Ezra 6:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הִֽטַּהֲר֞וּ
H2891
were purified
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#3
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים
H3548
For the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
וְהַלְוִיִּ֛ם
H3881
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#5
כְּאֶחָ֖ד
H259
together
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
כֻּלָּ֣ם
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
טְהוֹרִ֑ים
H2889
all of them were pure
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#8
וַיִּשְׁחֲט֤וּ
H7819
and killed
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#9
הַפֶּ֙סַח֙
H6453
the passover
a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)
#10
לְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
בְּנֵ֣י
H1121
for all the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
הַגּוֹלָ֔ה
H1473
of the captivity
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
#13
וְלַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֥ם
H251
and for their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#14
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים
H3548
For the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#15
וְלָהֶֽם׃
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezra.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezra Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection