Exodus 40:11

KJV

And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt anoint {H4886} the laver {H3595} and his foot {H3653}, and sanctify {H6942} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Anoint the basin and its base, and consecrate it.

Berean Standard Bible

Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt anoint the laver and its base, and sanctify it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:11 records a pivotal command given to Moses to anoint and sanctify the laver and its stand, marking a crucial step in the consecration of the Tabernacle. This act was far more than a mere ritual; it was an essential declaration of the laver's sacred status, setting it apart for its divine purpose: to facilitate the ritual purification of the priests. This meticulous instruction underscores the absolute necessity of holiness and purity for all who would draw near to God's holy presence and minister in His name, establishing a foundational principle for divine-human interaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40 serves as the climactic conclusion to the book of Exodus, meticulously detailing the fulfillment of God's precise instructions for the construction and erection of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as outlined from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Craftsmanship for the Tabernacle"). The chapter recounts Moses' faithful obedience in assembling every part of the portable sanctuary, culminating in the anointing and consecration of each sacred vessel and the priests themselves. This particular verse, therefore, is part of the final acts of dedication, immediately preceding the awe-inspiring moment when the glory of the Lord fills the completed Tabernacle ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")). It highlights the divine order, the completion of a monumental project, and the establishment of a tangible space for God's dwelling among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was designed as God's mobile dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, serving as a tangible symbol of His presence and covenant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sacred spaces and objects were commonly consecrated through anointing with oil, signifying their dedication to a deity and their separation from common use. The laver, a large bronze basin with a stand, was strategically placed in the Tabernacle courtyard, positioned between the altar of burnt offering and the entrance to the Tent of Meeting ([Exodus 30:18](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - Placement of the Laver")). Its primary function, as explicitly commanded by God in [Exodus 30:19-21](/exodus/30-19-21 "Exodus 30:19-21 - Priestly Washing at the Laver"), was for Aaron and his sons, the consecrated priests, to wash their hands and feet before performing any sacred duty. This ritual washing was not merely hygienic but deeply symbolic, underscoring the absolute necessity of ritual purity and spiritual cleanliness for those who would approach a holy God and minister on behalf of the people, lest they face divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God's absolute holiness necessitates a corresponding purity from those who would approach Him. The laver's function and consecration underscore the concept that access to God is not casual but requires meticulous preparation and ritual cleansing, a principle echoed throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals")). Another key theme is **Divine Order and Meticulous Instruction**, as God provides precise blueprints for every aspect of the Tabernacle, demonstrating His sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His commands. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Mediation and Atonement**, as the laver facilitates the priests' ability to mediate between God and Israel, highlighting the necessity of cleansing before engaging in sacrificial acts at the altar or entering the Tent of Meeting ([Exodus 30:20-21](/exodus/30-20-21 "Exodus 30:20-21 - Consequences of Neglecting Washing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anoint (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** This verb (H4886) signifies the act of rubbing with oil, often implying a consecration. In a cultic context, as here, it carries profound theological weight, symbolizing the dedication and setting apart of an object or person for a sacred purpose or office. Anointing with holy oil imbued the object or person with a special sanctity, marking it as belonging exclusively to God and prepared for divine service. It was a visible sign of divine appointment and enablement, transforming the common into the sacred.
* **Laver (Hebrew, _kîyôwr'_):** The noun (H3595) refers specifically to a round vessel, such as a basin or large bowl, often made of bronze, used for washing. In the Tabernacle, it was a crucial piece of furniture, distinct from other vessels, due to its specific function in priestly purification. Its unique construction, including its "foot" or stand, ensured its stability and proper elevation for the priests' use. The laver was not merely a utilitarian object but a divinely ordained instrument for maintaining ritual purity, essential for ministry.
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** This primitive root (H6942) means to be, or causatively, to make, pronounce, or observe as clean (ceremonially or morally). It denotes a separation from the common or profane and an exclusive dedication to God and His purposes. When an object like the laver was sanctified, it became inviolable and distinct, fit only for use in the holy precincts of the Tabernacle and for the sacred rituals commanded by God. The act of sanctification transformed the object's status from ordinary to holy, marking it as wholly set apart for God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt anoint the laver":** This command is directly given to Moses, underscoring his unique role as the one commissioned by God to oversee the Tabernacle's meticulous setup and consecration. The anointing of the laver, mirroring the consecration of other Tabernacle furnishings, was a specific ritual act that formally dedicated it to God's service. It signified the laver's transition from a mere bronze basin to a holy vessel, set apart for the sacred purpose of priestly purification, essential for mediating between God and His people.
* **"and his foot":** The "foot" refers to the stand or base upon which the laver rested. This seemingly minor detail highlights the meticulousness of God's instructions, emphasizing that every component, even the supporting structure, was to be included in the consecration. It underscores that the entire apparatus, as a single functional unit, was to be set apart for holy use, not merely the basin itself, ensuring its complete dedication and fitness for sacred service.
* **"and sanctify it":** This phrase reinforces and clarifies the ultimate purpose of the anointing. The anointing was the physical means by which the laver was sanctified. To "sanctify it" means to declare it holy, to set it apart exclusively for divine use, and to make it ceremonially clean for sacred purposes. This act ensured that the laver, and the washing performed there, would be recognized as an integral and sacred part of the Tabernacle's worship system, essential for maintaining the purity required to approach God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 40:11 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The verse demonstrates **Repetition** of the concept of "setting apart" through the dual command to "anoint" and "sanctify." While anointing is the physical act of applying oil, sanctification is the theological outcome—the declaration and establishment of holiness. This reinforces the thoroughness and importance of the consecration process. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, as the laver itself symbolizes purification and the indispensable necessity of cleanliness for divine encounter. The act of anointing is also highly symbolic, representing divine authorization, the infusion of holiness, and the dedication of an object to God's exclusive service. Furthermore, the phrase "his foot" uses **Synecdoche** (a type of metonymy), where a part (the foot/stand) represents the whole (the entire laver assembly), indicating that the complete unit, not just the basin, was subject to consecration. This meticulous detail reinforces the divine precision and comprehensiveness required for all aspects of Tabernacle worship and the sacredness of every component.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:11, in its command to anoint and sanctify the laver, powerfully articulates the foundational theological themes of God's absolute holiness, the necessity of purity, and the proper preparation required for divine encounter. The laver's function for priestly washing underscores that a holy God cannot be approached casually or without appropriate cleansing. This principle extends beyond mere ritual purity to encompass spiritual and moral purity, emphasizing that God demands a consecrated life from those who serve Him. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, including the laver's consecration, reveal God's infinite holiness and His profound desire to dwell among His people, but only on His terms, which necessitate absolute purity and dedication. This verse, therefore, serves as a theological cornerstone for understanding the nature of worship and access to God in the Old Covenant.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")
* [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Our Access to God Through Christ")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The anointing and sanctification of the laver in Exodus 40:11 serve as a profound and enduring reminder that approaching a holy God requires intentional preparation and a steadfast commitment to purity. While the physical rituals of the Old Covenant have been gloriously fulfilled in Christ, the underlying spiritual principles remain eternally relevant for believers today. As New Covenant believers, we are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), entrusted with the unparalleled privilege of direct access to God through Christ's finished work. This profound privilege, however, comes with the sacred responsibility to live lives that reflect His holiness and to pursue purity of heart and action. The laver, in its ancient context, prompted the priests to meticulously cleanse themselves before ministry; for us, it prompts a continuous process of self-examination, confession of sin ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession of Sins")), and a renewed dedication to living set apart for God's purposes. Our spiritual "washing" is an ongoing work of repentance, sanctification by the Holy Spirit, and obedient submission to God's Word, enabling us to serve Him effectively and walk in intimate fellowship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed command to anoint and sanctify the laver inform our understanding of God's character and His unchanging expectations for those who seek to serve Him?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "purity," as powerfully symbolized by the laver, translate into practical aspects of our daily lives and spiritual disciplines as New Covenant believers?**
* **Considering that believers are now a "royal priesthood" with direct access to God, what "washing" or spiritual preparation is necessary for us to approach God and minister in His name with integrity and effectiveness today?**

### FAQ
**What was the laver made of, and why is its material significant?**

Answer: According to [Exodus 38:8](/exodus/38-8 "Exodus 38:8 - The Bronze Laver"), the laver and its stand were uniquely crafted from the bronze mirrors donated by the Israelite women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. This detail is profoundly significant because it illustrates the Israelites' willingness to sacrifice personal possessions, even items associated with vanity, for the sacred construction of God's sanctuary. The transformation of reflective surfaces (mirrors, which reveal imperfections) into an instrument for cleansing beautifully symbolizes the spiritual truth that self-reflection and an honest acknowledgment of our imperfections should lead to purification and a complete dedication to God's purposes.

**Why was it necessary to anoint inanimate objects like the laver?**

Answer: Anointing inanimate objects like the laver, the altar, and the Tabernacle itself ([Exodus 40:9-10](/exodus/40-9-10 "Exodus 40:9-10 - Anointing the Tabernacle and Altar")) was a crucial symbolic act of consecration. It formally set these items apart from common or profane use, dedicating them exclusively to God's service and declaring them holy. The anointing oil represented the divine presence, the Holy Spirit, or God's special blessing and enablement, signifying that these objects were now imbued with a sacred character and were fit to be used in the worship of a holy God. It was a visible and tangible declaration of their sacred purpose and elevated status, making them vessels for divine interaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing and sanctification of the laver in Exodus 40:11, while an Old Covenant ritual, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The laver, with its absolute requirement for priestly washing before approaching God, powerfully foreshadows the indispensable necessity of purification for all who would draw near to the divine presence. However, unlike the temporary and repeatedly needed cleansing offered by the laver, Christ provides a complete, eternal, and once-for-all purification. He is the true and perfect High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), who, through the offering of His own precious blood, entered the true heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Sacrifice for Eternal Redemption")). Our access to God is no longer dependent on ritual washing at a physical basin but on the finished work of Christ, who cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The laver pointed to the need for holiness and the removal of defilement; Christ Himself is our holiness, our righteousness, and the inexhaustible source of our spiritual cleansing, enabling us to approach God with confidence, boldness, and a clear conscience through His new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Our Access to God Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.