Exodus 40:31
Exodus 40:31 in Multiple Translations
and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet.
And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:
And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat;
In it the hands and feet of Moses and Aaron and his sons were washed,
Moses, Aaron, and his sons used it to wash their hands and feet
So Moses and Aaron, and his sonnes washed their handes and their feete thereat.
and Moses and Aaron and his sons have washed their hands and their feet at the same;
Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and their feet there.
And Moses, and Aaron, and his sons, washed their hands and their feet thereat:
He set up also the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, drawing the hanging in the entry thereof. After all things were perfected,
Every time Moses/I and Aaron and his sons went into the Sacred Tent or went to the altar, they/we washed their/our hands and feet ritually, exactly as Yahweh had commanded Moses/me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 40:31
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 40:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָחֲצ֣וּ
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֣ן
וּ/בָנָ֑י/ו
אֶת
יְדֵי/הֶ֖ם
וְ/אֶת
רַגְלֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/רָחֲצ֣וּ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
Conj | N-proper
וּ/בָנָ֑י/ו
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְדֵי/הֶ֖ם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
רַגְלֵי/הֶֽם
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 40:31
וְ/רָחֲצ֣וּ
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.
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
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.
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
Conj | 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.
וּ/בָנָ֑י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | 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.
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.
יְדֵי/הֶ֖ם
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/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.
רַגְלֵי/הֶֽם
regel
H7272
"foot"
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 40:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Setting Up the Tabernacle
29He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 26:6 | I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD, |
| 3 | John 13:10 | 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.” |
| 4 | 1 John 1:7 | But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. |
| 5 | 1 John 1:9 | If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
| 6 | Psalms 51:6–7 | Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. |
Exodus 40:31 Summary
This verse shows us that Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet from a special basin before they went into the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar to worship God. This was a way of showing they were sorry for their sins and wanted to be clean before God. Just like the priests, we need to come to God with a humble and repentant heart, recognizing our need for forgiveness and cleansing, as seen in 1 John 1:9. By doing so, we can have a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him, just as the priests did in the tabernacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was it necessary for Moses, Aaron, and his sons to wash their hands and feet from the basin?
Washing their hands and feet was a symbol of spiritual cleansing and preparation for worship, as seen in Exodus 30:19, where the Lord commands Aaron and his sons to wash their hands and feet before approaching the altar to minister.
What is the significance of the basin in the context of the tabernacle?
The basin, also known as the laver, was a crucial part of the tabernacle, providing a place for the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar, as commanded in Exodus 40:32 and Exodus 30:19.
How does this act of washing relate to our own spiritual lives?
Just as the priests needed to be cleansed before approaching God, we too need to acknowledge our sin and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 John 1:9, to have a right relationship with Him.
Is this ritual of washing still relevant today?
While the specific ritual of washing hands and feet is not directly applicable to us today, the principle of seeking spiritual cleansing and purity remains, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where we are encouraged to purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need spiritual cleansing and renewal, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and purification?
- How can I, like Moses and Aaron, prepare myself to worship and serve God in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of humility and obedience in our relationship with God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of spiritual cleansing to my daily life, and how can it impact my relationship with God and others?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 40:31
And Moses, and Aaron, and his sons, washed their hands and their feet thereat.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 40:31
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 40:31
(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 40:31
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 40:31
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 40:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Psalms Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of spiritual purity and the importance of approaching God with a clean heart, as illustrated in Psalms 26:6. He explains that true cleansing com |
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John 11:53 to End. Christ Retires to Ephraim. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the wicked suggestion of Caiaphas leading to the plot to put Jesus to death, emphasizing the guilt of those who propose evil schemes and the cons |
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Gospel of John (2nd Yr Study 10 of 19, Chap 13 Start) by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching in prison and emphasizes the importance of living according to one's gifts. He shares how he had a wonderful con |
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Heart Purity by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell emphasizes the significance of heart purity in the Christian life, drawing from Revelation 4:1-5 to illustrate the importance of being 'clothed in white raiment' an |
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Where Are Your Sins? by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical question of 'Where are your sins?' urging listeners to confront their sinfulness and the necessity of cleansing through Christ's blood. He asserts |
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John 13:1-2 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet, emphasizing the humility and love displayed by Jesus towards His disciples, even towards the traitor Judas. C |
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Is There a Re-Application of the Blood? by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of understanding the application of Christ's blood in the context of salvation, arguing against the notion that the blood must be re-a |