Ezra 6:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִֽטַּהֲר֞וּ
were purified
H2891
הִֽטַּהֲר֞וּ
were purified
Strong's:
H2891
Word #:
2 of 15
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים
For the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים
For the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 15
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
כְּאֶחָ֖ד
together
H259
כְּאֶחָ֖ד
together
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
כֻּלָּ֣ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֣ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
טְהוֹרִ֑ים
all of them were pure
H2889
טְהוֹרִ֑ים
all of them were pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
7 of 15
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
הַפֶּ֙סַח֙
the passover
H6453
הַפֶּ֙סַח֙
the passover
Strong's:
H6453
Word #:
9 of 15
a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֵ֣י
for all the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
for all the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַגּוֹלָ֔ה
of the captivity
H1473
הַגּוֹלָ֔ה
of the captivity
Strong's:
H1473
Word #:
12 of 15
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
וְלַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֥ם
and for their brethren
H251
וְלַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֥ם
and for their brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
13 of 15
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
2 Chronicles 35:11And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled the blood from their hands, and the Levites flayed them.Hebrews 7:27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.2 Chronicles 29:34But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.
Historical Context
Levitical law required ritual purity for temple service and Passover participation (Numbers 9:6-14, 2 Chronicles 30:17-20). The purification process involved washing, waiting periods, and prescribed rituals. That 'all of them' achieved purity suggests careful preparation and community commitment. Levites slaughtering for the entire community showed servant leadership—they facilitated others' worship while maintaining their own participation. This contrasted with Hezekiah's Passover where many were unprepared (2 Chronicles 30:17-20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does comprehensive purification demonstrate that access to God requires meeting His holiness standards, not just sincere intentions?
- What does Levitical servant leadership in slaughtering for others teach about spiritual leadership as enabling others' worship?
Analysis & Commentary
The purification statement—'For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure'—emphasizes ritual cleanness prerequisite for Passover service. The phrase 'all of them' stresses comprehensive purity—no half-measures or compromise. Their collective purification ('together') demonstrates community commitment to holiness. The Levites' slaughtering Passover lambs 'for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves' shows comprehensive provision for covenant community.