King James Version

What Does Ezra 6:20 Mean?

Ezra 6:20 in the King James Version says “For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the child...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

18

And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses. as it is: Chaldee, according to the writing

19

And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.

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.

21

And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,

22

And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does comprehensive purification demonstrate that access to God requires meeting His holiness standards, not just sincere intentions?
  2. What does Levitical servant leadership in slaughtering for others teach about spiritual leadership as enabling others' worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֣י1 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִֽטַּהֲר֞וּ2 of 15

“were purified”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים3 of 15

“For the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַלְוִיִּ֛ם4 of 15

“and the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

כְּאֶחָ֖ד5 of 15

“together”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

כֻּלָּ֣ם6 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

טְהוֹרִ֑ים7 of 15

“all of them were pure”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וַיִּשְׁחֲט֤וּ8 of 15

“and killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

הַפֶּ֙סַח֙9 of 15

“the passover”

H6453

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

לְכָל10 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵ֣י11 of 15

“for all the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַגּוֹלָ֔ה12 of 15

“of the captivity”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

וְלַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֥ם13 of 15

“and for their brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים14 of 15

“For the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְלָהֶֽם׃15 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 6:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 35:112 Chronicles 29:34Hebrews 7:272 Chronicles 30:15-17Exodus 12:21

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