Ezra 6 20

Ezra 6:20 kjv

For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

Ezra 6:20 nkjv

For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves; all of them were ritually clean. And they slaughtered the Passover lambs for all the descendants of the captivity, for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

Ezra 6:20 niv

The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean. The Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their relatives the priests and for themselves.

Ezra 6:20 esv

For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were clean. So they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves.

Ezra 6:20 nlt

The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. So they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves.

Ezra 6 verses

Ezra 6 20 Meaning

Ezra 6:20 details a pivotal moment during the re-establishment of Temple worship after the Babylonian exile. It states that the priests and Levites, acting in unity, purified themselves ritually, making themselves ceremonially clean. This act of corporate cleansing was a prerequisite for their sacred duty. Following their purification, they meticulously slaughtered the Passover lamb, ensuring the sacrifice was available not only for all the returned exiles but also specifically for their brethren, the priests, and for themselves, fulfilling the requirements of the Mosaic Law. This signifies the restoration of proper worship according to God's commandments.

Ezra 6 20 Context

Ezra 6:20 falls within the narrative of the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. Chapter 6 specifically details the successful completion and dedication of the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:13-18), accomplished with the backing of the Persian King Darius's decree. Following this monumental achievement, the returning exiles observe the Passover (Ezra 6:19-22) – a significant event symbolizing God's deliverance and their renewed covenant relationship. Verse 20 provides crucial detail about the immediate preparation for this sacred feast: the necessary ritual purification of the priestly and Levitical orders, emphasizing their communal commitment and readiness to perform their designated roles in God's worship, after years of disruption during the Babylonian exile. This restoration of proper observance signified a profound spiritual renewal for the returned remnant.

Ezra 6 20 Word analysis

• For: (כי - ki) Introduces the reason or explanation for the celebration's purity and proper execution.
• the priests and the Levites: (הכהנים והלוים - hakohanim vehaleviyim) Refers to the two distinct but interrelated groups appointed for Temple service according to the Mosaic Law. Priests were direct descendants of Aaron, responsible for sacrifices and mediation. Levites (descendants of Levi but not Aaron) assisted priests in various capacities, including ritual purity maintenance and sacrificial preparation.
• had purified themselves: (הטהרו - hitaharu) From the root ṭāhar (טָהַר) in the Hithpael stem, meaning "to make oneself clean," "to purify oneself." This active, reflexive form emphasizes their personal and deliberate engagement in becoming ritually clean. This was not a passive state but an intentional act of consecration, critical for their sacred duties. It implies both outward ceremonial cleansing (washing, etc.) and inward preparedness for approaching God.
• together: (כאחד - ke'echad) "As one," "unanimously." This highlights their collective action and unity in seeking purity. It signifies their solidarity and shared commitment to observing the Law and resuming sacred service, underscoring a communal spiritual dedication.
• all of them: (כלם - kullam) Reinforces the thoroughness of the purification, indicating that every individual in these orders had undergone the necessary cleansing. No one was left out.
• were clean: (טהורים - tehorim) "Pure," "clean" (adjective). Confirms the successful outcome of their self-purification process. They met the divine standards for ceremonial purity required to participate in and administer holy rites.
• Then they slaughtered: (וישחטו - vayishḥatu) From the verb shāḥaṭ (שָׁחַט), used specifically for ritual slaughtering of sacrifices. The use of "they" implicitly refers to the Levites, who often carried out the actual physical slaughter of the animals for sacrifice, particularly when many were required (2 Chr 30:17; 35:10-11).
• the Passover lamb: (הפסח - hapesach) Refers to the sacrificial animal (typically a lamb or goat, Exod 12:5) offered and eaten during the Passover celebration, commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. This re-observance symbolized renewed deliverance and covenant loyalty after exile.
• for all the exiles: (לכל בני הגולה - lekol bene hagolah) "For all the sons/children of the exile," referring to the entire community of returned Israelites. The sacrifice was performed on behalf of the whole congregation, including those who could not personally slaughter a lamb or were not ceremonially pure to do so.
• for their kinsmen the priests: (ולאחיהם הכהנים - veliaḥeihem hakohanim) Specifically mentions the priests among the beneficiaries. The Levites (often referred to as brothers to the priests as both were from the tribe of Levi) were slaughtering the sacrifices for the priests, acknowledging their inability or logistical impracticality for priests to slaughter every single lamb required for thousands of people, including their own families.
• and for themselves: (ולהם - velahem) The priests and Levites also slaughtered for their own participation, ensuring they, too, were included in the communal act of remembrance and benefit from the Passover. It underscores their role as both administrators and participants in worship.

Words-group Analysis:

• The priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were clean: This phrase highlights the organized, collective, and successful ritual preparation of the sacred personnel. Their unity in achieving ceremonial purity was vital for valid worship. It emphasizes internal discipline and communal conformity to God's requirements for holy service after a period of disorder and distance from the Law.
• Then they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their kinsmen the priests, and for themselves: This part describes the practical and comprehensive outcome of their purification. The action of "slaughtering the Passover lamb" signifies the reinstatement of a foundational ritual commanded by God, which commemorated their deliverance. The listing of the beneficiaries – "all the exiles," "their kinsmen the priests," and "themselves" – showcases the inclusive and communal nature of the Passover, reaching every part of the re-established community, from the general populace to the most sacred officials. It underscores that God's covenant blessings extended to all who gathered in faith.

Ezra 6 20 Bonus section

The communal purity and subsequent Passover observance in Ezra 6:20 set a spiritual precedent for the returning exiles. It served as a powerful declaration that the spiritual laxity or compromises that may have led to the exile were now being consciously rejected. This deep commitment to purification and precise obedience to the Law laid a crucial foundation for subsequent reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah, highlighting that physical restoration of the Temple must be accompanied by spiritual renewal among the people and their leaders. The verse emphasizes that true worship requires active human participation in cleansing and readiness before a Holy God, pointing forward to the ultimate purification through Christ for those who come to Him.

Ezra 6 20 Commentary

Ezra 6:20 succinctly encapsulates a moment of profound spiritual restoration for the returning exiles. More than merely rebuilding the Temple, this verse signifies the re-establishment of authentic, God-ordained worship. The collective and self-initiated purification of the priests and Levites underscore their dedication and adherence to the Mosaic Law. This vital act of consecration was not merely perfunctory but represented a commitment to internal and external holiness necessary to minister before God. Their unity ("together") in this effort speaks to a re-forged communal spiritual identity after years of fragmented existence. By performing the Passover, they re-affirmed their identity as God's redeemed people, remembering His past deliverances (from Egypt) and implicitly celebrating their recent liberation from Babylonian exile and the restoration of their worship. The Levites' crucial role in the slaughter highlights the ordered and detailed nature of Temple service, ensuring that the entire community, including the priests and themselves, could participate in the redemptive feast. This verse establishes the foundational spiritual state – purity and obedience – necessary for dwelling in covenant with God and rightly offering worship.