The use of "el que"?

Question

In this question "¿Qué representa el que se lavara a Aarón?", I think it translates to something like "What does the washing of Aaron represent?".

I understand the use of the "se" and the "a" but I'm not sure why the "el que" is being used.

If it means "the fact that" how would the English be translated?

Answer 1

This sentence needs some context to make sense, but el que is similar to lo que. The difference is that el / la que refers to a specific, known (previously mentioned) thing and is conjugated to the gender of the thing it represents, and lo que is simply "the thing" (something abstract), and of neuter gender.

The fact that ..... el hecho de que

"El que" is usually translated as "the one that---" - Daniela2041, Jan 7, 2015

Gracias, both Julian y Daniela! - bandit51jd, Jan 7, 2015

Answer 2

Context: During the time of Moses, his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons were cleansed with water; Aaron to become the high priest and his sons to become priests.

This question, in my understanding, ¿Qué representa el que se lavara a Aarón?" is pointing towards someone. What does Aaron washing represent?

So if "el que" means "the one that" as Daniela is indicating, my English translation isn't quite correct.

My second attempt:
¿Qué representa el que se lavara a Aarón?

Who represents the one that is washed like Aaron?

I think I'm beginning to understand the difference between literal translation and getting the sense of the Spanish? I hope so anyway!

Not a translation but the meaning: Aarón would be washed by someone, so what does this person represent? - 005faa61, Jan 7, 2015

Also we need to remember that Bible passages are writen in riddles and therefore very confusing - 005faa61, Jan 7, 2015