King James Version

What Does Ezra 6:21 Mean?

Ezra 6:21 in the King James Version says “And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them f...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Ezra 6:21 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Ezra 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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, This verse describes Passover celebration after temple completion, emphasizing two groups: returning exiles and proselytes who 'separated themselves... from the filthiness of the heathen.' The Hebrew nivdelu (נִבְדְּלוּ) means 'separated' or 'set apart,' indicating decisive break with pagan practices. The phrase 'filthiness of the heathen' (tum'at goyei ha'aretz) refers to idolatry and immoral practices characterizing Canaanite religion.

The inclusion of converts alongside ethnic Israelites demonstrates that covenant identity based on faith and obedience, not merely ethnicity. Those who genuinely sought the LORD were welcomed, prefiguring the gospel's inclusion of Gentiles. Yet the requirement of separation from pagan defilement shows that inclusion demanded transformation—converts couldn't maintain syncretistic practices but must completely embrace Yahweh worship.

Theologically, this models New Testament teaching about separation from worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) while welcoming all who genuinely seek God. The church must maintain holy distinctiveness from cultural paganism while embracing all who come to Christ, regardless of background. Ethnic boundaries don't define God's people, but spiritual boundaries do.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The post-exilic community faced complex identity questions. Who belonged to Israel? The exile had scattered Jews throughout the empire and brought foreigners into the land. Some locals claimed Israelite heritage while practicing syncretistic religion (Samaritans). Others were pure Gentiles interested in Jewish faith. The community had to define boundaries without ethnic exclusivism or religious compromise.

Passover celebration after temple completion (515 BC) marked crucial renewal moment. The first Passover in the restored temple connected post-exilic Judaism to the exodus and pre-exilic traditions, establishing continuity despite catastrophic disruption. This connected the struggling returnees to their redemptive heritage, reminding them of God's past faithfulness.

The mention of separating from 'filthiness' reflects the serious problem of syncretism. Many inhabitants of the land practiced mixed religion, combining Yahweh worship with pagan elements (2 Kings 17:24-41). The returnees insisted on exclusive Yahweh worship, refusing compromise. This theological rigor created social tension but preserved covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of proselytes prefigure the gospel's breaking down of ethnic barriers?
  2. What does required separation from 'filthiness of the heathen' teach about conversion's radical nature?
  3. How should churches balance welcoming seekers with maintaining holy distinctiveness from worldly culture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּֽאכְל֣וּ1 of 15

“did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְנֵֽי2 of 15

“And 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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃3 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַשָּׁבִים֙4 of 15

“which were come again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵֽהַגּוֹלָ֔ה5 of 15

“out of captivity”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

וְכֹ֗ל6 of 15
H3605

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

הַנִּבְדָּ֛ל7 of 15

“and all such as had separated”

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

מִטֻּמְאַ֥ת8 of 15

“themselves unto them from the filthiness”

H2932

religious impurity

גּוֹיֵֽ9 of 15

“of the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הָאָ֖רֶץ10 of 15

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲלֵהֶ֑ם11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִדְרֹ֕שׁ12 of 15

“to seek”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

לַֽיהוָ֖ה13 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֥י14 of 15

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 6:21 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 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 9:112 Corinthians 7:1Isaiah 52:11Exodus 12:47-49Ezra 9:1Nehemiah 9:2

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