And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people.

2 CHRONICLES 35:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:13 describes how the Israelites prepared the Passover meal by roasting it over fire, just as the instructions required, while the other offerings were boiled in pots, caldrons, and pans, and then quickly distributed to the people. This verse highlights the careful attention given to following the specific rules for the Passover and other sacrifices during King Josiah’s great Passover celebration.

The setting is the temple in Jerusalem during King Josiah’s reign, as the priests and Levites lead the people in observing Passover according to the ancient laws. The verse points out the difference in how the Passover lamb (roasted) and other holy offerings (boiled) were prepared, showing a clear respect for the distinct rituals. The focus is on both obedience to tradition and the practical work of feeding a large gathering.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:13

  • "Roasted" (בָּשַׁל, bashal H1310): While this word usually means "to boil," here it refers to roasting, as required for the Passover lamb. This shows the translators recognized the special context of the Passover instructions.
  • "Passover" (פֶּסַח, pesach H6453): This word specifically refers to the Passover sacrifice, a central ritual in Israel’s worship, marking the Exodus from Egypt.
  • "Ordinance" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat H4941): This means a legal requirement or rule. The verse emphasizes that the people were careful to follow the exact instructions for the Passover.
  • "Sod" (בָּשַׁל, bashal H1310): Here, the same word as "roasted" is used, but in this case it keeps its usual meaning of "to boil," referring to the other offerings. This highlights the different cooking methods required for different sacrifices.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Passover meal had to be prepared in a specific way—roasted, not boiled—while other offerings could be cooked differently, showing the importance of following God’s instructions in detail.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of Josiah’s reforms, emphasizing a return to proper worship and careful observance of the law after a period of neglect.
  • By describing the quick distribution of food, the verse also shows the Levites’ dedication to serving the people and ensuring everyone took part in the celebration.

Where else these words appear

“caldrons” Hebrew H1731 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
  • 2 Kings 10:7 And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.
  • Psalms 81:6 I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.

“roasted” Hebrew H1310 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Leviticus 8:31 And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.
  • 2 Kings 4:38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

“pots” Hebrew H5518 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 16:3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
  • 2 Chronicles 4:16 The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.
  • Ezekiel 11:3 Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh.

“passover” Hebrew H6453 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • Numbers 28:16 And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 30:17 For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the LORD.