Exodus 30:20
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.

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].

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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
they 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,

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 Bible
When 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 Bible
When 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 1917
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 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



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
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 8:6
Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.

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.

2 Chronicles 4:6
He also made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north. The parts of the burnt offering were rinsed in them, but the priests used the Sea for washing.

Psalm 26:6
I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,

Isaiah 52:11
Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.

Ezekiel 44:19
When they go out to the outer court, to the people, they are to take off the garments in which they have ministered, leave them in the holy chambers, and dress in other clothes so that they do not transmit holiness to the people with their garments.

Matthew 15:2
“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”

Matthew 15:20
These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”

John 13:8-10
“Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” / “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!” / Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.”

Hebrews 9:10
They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.


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; …

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Altar Approach Burn Cause Congregation Death Die Drawing Enter Fire Meeting Minister Nigh Offering Smoke Tabernacle Tent Wash Washed Water Whenever Work
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Altar Approach Burn Cause Congregation Death Die Drawing Enter Fire Meeting Minister Nigh Offering Smoke Tabernacle Tent Wash Washed Water Whenever Work
Exodus 30
1. The altar of incense
11. The ransom of souls
17. The bronze basin
22. The holy anointing oil
34. The composition of the incense














Whenever they enter
The phrase "whenever they enter" indicates a recurring action, emphasizing the continual need for purification. In the Hebrew context, the verb used here suggests a habitual practice, underscoring the importance of regular cleansing before approaching God. This reflects the ongoing nature of our spiritual journey, where constant renewal and repentance are necessary to maintain a right relationship with God.

the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" was the sacred space where God met with His people, specifically through the mediation of the priests. Historically, this was a portable sanctuary used during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people and the need for holiness in His presence. The Tent of Meeting foreshadows the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity in Jesus Christ, who is the true tabernacle.

or approach the altar
To "approach the altar" signifies coming near to God in worship and sacrifice. The altar was central to Israelite worship, representing the place where atonement for sin was made. In a broader theological sense, this points to the necessity of approaching God with reverence and the right heart attitude, recognizing the seriousness of sin and the need for a mediator.

to minister
The word "to minister" involves service and worship, highlighting the role of the priests as servants of God and the people. In Hebrew, the term carries connotations of both worship and work, indicating that true ministry involves both devotion to God and service to others. This serves as a reminder that all believers are called to be ministers, serving God and His people with pure hearts.

by burning an offering made by fire
The act of "burning an offering made by fire" was a central element of Old Testament worship, symbolizing the complete surrender and dedication of the offering to God. Fire often represents God's presence and purifying power. This imagery points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself completely to God on our behalf, and calls us to offer our lives as living sacrifices.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes that all acts of worship and service are directed towards Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It is a reminder of the personal relationship between God and His people, and the exclusivity of worship that belongs to Him alone. This calls believers to a life of devotion and loyalty to God, recognizing Him as the sole object of our worship.

they must wash with water
The command "they must wash with water" signifies the necessity of purification before entering God's presence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, washing was a common ritual for physical and spiritual cleansing. This act symbolizes the need for inner purity and foreshadows the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, as well as the washing of regeneration through Christ.

so that they will not die
The warning "so that they will not die" underscores the seriousness of approaching a holy God without proper preparation. It reflects the holiness of God and the consequences of sin. This serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the need for atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty of death on our behalf, granting us access to God.

(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 enter
בְּבֹאָ֞ם (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


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OT Law: Exodus 30:20 When they go into the Tent (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 30:19
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