Exodus 40:31

KJV

And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} washed {H7364} their hands {H3027} and their feet {H7272} thereat:

Complete Jewish Bible

so that Moshe and Aharon and his sons could wash their hands and feet there -

Berean Standard Bible

and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet.

American Standard Version

And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:31 culminates the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's erection and consecration, highlighting the indispensable act of ritual purification performed by Moses, Aaron, and his sons at the bronze laver. This specific washing of hands and feet was not a mere ceremonial detail but a profound symbolic action, signifying the absolute necessity of purity, reverence, and meticulous obedience for all who would minister in the holy presence of the Lord. It underscored the sacred demarcation between the common and the holy, ensuring that access to God's dwelling place was predicated on divine command and ritual readiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic moment within [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with God's Glory"), which details the completion and dedication of the Tabernacle. Following the extensive blueprints provided by God in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and the meticulous execution of these plans in [Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35-39 "Exodus 35-39 - Construction of the Tabernacle"), chapter 40 describes the final assembly of the sacred dwelling. The preceding verses systematically recount the placement of each Tabernacle furnishing, leading to the dramatic moment when the glory of the Lord fills the completed structure ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")). The washing at the laver, explicitly commanded earlier in [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17-21 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver and Its Purpose"), is presented here as the final, critical step before the priests could legitimately commence their ongoing ministry. Its inclusion emphasizes that proper, holy access to God's presence is not merely a privilege but a solemn responsibility, always predicated on divine instruction and purification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite worship, the concept of ritual purity was paramount, reflecting the absolute holiness of Yahweh. The bronze laver, strategically positioned between the [tent of meeting](/exodus/40-7 "Exodus 40:7 - Placement of the Laver") and the [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/40-6 "Exodus 40:6 - Placement of the Altar"), was the designated station for priests to wash their hands and feet before undertaking any sacred duty. This act was not for physical hygiene in the modern sense but served as a ritual purification, symbolizing a necessary separation from common defilement and a consecration for holy service. The severe consequence of death for failure to wash ([Exodus 30:21](/exodus/30-21 "Exodus 30:21 - Penalty for Not Washing")) underscored the profound holiness of God and the perilous nature of approaching Him presumptuously or in an impure state. This rigorous practice distinguished the Israelite priesthood and their worship from surrounding pagan customs, emphasizing the unique, demanding, yet gracious character of their God, who provided the means for His people to draw near.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 40:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Holiness and Inaccessibility**, demonstrating that a holy God demands a holy approach, and that human beings cannot casually enter His presence. This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Obedience**, as Moses, Aaron, and his sons meticulously follow God's precise instructions, underscoring that faithful service requires strict adherence to divine commands. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Mediation and Priesthood**, establishing the role of the priests as those who bridge the gap between a holy God and an unholy people, but only after undergoing the necessary purification. Finally, it foreshadows the broader theme of **Atonement and Cleansing**, pointing to the perpetual need for purification before one can stand before God, a need that would ultimately find its perfect fulfillment in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Washed (Hebrew, _rāḥaṣ'_):** This verb (H7364) means "to lave" or "to bathe," referring to a cleansing, either of the whole body or a part. In this context, it specifically denotes the ritual cleansing of hands and feet. This precise instruction emphasizes the intentionality and specificity of God's commands regarding priestly service. The act of washing was not for general hygiene but for ritual purity, signifying preparation for sacred duties and a demarcation from the common.
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The word _yâd_ (H3027) refers to the "open hand," signifying power, means, and direction. In this context, the washing of hands symbolizes the purification of the priests' actions and work performed in their ministry. Their hands would handle sacred objects, perform sacrifices, and offer incense, making their ritual cleanliness paramount for the integrity of their service before God.
* **Feet (Hebrew, _regel'_):** The term _regel_ (H7272) refers to a "foot" as used in walking, by implication, a step. The washing of the feet symbolizes the purification of the priests' walk, their path, and their conduct within the holy precincts. It signifies that every step taken and every movement made within the Tabernacle's sacred space must be consecrated and ritually clean, underscoring the holiness of the ground they trod and the seriousness of their presence there.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses and Aaron and his sons":** This clause identifies the specific individuals involved in this foundational act of purification. Moses, as the divinely appointed mediator of the covenant and the overseer of the Tabernacle's construction and consecration, is included, highlighting his pivotal role in establishing the priestly system. Aaron and his sons are the designated priests, the lineage chosen by God to perpetually perform the sacred service. Their collective participation underscores the unified and divinely sanctioned nature of the Tabernacle ministry, with all key figures submitting to the same requirement of purity.
* **"washed their hands and their feet":** This specifies the exact body parts requiring purification. As detailed in the key word analysis, the hands represent the active work and ministry performed, while the feet represent the walk and conduct within the sacred space. This particular, limited washing was a continuous requirement before every act of service, signifying an ongoing need for purification and readiness to enter God's presence and perform holy duties. It was a reminder that even consecrated individuals required regular cleansing from the defilements of the world before approaching the Holy One.
* **"thereat":** This concise adverb points to the bronze laver, the specific piece of Tabernacle furniture designed and placed for this very purpose. Its strategic location, between the tent of meeting and the altar of burnt offering, ensured that no priest could enter the Holy Place or offer sacrifice without first performing this essential act of purification. This placement reinforced the absolute necessity of ritual purity as a prerequisite for all sacred duties and access to God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs profound **Symbolism**, where the physical act of washing hands and feet at the laver transcends mere hygiene to represent the spiritual and ritual purity indispensable for approaching a holy God and engaging in sacred service. The water itself is a pervasive biblical symbol of cleansing, purification, and life. Furthermore, there is an element of **Synecdoche**, where "hands" and "feet" represent the entirety of the priests' actions, conduct, and their very being in ministry. This emphasizes that every aspect of their service and their walk before God must be consecrated and clean. The meticulous detail in this verse, following chapters of similar instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and operation, also exemplifies the literary device of **Repetition for Emphasis**, underscoring the critical importance of obedience, order, and purity in God's eyes for the proper functioning of His worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:31 profoundly illustrates the theological principles of God's absolute holiness and the non-negotiable necessity of human purity for divine communion. The laver washing served as a constant, tangible reminder that no one, not even consecrated priests, could casually or presumptuously approach God's presence or perform sacred duties without first acknowledging their inherent impurity and undergoing the divinely prescribed cleansing. This act underscored the meticulous obedience required by God for worship and service, emphasizing that divine instructions are not arbitrary but are essential for maintaining a right relationship with the Holy One. It also served to distinguish the sacred realm of the Tabernacle from the common world, reinforcing the reverence due to God's dwelling place and the seriousness of ministry, establishing a pattern for approaching the divine that would resonate throughout biblical history.

* [Exodus 30:19-21](/exodus/30-19-21 "Command for Washing at the Laver")
* [Leviticus 8:6](/leviticus/8-6 "Moses Washes Aaron and His Sons")
* [Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Drawing Near with a True Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in the laver washing remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to approach God with reverence, humility, and a sincere desire for purity, recognizing that our access to Him is now secured through Christ's perfect sacrifice and mediation. This translates into a commitment to ongoing spiritual cleansing, not through ritual washing, but through sincere confession of sin, repentance, and allowing the living Word of God to purify our hearts and minds. Before engaging in worship, prayer, or any form of ministry, it is vital to examine our spiritual state, confess any known sin, and seek God's purification, ensuring that our "hands" (our actions and service) and "feet" (our daily walk and conduct) are aligned with His holy character. Our entire lives, as believers, become our sacred service, and just as the priests needed to be prepared, we too must strive for holiness in every aspect of our conduct, reflecting the holiness of the God whom we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the physical act of washing hands and feet at the laver symbolize the spiritual purity God desires from us today?**
* **How does the seriousness of the washing requirement (failure to do so resulting in death) inform our understanding of God's holiness and the reverence due to Him in our contemporary worship and daily lives?**
* **What practical steps can I take daily to "wash my hands and feet" spiritually, preparing myself to approach God in worship and serve Him effectively in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why was it specifically hands and feet that needed washing, and not a full body bath?**

Answer: The washing of hands and feet, rather than a full body bath, highlights the specific and ongoing nature of the priests' purification for ministry. The priests had already undergone an initial, more comprehensive cleansing and consecration ceremony (e.g., [Exodus 29:4](/exodus/29-4 "Aaron and His Sons Washed with Water")), which symbolized their initial separation and dedication to God. The daily or situational washing at the laver was for the defilement accumulated through their regular activities as they moved between the common camp and the holy Tabernacle precincts. Their hands were used for sacred actions and handling holy objects, while their feet were used for walking within the consecrated space. This specific washing symbolized the need for ongoing purification of their conduct and their path, ensuring that every active part of their service was ritually clean before God. It was not about general hygiene, but about specific ritual readiness for divine encounter and sacred service, recognizing that even minor defilements could not be brought into God's holy presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ceremonial washing at the bronze laver, meticulously performed by Moses, Aaron, and his sons, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament washing provided only a temporary, external, and symbolic cleansing, Christ offers a complete, eternal, and internal purification. He is the ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest")) who, through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ Entered Once for All")), cleanses us from all sin, not with water, but with His own precious blood ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")). The laver pointed to the perpetual need for purification before approaching God, a need perfectly met by Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the priests were washed to enter God's presence, believers are now made clean by the Word and Spirit of Christ ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Christ Cleanses the Church by the Word"); [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Washing of Regeneration")) and are granted direct, confident access to the Father through Him ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet ([John 13:1-11](/john/13-1-11 "Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")) further illustrates this principle, signifying not a ritual cleansing for salvation, but the ongoing need for spiritual purification from the defilements of the world, even for those already "clean" through faith in Him, emphasizing humility, service, and continuous sanctification. Thus, the laver's shadow gives way to the glorious reality of Christ's perfect and sufficient cleansing, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence and a truly clean heart.

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.

Cross-References

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Psalms 51:6

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Psalms 51:7

¶ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

John 13:10

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

Psalms 26:6

¶ I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

Exodus 30:19

For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:

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: