Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure. Then they slaughtered the Passover lambs for all the exiles, both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. NASB 1995 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure. Then they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. NASB 1977 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure. Then they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. Legacy Standard Bible For the priests and the Levites had cleansed themselves together; all of them were clean. Then they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. Amplified Bible For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were [ceremonially] clean. So they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their brothers the priests, and for themselves. Christian Standard Bible All of the priests and Levites were ceremonially clean, because they had purified themselves. They killed the Passover lamb for themselves, their priestly brothers, and all the exiles. Holman Christian Standard Bible All of the priests and Levites were ceremonially clean, because they had purified themselves. They killed the Passover lamb for themselves, their priestly brothers, and all the exiles. American Standard Version For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure: and they killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. Contemporary English Version The priests and Levites had gone through a ceremony to make themselves acceptable to lead in worship. Then some of them killed Passover lambs for those who had returned, including the other priests and themselves. English Revised Version For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure: and they killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. GOD'S WORD® Translation Since the priests and Levites had cleansed themselves, all of them were [now] clean. They killed the Passover lambs for all the people who had returned from exile, for the rest of the priests, and for themselves. Good News Translation All the priests and the Levites had purified themselves and were ritually clean. The Levites killed the animals for the Passover sacrifices for all the people who had returned, for the priests, and for themselves. International Standard Version because the priests and descendants of Levi had purified themselves together—all of them were pure—and they killed the Passover lamb for every former exile, for their relatives the priests, and for themselves. Majority Standard Bible All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves. NET Bible The priests and the Levites had purified themselves, every last one, and they all were ceremonially pure. They sacrificed the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their colleagues the priests, and for themselves. New Heart English Bible For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure: and they killed the Passover lamb for all the people from the exile, and for their brothers the priests, and for themselves. Webster's Bible Translation For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and they killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. World English Bible Because the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together, all of them were pure. They killed the Passover for all the children of the captivity, for their brothers the priests, and for themselves. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor the priests and the Levites have been purified together—all of them [are] pure—and they slaughter the Passover for all the sons of the captivity, and for their brothers the priests, and for themselves. Young's Literal Translation for the priests and the Levites have been purified together -- all of them are pure -- and they slaughter the passover for all the sons of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. Smith's Literal Translation For the priests and Levites were purified as one, all of them being purified; and they will slaughter the pass over for all the sons of the exile, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor all the priests and the Levites were purified as one man: all were clear to kill the phase for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and themselves. Catholic Public Domain Version For the priests and Levites had been purified as one. All were cleansed in order to immolate the Passover for all the sons of the transmigration, and for their brothers, the priests, and for themselves. New American Bible The Levites, every one of whom had purified himself for the occasion, sacrificed the Passover for all the exiles, for their colleagues the priests, and for themselves. New Revised Standard Version For both the priests and the Levites had purified themselves; all of them were clean. So they killed the passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together, all of them were pure, and they killed the lambs on the passover day for all the people of the captivity and for their brethren the priests and for themselves. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because the Priests and the Levites were purified as one, and all of them were cleansed, and at Passover all the children of captivity killed lambs, also for their brothers the Priests, also for themselves. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure; and they killed the passover lamb for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. Brenton Septuagint Translation For the priests and Levites were purified, all were clean to a man, and they slew the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Passover19On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles kept the Passover. 20All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves. 21The Israelites who had returned from exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to seek the LORD, the God of Israel.… Cross References Exodus 12:21-28 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and told them, “Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for each family, and slaughter the Passover lamb. / Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. / When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. ... 2 Chronicles 30:15-20 And on the fourteenth day of the second month they slaughtered the Passover lamb. The priests and Levites were ashamed, and they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD. / They stood at their prescribed posts, according to the Law of Moses the man of God. The priests splattered the blood, which they received from the hand of the Levites. / Since there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves, the Levites were in charge of slaughtering the Passover lambs for every unclean person to consecrate the lambs to the LORD. ... Leviticus 8:6 Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. Numbers 9:4-14 So Moses told the Israelites to observe the Passover, / and they did so in the Wilderness of Sinai, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. / But there were some men who were unclean due to a dead body, so they could not observe the Passover on that day. And they came before Moses and Aaron that same day ... 2 Chronicles 29:34 However, since there were not enough priests to skin all the burnt offerings, their Levite brothers helped them until the work was finished and until the priests had consecrated themselves. For the Levites had been more diligent in consecrating themselves than the priests had been. 2 Chronicles 35:11 And they slaughtered the Passover lambs, while the priests splattered the blood handed to them and the Levites skinned the animals. 2 Chronicles 35:6 Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses.” 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. / Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth. Hebrews 9:22 According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 1 Peter 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Matthew 26:17-19 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” / So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. Mark 14:12-16 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, / and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ ... Luke 22:7-13 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. / Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” / “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. ... Acts 20:6 And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days. Treasury of Scripture 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 brothers the priests, and for themselves. purified together 2 Chronicles 29:34 But 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. 2 Chronicles 30:15-17 Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD… killed Exodus 12:21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. 2 Chronicles 35:11 And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled the blood from their hands, and the Levites flayed them. Hebrews 7:27 Who 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. Jump to Previous Captivity Ceremonially Children Clean Death Exiles Fellow Killed Levites Passover Priests Pure Purified Slaughter Slaughtered Themselves TogetherJump to Next Captivity Ceremonially Children Clean Death Exiles Fellow Killed Levites Passover Priests Pure Purified Slaughter Slaughtered Themselves TogetherEzra 6 1. Darius, finding the decree of Cyrus, makes a new decree for building13. By the help of Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai the temple is finished 16. The feast of the dedication is kept 19. and the Passover All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. In the context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, the purification of the priests and Levites was essential for the restoration of proper worship in the newly rebuilt temple. This purification process involved ritual washing and abstaining from anything that would make them ceremonially unclean, as outlined in Levitical law (Leviticus 8:6, Numbers 8:5-7). The emphasis on purity underscores the importance of holiness in approaching God, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. This act of purification also reflects the broader theme of renewal and dedication to God’s covenant, as the returning exiles sought to reestablish their identity as God’s chosen people. The priests and Levites, as spiritual leaders, set an example for the community, highlighting the necessity of spiritual readiness and purity in service to God. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves. Persons / Places / Events 1. Priests and LevitesThese are the religious leaders responsible for performing the temple rituals and maintaining the spiritual purity of the community. In this verse, they have purified themselves to be ceremonially clean. 2. Exiles Refers to the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian captivity. They are the beneficiaries of the Passover sacrifice, symbolizing their renewed covenant with God. 3. Passover Lamb The sacrificial animal that is central to the Passover celebration, representing deliverance and redemption. The Levites slaughtered it on behalf of the community. 4. Ceremonial Cleansing A ritual purification process that the priests and Levites underwent to ensure they were fit to perform their religious duties. 5. Jerusalem The city where the temple was located and where these events took place, symbolizing the restoration of worship and community life. Teaching Points The Importance of PurityJust as the priests and Levites purified themselves, we are called to live lives of spiritual purity, setting ourselves apart for God's service. Community and Leadership The Levites' role in slaughtering the Passover lamb for the exiles highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and serving the community. Symbolism of the Passover Lamb The Passover lamb is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This connection deepens our understanding of redemption. Restoration and Renewal The return of the exiles and the celebration of Passover signify a renewal of faith and commitment to God, encouraging us to seek spiritual renewal in our own lives. Unity in Worship The collective participation in the Passover underscores the unity of God's people in worship, reminding us of the importance of communal faith practices.(20) Purified together.--This verse should be translated as follows, contrary to the present accentuation: "The priests were purified; and the Levites were purified as one man: all were pure; and killed." In this fact the present Levitical and official purity of both orders surpassed that of Hezekiah's celebration (2Chronicles 29:34; 2Chronicles 30:3). It had come to be the practice that the Levites slaughtered all the paschal lambs.Verse 20. - The opening section of this verse is mistranslated. Ezra really makes a distinction between the priests and the Levites, the former of whom, he says, "purified themselves," while the latter "were all pure, as one man;" wherefore the latter killed the paschal lambs, not only for themselves and for the people, but also for their brethren the priests. It would seem that, as in Hezekiah's time, "the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests" (2 Chronicles 29:34). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Allכֻּלָּ֣ם (kul·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the priests הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest and Levites וְהַלְוִיִּ֛ם (wə·hal·wî·yim) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi had purified themselves הִֽטַּהֲר֞וּ (hiṭ·ṭa·hă·rū) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure and were ceremonially clean. טְהוֹרִ֑ים (ṭə·hō·w·rîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2889: Clean, pure And [the Levites] slaughtered וַיִּשְׁחֲט֤וּ (way·yiš·ḥă·ṭū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7819: To slaughter, beat the Passover lamb הַפֶּ֙סַח֙ (hap·pe·saḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6453: A pretermission, exemption, Passover for all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the exiles, בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son for their priestly הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest brothers, וְלַאֲחֵיהֶ֥ם (wə·la·’ă·ḥê·hem) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 251: A brother, ) and for themselves. וְלָהֶֽם׃ (wə·lā·hem) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They Links Ezra 6:20 NIVEzra 6:20 NLT Ezra 6:20 ESV Ezra 6:20 NASB Ezra 6:20 KJV Ezra 6:20 BibleApps.com Ezra 6:20 Biblia Paralela Ezra 6:20 Chinese Bible Ezra 6:20 French Bible Ezra 6:20 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 6:20 For the priests and the Levites had (Ezr. 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