Exodus 40 12

Exodus 40:12 kjv

And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

Exodus 40:12 nkjv

"Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of meeting and wash them with water.

Exodus 40:12 niv

"Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water.

Exodus 40:12 esv

Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water

Exodus 40:12 nlt

"Present Aaron and his sons at the entrance of the Tabernacle, and wash them with water.

Exodus 40 verses

Exodus 40 12 Meaning

This verse conveys a foundational divine command to Moses regarding the consecration of Aaron and his sons for priestly service. It specifically instructs that they are to be brought to the precise location of the tent of meeting's entrance and ritually washed with water. This act of purification was an essential first step, mandated by God, before they could be invested with their priestly garments or perform their sacred duties. It symbolizes cleansing and setting apart for holiness and service to the Lord within His sanctuary.

Exodus 40 12 Context

Exodus chapter 40 marks the climactic conclusion of the book, detailing the final execution of God's commands for building the Tabernacle. This verse specifically addresses the preparatory ritual for the priesthood, coming immediately after the completion and erection of the Tabernacle itself. Chapters 25-31 and 35-39 meticulously describe the divine blueprint and the subsequent construction of the sacred dwelling. Chapter 40 records Moses' faithful adherence to all instructions for setting up the Tabernacle and its furnishings, demonstrating his obedience and God's glory filling the sanctuary. Verse 12 initiates the next phase: consecrating those who would minister within this holy space. Historically, this event signifies the establishment of formalized worship in ancient Israel, the institutionalization of the priesthood, and the ongoing presence of God among His people through prescribed rituals and structures, culminating centuries of divine leading since Abraham.

Exodus 40 12 Word analysis

• Then bring (waṭ-ṯaqrêḇ)
  • Original Language: Hebrew: וַתַּקְרֵב (from the root קָרַב qarab).
  • Meaning/Significance: The root qarab means "to draw near," "to bring near," "to present," or "to offer." Here, it's not just physical proximity but a divine summons and presentation for sacred service. It implies being specifically set apart and ushered into God's presence for a designated holy task. This action is not voluntary on the part of Aaron and his sons, but a divine command through Moses.
• Aaron and his sons (’êṯ-’aharon wə’eṯ-bānāyw)
  • Meaning/Significance: This designates the specific individuals chosen by God to establish the Levitical priesthood. Aaron would be the first High Priest, and his sons would serve as the foundational line of priests. This highlights the lineage-based nature of the Old Covenant priesthood. They are identified as a unified entity, indicating their collective role in Israel's worship system.
• to the entrance (’el-peṯaḥ)
  • Original Language: Hebrew: אֶל־פֶּתַח (pethaḥ).
  • Meaning/Significance: This refers to the opening or doorway. The peṯaḥ ’ohel moʿed (entrance of the tent of meeting) was a very specific and symbolic location. It marked the transition point from the common space of the Israelite camp to the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle court. It's where the people could bring sacrifices, where initial purification rituals occurred, and where the presence of God was uniquely manifested (e.g., Exod 29:4).
• of the tent of meeting (’ohel moʿed)
  • Original Language: Hebrew: אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד (’ohel moʿed).
  • Meaning/Significance: This is the consecrated portable sanctuary where God would "meet" with Moses and His people. It literally means "tent of appointed meeting/assembly." Its existence signified God's willingness to dwell among and interact with His people. Being at its entrance signifies drawing near to God's presence and sacred activities.
• and wash them (wəraḥaṣtā)*
  • Original Language: Hebrew: וְרָחַצְתָּ (raḥaṣ).
  • Meaning/Significance: The verb raḥaṣ means "to wash," specifically for ritualistic purification rather than mere hygiene. In a ceremonial context, it indicates a cleansing from impurity, making one fit for approach to God or sacred duties. This initial, full body wash distinguished the priests from the common people and from subsequent ritual washings of hands and feet (Exod 30:19-21) during service. It symbolized purification from all defilement before engaging in holy service.
• with water (bamāyim)
  • Original Language: Hebrew: בַּמַּיִם (mayim).
  • Meaning/Significance: Water, mayim, is a universal biblical symbol of cleansing, purification, and life. In this context, it is the divinely appointed medium for the ceremonial cleansing of the priests. It is simple, accessible, and speaks to a complete, thorough cleansing. Its ritual use here prefigures later washing rituals and spiritual purifications in both Testaments.

Words-Group Analysis

• "Then bring Aaron and his sons": This phrase highlights divine initiative and election. The selection of Aaron's lineage established a hereditary priesthood, emphasizing the principle of appointment rather than self-choice. This setting apart underscores God's sovereignty in establishing spiritual authority and the particular individuals he chooses for mediation between Himself and His people.
• "to the entrance of the tent of meeting": This specific location is crucial. It's not inside the holy place yet, but at the threshold. This indicates a transitional state – they are being consecrated to enter service, but they must first undergo purification. The proximity to the holy space underscores the sanctity of the impending service and the need for preparedness before intimate access. It signifies the boundary between the common and the sacred, which they must pass through purified.
• "and wash them with water": This complete, ceremonial washing symbolizes a total purification and consecration. It's not a suggestion but a direct command, underscoring the absolute necessity of ritual purity for sacred service under the Old Covenant. This washing signifies being set apart from defilement and prepared for divine appointment, foreshadowing spiritual cleansing necessary for those who serve God in the New Covenant.

Exodus 40 12 Bonus section

The wash performed here was an initial, comprehensive purification for consecration, distinct from the daily ritual washings of hands and feet performed at the bronze laver (Exod 30:17-21). This distinction highlights the two aspects of purity required for priestly service: an initial, once-for-all setting apart for office, and ongoing maintenance of ceremonial cleanliness during service. This parallels the Christian experience of spiritual regeneration (a once-for-all cleansing) and daily purification from sin through confession and walking in the Spirit (ongoing cleansing). The washing ritual emphasizes God's meticulous care for purity in worship and for His representatives. No priest could minister until they were thus prepared, signifying the unapproachable holiness of God and the seriousness of serving Him.

Exodus 40 12 Commentary

Exodus 40:12 is a critical instruction in the narrative of the Tabernacle's completion and the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood. It is not merely a detail about hygiene but a profoundly symbolic and foundational act of consecration. God commands Moses to initiate Aaron and his sons into their priestly office by bringing them to the Tabernacle entrance and washing them with water. This act precedes the anointing and robing rituals, signifying that purity is the primary prerequisite for divine service.

The specific location – "the entrance of the tent of meeting" – is vital. It emphasizes that this purification is for the purpose of ministering within God's appointed dwelling place. One does not casually approach a holy God. The washing is a public declaration of separation from the common and dedication to the holy. This complete washing speaks of the radical cleansing required to draw near to a holy God, prefiguring the total purification needed by sinful humanity to approach God, ultimately found in Christ's atoning sacrifice.

This passage teaches that those who serve God must be made clean by His appointed means. It underscores divine initiative, the need for purification, and the specific procedures God institutes for His worship. While the physical washing with water was external under the Old Covenant, it powerfully anticipated the spiritual washing and regeneration brought about by Christ (Titus 3:5), and the purification of believers through His blood and the Word (Eph 5:26), enabling them to be a "holy priesthood" in the New Covenant (1 Pet 2:5).

• Examples:
  • Before performing sacred ministry, one must first ensure they are cleansed, both physically as a symbol and spiritually in truth, just as Aaron and his sons were washed.
  • This act sets a precedent: God requires purity from those who represent Him, highlighting that the privilege of serving God comes with the responsibility of living a holy life.