Exodus 30:20

Exodus 30:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

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:

American Standard Version ASV

when they go into the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Whenever they go into the Tent of meeting they are to be washed with water, to keep them from death; and whenever they come near to do the work of the altar, or to make an offering by fire to the Lord,

Free Bible Version FBV

Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they are to wash with water so that they will not die. When they approach the altar to present burnt offerings to the Lord,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

When they go into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, or when they goe vnto the Altar to minister and to make the perfume of ye burnt offring to the Lord, they shall wash themselues with water, lest they die.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

in their going in unto the tent of meeting they wash [with] water, and die not; or in their drawing nigh unto the altar to minister, to perfume a fire-offering to Jehovah,

World English Bible WEB

When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they don’t die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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 to the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

When they are going into the tabernacle of the testimony, and when they are to come to the altar, to offer on it incense to the Lord,

Translation for Translators T4T

before they enter the Sacred Tent and before they come to the altar to sacrifice offerings that will be burned on it. If they do that, they will not die because of disobeying my instructions.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 30:20

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 30:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בְּ/בֹאָ֞/ם אֶל אֹ֧הֶל מוֹעֵ֛ד יִרְחֲצוּ מַ֖יִם וְ/לֹ֣א יָמֻ֑תוּ א֣וֹ בְ/גִשְׁתָּ֤/ם אֶל הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ לְ/שָׁרֵ֔ת לְ/הַקְטִ֥יר אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַֽ/יהוָֽה

בְּ/בֹאָ֞/ם bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אֹ֧הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms

מוֹעֵ֛ד môwʻêd H4150 meeting N-ms

יִרְחֲצוּ râchats H7364 to wash V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

מַ֖יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָמֻ֑תוּ mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

בְ/גִשְׁתָּ֤/ם nâgash H5066 to approach Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ mizbêach H4196 altar Art | N-ms

לְ/שָׁרֵ֔ת shârath H8334 to minister Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

לְ/הַקְטִ֥יר qâṭar H6999 to offer Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

אִשֶּׁ֖ה ʼishshâh H801 food offering N-ms

לַֽ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 30:20

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.

אֹ֧הֶל 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.

מוֹעֵ֛ד 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.

יִרְחֲצוּ 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.

מַ֖יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" 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.

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.

א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

בְ/גִשְׁתָּ֤/ם nâgash H5066 "to approach" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.

Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ 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.

לְ/שָׁרֵ֔ת shârath H8334 "to minister" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.

Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.

לְ/הַקְטִ֥יר qâṭar H6999 "to offer" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.

Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.

אִשֶּׁ֖ה ʼishshâh H801 "food offering" N-ms

An ishshah is a food offering or sacrifice given to God, often by fire or eaten by priests, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: food offering, offering given to God by fire or eaten by priests, sacrificial offering

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (offering, sacrifice), (made) by fire. See also: Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 21:6; 1 Samuel 2:28.

לַֽ/יהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | 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.

Study Notes — Exodus 30:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 30:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:20
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 30:20
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:20
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:20
Sermons on Exodus 30:20

Context — The Bronze Basin

18“You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. Set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it, 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,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 10:1–3	Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.
2	Hebrews 12:28–29	Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.”
3	1 Chronicles 13:10	And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.
4	Leviticus 16:1–2	Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the LORD. And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.
5	Acts 5:5	On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.
6	Psalms 89:7	In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him.
7	Exodus 12:15	For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel.
8	1 Samuel 6:19	But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.
9	Acts 5:10	At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

Exodus 30:20 Summary

This verse, Exodus 30:20, reminds us that God is holy and demands purity from those who approach Him. The priests had to wash with water before ministering to the Lord to symbolize spiritual cleansing, and if they didn't, they would die. While we don't have to physically wash with water today, we still need to seek spiritual cleansing and purity in our relationship with God, as seen in 1 John 1:9. By confessing our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we can approach Him with confidence and worship Him in spirit and truth, just like Jesus taught in John 4:24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the priests have to wash with water before ministering to the Lord?

The priests had to wash with water to symbolize spiritual cleansing, as the Lord is holy and demands purity from those who approach Him, as seen in Exodus 30:20 and Leviticus 11:44-45.

What would happen if the priests did not wash with water?

If the priests did not wash with water, they would die, as stated in Exodus 30:20, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the seriousness of approaching a holy God.

Is this washing with water still required for believers today?

While the physical act of washing with water is not required for believers today, the principle of spiritual cleansing remains, as seen in 1 John 1:9, where believers are called to confess their sins to receive forgiveness and cleansing from God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of sacrifice and atonement?

This verse relates to the concept of sacrifice and atonement in that the priests' washing with water was a necessary step before presenting offerings made by fire to the Lord, highlighting the importance of purity and holiness in worship, as seen in Hebrews 10:19-22.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to 'wash' myself spiritually before approaching God?
How can I apply the principle of spiritual cleansing in my daily life, especially in my worship and service to God?
What are some potential consequences of not seeking spiritual cleansing and purity in my relationship with God?
In what ways can I prioritize obedience to God's commands, just as the priests were required to do in Exodus 30:20?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 30:20

When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water,.... The laver standing near the door of the tabernacle, they washed at it as soon as they entered; and no man, we are

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 30:20

For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 30:20

That they die not; for though the fault might seem small, yet the command was evident and easy, and therefore the disobedience was worse, arguing presumption, rebellion, and contempt. And God is more severe in the matters of his worship than in other cases.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 30:20

Exodus 30:20 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:Ver. 20. Wash with water.] "Wash their hands in innocency," before they "compass God’ s altar."

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 30:20

(20) That they die not.—Comp. Exodus 28:35; Exodus 28:43. It is not altogether easy to see why the death-penalty was threatened against neglect of certain ceremonial observances, and not of others. Ablution, however, was so easy, and probably so long-established a practice, that to omit it would imply intentional disrespect towards God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 30:20

Verse 20. They shall wash with water, that they die not] This was certainly an emblematical washing; and as the hands and the feet are particularly mentioned, it must refer to the purity of their whole conduct. Their hands - all their works, their feet - all their goings, must be washed - must be holiness unto the Lord. And this washing must be repeated every time they entered into the tabernacle, or when they came near to the altar to minister. This washing was needful because the priests all ministered barefoot; but it was equally so because of the guilt they might have contracted, for the washing was emblematical of the putting away of sin, or what St. Paul calls the laver of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, (Titus 3:5), as the influences of the Spirit must be repeated for the purification of the soul, as frequently as any moral defilement has been contracted.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 30:20

20. that they die not] cf. Exodus 28:35, with the note.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 30:20

THE LAVER, 17-21.

Sermons on Exodus 30:20

	Sermon	Description
	A Warning to Professors by Jonathan Edwards	In this sermon by Jonathan Edwards, he addresses those who attend religious ordinances but continue to engage in known sins. He warns them about the mockery they are guilty of by p
	A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston	In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit
	God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed
	The Solemn Side of Worship by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Aaron and his two sons who were struck down by God's judgment. The speaker emphasizes that God's judgment was not disproportionat
	An Introduction to the Day of Atonement by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T
	(Daniel) the Writing on the Wall by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel in the Bible. The sermon begins by describing how Belshazzar and his companions were en
	Leonard Ravenhill 85yrs Old Rebukes Pastors!! by Compilations	This sermon emphasizes the seriousness of reverence for God and the importance of being attentive and respectful in His presence. It calls for a deep reflection on one's attitude t