Exodus 40:32
Exodus 40:32 in Multiple Translations
They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.
when they went into the tent of meeting, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
Whenever they went into the Tent of meeting, and when they came near the altar, as the Lord had given orders to Moses.
They washed whenever they went into the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, as the Lord had ordered Moses to do.
When they went into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and when they approched to the Altar, they washed, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
in their going in unto the tent of meeting, and in their drawing near unto the altar, they wash, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.
When they went into the Tent of Meeting, and when they came near to the altar, they washed, as the LORD commanded Moses.
When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near to the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.
The cloud covered the tabernacle of the testimony, and the glory of the Lord filled it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 40:32
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 40:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/בֹאָ֞/ם
אֶל
אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֗ד
וּ/בְ/קָרְבָתָ֛/ם
אֶל
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
יִרְחָ֑צוּ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
צִוָּ֥ה
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶת
מֹשֶֽׁה
בְּ/בֹאָ֞/ם
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms
מוֹעֵ֗ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
וּ/בְ/קָרְבָתָ֛/ם
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
יִרְחָ֑צוּ
râchats
H7364
to wash
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 40:32
בְּ/בֹאָ֞/ם
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
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.
מוֹעֵ֗ד
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.
וּ/בְ/קָרְבָתָ֛/ם
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
יִרְחָ֑צוּ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
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.
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 40:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Setting Up the Tabernacle
30He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing;
31and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet.
32They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
33And Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar, and he hung the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. So Moses finished the work. 34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 73:19 | How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! |
| 2 | Exodus 30:19–20 | with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet. Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made by fire to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. |
| 3 | Exodus 40:19 | Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him. |
Exodus 40:32 Summary
This verse reminds us that the Israelites had to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar, as the Lord had commanded Moses. This washing was a way of showing respect and reverence for the Lord's presence, and it also symbolized spiritual cleansing, as seen in Psalm 51:7. Just like the Israelites, we need to prepare ourselves spiritually before approaching the Lord, and we can do this by confessing our sins and trusting in the Lord's power to cleanse us, as stated in 1 John 1:9. By doing so, we can worship and serve the Lord with a pure heart, just as the Israelites did in the Tent of Meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was washing so important for those entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar?
Washing was a symbol of spiritual cleansing, as commanded by the Lord, to prepare oneself for worship and service, just as the Lord had commanded Moses, and as seen in Exodus 30:20-21, where the Lord instructed Moses to make a bronze basin for washing.
Did only the priests have to wash, or was it required for everyone?
The verse indicates that Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet, implying that washing was required for those who entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, regardless of their role, as part of their priestly duties, as stated in Exodus 40:31.
What is the significance of the Tent of Meeting and the altar in this context?
The Tent of Meeting and the altar were sacred spaces where the Israelites would worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord, and washing was a necessary step to approach these areas with reverence and purity, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-3, where the Lord spoke to Moses from the Tent of Meeting.
How does this practice of washing relate to our lives as believers today?
While we do not have a physical Tent of Meeting or altar, the principle of spiritual cleansing and preparation for worship remains, as seen in 1 John 1:9, where we are called to confess our sins and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prepare myself spiritually before approaching the Lord in prayer or worship, just as the Israelites washed before entering the Tent of Meeting?
- How can I apply the principle of spiritual cleansing to my daily life, recognizing that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to seek cleansing and renewal, and how can I trust in the Lord's power to transform me, as seen in Ezekiel 36:25-27?
- In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and respect for the Lord's presence in my life, just as the Israelites showed reverence by washing before approaching the altar?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 40:32
When they went into the tent of the congregation,.... Not only at this time, but at all other times: and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; to the altar of burnt offering to offer
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 40:32
And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 40:32
(31, 32) These verses are parenthetic. They interrupt the narrative of what Moses did “on the first day of the first month,” informing us of the use whereto the laver was applied subsequently. (Comp. Exodus 30:19-21.)
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 40:32
17–33. Moses sets up the Tent of Meeting, and the Court, and arranges the sacred vessels according to the instructions given in vv. 1–8, or (in some cases) in chs. 25–31 only. He also (vv. 23, 25, 27, 29) begins the daily services.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 40:32
THE ORDER TO SET UP THE , Exodus 40:1-16. The formality of this command to erect the sanctuary involves an incidental repetition of what has already been described.
Sermons on Exodus 40:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Reluctant God - Part 8 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Exodus 34:27, where God instructs Moses to write down the words of the covenant He has made with Israel. The speaker highlights the significa |
|
The Folly of Looking Back in Fleeing Out of Sodom by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the folly of looking back when fleeing out of Sodom, drawing parallels between the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world to the judgment |