So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

2 CHRONICLES 35:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:6 instructs the Levites to slaughter the Passover lambs, set themselves apart as holy, and help prepare their fellow Israelites so that everyone can follow the instructions God gave through Moses. The verse highlights the careful preparation and obedience needed for the Passover celebration.

King Josiah is directing the Levites, who are responsible for the temple service, during a major Passover observance in Jerusalem. The Levites are told to carry out their duties exactly as God commanded through Moses, including both the ritual slaughter and making sure the people are ready. This verse shows the importance of following God’s instructions closely and helping the whole community participate properly.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:6

  • "kill" (שָׁחַט, shachat): This word means to slaughter, especially in a ritual sense. It emphasizes that the Levites are to perform the sacrifice according to the prescribed method, not just any killing.
  • "sanctify" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This means to set apart or make holy. The Levites must be ritually clean and dedicated before serving, underlining the seriousness of their role.
  • "prepare" (כּוּן, kun): This word often means to make ready or establish. The Levites are to help their "brethren" (אח, ach) — the other Israelites — get ready for the Passover, showing a shared responsibility.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:6 matters

  • This verse clears up that the Levites were not only responsible for the sacrifices but also for helping the people prepare, showing their leadership role in worship.
  • The emphasis on doing everything "according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses" underlines the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, not just in spirit but in detail.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how Josiah’s reforms restored proper worship, with everyone — leaders and people alike — participating as God intended.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“kill” Hebrew H7819 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
  • Leviticus 9:8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
  • 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.