Exodus 30:20 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

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:

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

When they enter the tent of meeting, they must wash with water so they don't die. They must also wash when they come near the altar to serve God by burning offerings to the LORD.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is telling the priests they must wash themselves with water before entering His holy presence or serving at the altar, or they will die.

📚 Historical Context

This command was given to Moses for Aaron and his sons, the first priests of Israel, as part of detailed instructions for worship in the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a portable tent where God's presence dwelled among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. God required specific rituals of cleansing because approaching His holy presence without proper preparation was deadly serious.

Explore Similar Verses

Leviticus 6:30

Any sin offering whose blood is brought into the tent of meeting to make things right with God in the holy place must not be eaten by anyone. Instead, it must be completely burned up in the fire.

Leviticus 17:6

The priest will sprinkle the blood on the LORD's altar at the entrance of the meeting tent, and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Numbers 6:18

The Nazarite must shave off all the hair from their head at the entrance of the meeting tent, and take that hair and put it into the fire that burns under the peace offering sacrifice.

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save

📚 Historical Context

Explore Similar Verses

Ask the AI Assistant

Translation & Methodology Sources