New International Version Whenever they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, New Living Translation They must wash with water whenever they go into the Tabernacle to appear before the LORD and when they approach the altar to burn up their special gifts to the LORD—or they will die! English Standard Version When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn a food offering to the LORD, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die. Berean Standard Bible Whenever 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. Berean Literal Bible When they go into the Tent of Meeting they shall wash with water, and they shall not die; or when they draw near to the altar to minister, to burn a fire offering to YHWH. King James Bible 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: New King James Version When they go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the LORD, they shall wash with water, lest they die. New American Standard Bible when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they do not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the LORD. NASB 1995 when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they will not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the LORD. NASB 1977 when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, that they may not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the LORD. Legacy Standard Bible when they come into the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they will not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to Yahweh. Amplified Bible When they enter the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister, to burn an offering in the fire to the LORD [they shall do the same]. Berean Annotated Bible Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD {YHWH}, they must wash with water so that they will not die. Christian Standard Bible Whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister by burning a food offering to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. Holman Christian Standard Bible Whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister by burning up an offering to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. American Standard Version 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. English Revised Version 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 the LORD: GOD'S WORD® Translation Before they go into the tent of meeting, they must wash so that they will not die. Before they come near the altar to serve as priests and burn an offering by fire to the LORD, Good News Translation before they go into the Tent or approach the altar to offer the food offering. Then they will not be killed. International Standard Version When they enter the Tent of Meeting or when they approach the altar to minister to make an offering by fire to the LORD, they are to wash with water so they don't die. NET Bible When they enter the tent of meeting, they must wash with water so that they do not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by burning incense as an offering made by fire to the LORD, New Heart English Bible When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they not die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the LORD. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhenever 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. World English Bible When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they not die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Yahweh. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthey wash [with] water in their going into the Tent of Meeting, and do not die; or in their drawing near to the altar to minister, to make incense [as] a fire-offering to YHWH, Berean Literal Bible When they go into the Tent of Meeting they shall wash with water, and they shall not die; or when they draw near to the altar to minister, to burn a fire offering to YHWH. Young's Literal Translation 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, Smith's Literal Translation In their coming into the tent of appointment, they shall wash with water, and they shall not die: or in their drawing near to the altar to serve, to burn a sacrifice to Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhen 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, Catholic Public Domain Version when they enter the tabernacle of the testimony, and when they approach to the altar so as to offer incense to the Lord upon it, New American Bible When they are about to enter the tent of meeting, they must wash with water, lest they die. Likewise when they approach the altar to minister, to offer an oblation to the LORD, New Revised Standard Version When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to make an offering by fire to the LORD, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen they enter into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they draw near to the altar to minister, and to burn incense, and to offer an offering to the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Ahron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet from it: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917when 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 cause an offering made by fire to smoke unto the LORD; Brenton Septuagint Translation Whensoever they shall go into the tabernacle of witness, they shall wash themselves with water, so they shall not die, whensoever they advance to the altar to do service and to offer the whole burnt-offerings to the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) 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 an offering made by fire 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.”… Cross References Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting 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. Leviticus 10:9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come. or approach the altar to minister Leviticus 9:7 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Approach the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering to make atonement for yourself and for the people. And sacrifice the people’s offering to make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded.” Numbers 18:3-5 And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. / They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you. / And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. by presenting a food offering to the LORD, Numbers 28:2 “Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My food offerings, as a pleasing aroma to Me. Leviticus 2:1-2 “When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, / and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. they must wash with water Exodus 40:30-32 He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing; / and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet. / They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Leviticus 8:6 Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. so that they will not die. Exodus 28:35 Aaron must wear the robe whenever he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he enters or exits the sanctuary before the LORD, so that he will not die. Numbers 4:19-20 In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry. / But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.” Leviticus 16:4 He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them. Leviticus 16:24 He is to bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his own clothes. Then he must go out and sacrifice his burnt offering and the people’s burnt offering to make atonement for himself and for the people. Leviticus 22:6-7 the man who touches any of these will remain unclean until evening. He must not eat from the sacred offerings unless he has bathed himself with water. / When the sun has set, he will become clean, and then he may eat from the sacred offerings, for they are his food. Numbers 8:7 This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves. Numbers 19:7 Then the priest must wash his clothes and bathe his body in water; after that he may enter the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean until evening. Numbers 19:21 This is a permanent statute for the people: The one who sprinkles the water of purification must wash his clothes, and whoever touches the water of purification will be unclean until evening. Treasury of Scripture 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: die not Exodus 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. Leviticus 10:1-3 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not… Leviticus 16:1,2 And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died; … Jump to Previous Altar Approach Burn Cause Congregation Death Die Drawing Enter Fire Meeting Minister Nigh Offering Smoke Tabernacle Tent Wash Washed Water Whenever WorkJump to Next Altar Approach Burn Cause Congregation Death Die Drawing Enter Fire Meeting Minister Nigh Offering Smoke Tabernacle Tent Wash Washed Water Whenever WorkExodus 30 1. The altar of incense11. The ransom of souls 17. The bronze basin 22. The holy anointing oil 34. The composition of the incense Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting The Tent of Meeting was the sanctuary where the LORD manifested His presence among Israel and where the priests carried out their appointed service. Aaron and his sons were required to wash at the bronze basin before entering, for no one could draw near to the holy God casually or in uncleanness. The basin stood between the altar and the entrance to the tent, continually reminding the priests that cleansing was necessary for fellowship and service. Exo 28:43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter… or approach the altar to minister The altar was the place of sacrifice, atonement, and worship. Priestly ministry involved handling what was holy on behalf of the people, whether offering sacrifices or tending the altar. Clean hands and feet represented a consecrated life and conduct before the LORD, who required purity from those serving in His presence. Lev 9:7 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Approach the altar… by presenting a food offering to the LORD, Offerings presented on the altar acknowledged the LORD’s rightful claim over Israel, His provision, and the need for atonement. The sacrifices pointed beyond themselves to Christ, whose single offering fully dealt with sin and opened the way to God. Believers now draw near through His blood, with hearts cleansed from an evil conscience (Hebrews 10:19–22). Num 28:2 Command the Israelites and say to them: See that… they must wash with water Water at the basin provided ceremonial cleansing for the priests’ hands and feet before their service. The repeated washing did not replace sacrifice, but accompanied it, showing that forgiveness and cleansing are both necessary in approaching God. Christ cleanses His people from sin and continues to sanctify them for holy service. Exo 40:30-32 He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting… so that they will not die. Failure to obey brought the penalty of death because the priests would be treating the holiness of God with contempt. The warning revealed both God’s justice and His gracious provision of a way for sinful people to approach Him. Through Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest and final sacrifice, believers may now come before God with reverence and confidence. Exo 28:35 Aaron must wear the robe whenever he ministers,… Persons / Places / Events 1. The PriestsThe primary individuals involved in this verse are the priests, specifically Aaron and his sons, who were appointed to serve in the Tabernacle. 2. The Tent of Meeting This was the sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice. 3. The Altar The altar was a key component of the Tabernacle, used for offering sacrifices to God. It symbolized the place of atonement and worship. 4. The Act of Washing This was a ceremonial act required for the priests before they performed their duties, symbolizing purification and holiness. 5. The Offerings The offerings made by fire were a significant part of the worship practices, representing devotion and atonement for sin. Teaching Points The Necessity of PurityJust as the priests needed to be ceremonially clean, believers today are called to pursue spiritual purity through confession and repentance. Approaching God with Reverence The requirement for washing underscores the holiness of God and the reverence required when approaching Him in worship and prayer. Symbolism of Water Water as a symbol of cleansing is prevalent throughout Scripture, reminding us of the need for spiritual renewal and the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. The Role of Obedience The priests' obedience in following God's commands for purification is a model for believers to follow God's instructions faithfully. Christ as Our High Priest Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate High Priest, providing the perfect purification through His sacrifice, allowing us direct access to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 30:20?2. How does Exodus 30:20 emphasize the importance of purity before serving God? 3. What spiritual significance does washing with water hold in Exodus 30:20? 4. How does Exodus 30:20 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual cleansing? 5. In what ways can we apply the principle of preparation in Exodus 30:20 today? 6. How does Exodus 30:20 illustrate the consequences of neglecting God's commands for holiness? 7. Why is ritual washing emphasized in Exodus 30:20 for approaching God? 8. How does Exodus 30:20 relate to the concept of purity in worship? 9. What historical context influenced the instructions in Exodus 30:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 30? What Does Exodus 30:20 Mean Whenever they enter the Tent of MeetingThe “Tent of Meeting” is the sacred space where God’s presence dwelled among Israel (Exodus 25:8; 29:42–43). Every step a priest took toward that sanctuary was a step into holiness. Because God is perfectly holy, He required His ministers to approach with clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3–4). The laver set between the altar and the tent (Exodus 30:17–19) reminded them that fellowship with the LORD cannot be casual. Even today, believers are urged to “draw near with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean” (Hebrews 10:22). Or approach the altar to minister The bronze altar in the courtyard was the place of sacrifice (Exodus 27:1–8). When priests drew near that altar, they represented the people before God (Leviticus 9:7; Numbers 18:5). Service there was never a performance; it was intercession—an echo of the greater ministry Christ would fulfill as our High Priest (Hebrews 7:25–27). The approach required intentional preparation: no dirt of daily life was to cling to the one handling holy things. By presenting a food offering to the LORD “Food offering” covers grain offerings, portions of peace offerings, and other gifts burned on the altar (Leviticus 2:1–3; 3:11). These fragrant offerings symbolized fellowship, thanksgiving, and total devotion (1 Samuel 2:28; Psalm 116:17). Every priestly gesture pointed forward to the ultimate offering of Christ, who “gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). Clean hands underscored the purity of the gift and the sincerity of the worshiper (Malachi 1:11). They must wash with water The act was simple—water from the laver over hands and feet—but the message was profound: cleansing precedes communion (Exodus 40:30–32). Physical washing taught Israel a spiritual reality later clarified in Christ, who told His disciples, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8). In the new covenant, water pictures the Word and the Spirit who cleanse our walk (Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5). Yet the principle remains: God’s servants still need ongoing cleansing from the stains picked up in daily life (1 John 1:9). So that they will not die The warning is stark. Casual or defiled worship in the presence of a holy God brought judgment (Exodus 28:35; Leviticus 10:1–2). The laver therefore became a safeguard of grace—God provided the means to avoid death by offering cleansing. Even now, “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Reverent, cleansed worship is not optional; it is life-preserving. Christ’s finished work secures our standing (Romans 5:9–10), yet His holiness still calls us to “offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). summary Exodus 30:20 teaches that God’s servants must approach Him with intentional, visible purity. Every move—from entering the sanctuary, to serving at the altar, to offering gifts—required washing, highlighting both God’s holiness and His gracious provision of cleansing. The principle continues today: through the once-for-all sacrifice and ongoing intercession of Jesus, believers are cleansed and invited to serve, but always with reverent hearts that value purity in His holy presence. (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.Verse 20 - That they die not. Compare Exodus 28:35 and 43. Contempt of the simple and easy regulation to wash at the laver would imply contempt of purity itself; and so an entire hypocrisy of life and character, than which nothing could be a greater offence to God.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whenever they enterבְּבֹאָ֞ם (bə·ḇō·’ām) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the Tent אֹ֧הֶל (’ō·hel) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 168: A tent of Meeting מוֹעֵ֛ד (mō·w·‘êḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting or א֣וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if approach בְגִשְׁתָּ֤ם (ḇə·ḡiš·tām) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach the altar הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar to minister לְשָׁרֵ֔ת (lə·šā·rêṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to by presenting an offering לְהַקְטִ֥יר (lə·haq·ṭîr) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 6999: To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire made by fire אִשֶּׁ֖ה (’iš·šeh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 801: A burnt-offering, a sacrifice to the LORD, לַֽיהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel they must wash יִרְחֲצוּ־ (yir·ḥă·ṣū-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7364: To wash, wash off or away, bathe with water מַ֖יִם (ma·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen so that they will not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no die. יָמֻ֑תוּ (yā·mu·ṯū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill Additonal Resources Exodus 30:20 Blue Letter BibleExodus 30:20 Bible Gateway Exodus 30:20 Bible.com Exodus 30:20 NIV |
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