my hands and feet' to maintain spiritual purity and obedience to God's commands?
- How can I apply the principle of ritual purity in my daily life, and what are some practical steps I can take to maintain a clean heart and conscience?
- What are some potential consequences of neglecting spiritual purity and obedience to God's commands, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
- How does the requirement of washing hands and feet in Exodus 30:21 point to the ultimate need for spiritual cleansing through faith in Jesus Christ, and what are some ways I can apply this truth in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:21
So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not,.... By the immediate hand of God, who would so greatly resent such a neglect of his command; and by how much easier it was to perform
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:21
For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:21
Exodus 30:21 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.Ver. 21. That they die not.] Come not to an untimely end, as Nadab and Abihu did.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:21
(21) A statute for ever.—Comp. Exodus 27:21; Exodus 28:43; Exodus 29:9. The external act was to continue so long as the dispensation lasted; the internal purity, which it symbolised, would be required of those who entered the Divine Presence for ever. (See Hebrews 12:14.) THE OF THE HOLY OIL.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 30:21
Verse 21. And it shall be a statute for ever] To continue, in its literal meaning, as long as the Jewish economy lasted, and, in its spiritual meaning, to the end of time. What an important lesson does this teach the ministers of the Gospel of Christ! Each time they minister in public, whether in dispensing the WORD or the SACRAMENTS, they should take heed that they have a fresh application of the grace and spirit of Christ, to do away past transgressions or unfaithfulness, and to enable them to minister with the greater effect, as being in the Divine favour, and consequently entitled to expect all the necessary assistances of the Divine unction, to make their ministrations spirit and life to the people. See Clarke on Exodus 29:20.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:21
21. a statute for ever, &c.] see on Exodus 12:14, and Exodus 28:43. 22–33 (cf. Exodus 37:29 a). The holy Anointing Oil. An aromatic oil to be prepared, by mixing, in stated proportions, olive oil with (probably) the essences of myrrh, cinnamon, sweet-smelling cane, and cassia; and the Tent of Meeting, with its appurtenances, as also Aaron and his sons, to be anointed with it, as a mark of consecration to Jehovah. The oil thus prepared to be reserved exclusively for sacred purposes.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:21
THE LAVER, 17-21.
Sermons on Exodus 30:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
An Atheist Answered by T. De Witt Talmage | The preacher delves into the significance of priests in the Bible, highlighting their role as sacred or consecrated individuals who serve deity. While most references to priests in |