2 Chronicles 30:3
New International Version
They had not been able to celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not assembled in Jerusalem.

New Living Translation
They were unable to celebrate it at the prescribed time because not enough priests could be purified by then, and the people had not yet assembled at Jerusalem.

English Standard Version
for they could not keep it at that time because the priests had not consecrated themselves in sufficient number, nor had the people assembled in Jerusalem—

Berean Standard Bible
since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem.

King James Bible
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

New King James Version
For they could not keep it at the regular time, because a sufficient number of priests had not consecrated themselves, nor had the people gathered together at Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
since they could not celebrate it at that time, because the priests had not consecrated themselves in sufficient numbers, nor had the people been gathered to Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
since they could not celebrate it at that time, because the priests had not consecrated themselves in sufficient numbers, nor had the people been gathered to Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
since they could not celebrate it at that time, because the priests had not consecrated themselves in sufficient numbers, nor had the people been gathered to Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
since they could not celebrate it at that time, because the priests had not set themselves apart as holy in sufficient numbers, nor had the people been gathered to Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
since they could not celebrate it at that time because a sufficient number of priests had not consecrated themselves, nor had the people assembled at Jerusalem.

Christian Standard Bible
because they were not able to observe it at the appropriate time. Not enough of the priests had consecrated themselves, and the people hadn’t been gathered together in Jerusalem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because they were not able to observe it at the appropriate time. Not enough of the priests had consecrated themselves and the people hadn’t been gathered together in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

English Revised Version
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They couldn't celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had performed the ceremonies to make themselves holy and the people hadn't gathered in Jerusalem.

International Standard Version
but they had been unable to celebrate it then because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not yet been gathered together in Jerusalem.

Majority Standard Bible
since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem.

NET Bible
They were unable to observe it at the regular time because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not assembled in Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people assembled themselves at Jerusalem.

World English Bible
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, and the people had not gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for they have not been able to make it at that time, for the priests have not sanctified themselves sufficiently, and the people have not been gathered to Jerusalem.

Young's Literal Translation
for they have not been able to make it at that time, for the priests have not sanctified themselves sufficiently, and the people have not been gathered to Jerusalem.

Smith's Literal Translation
For they could not do it at that time for the priests consecrated not themselves sufficiently, and the people were not gathered to Jerusalem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For they could not keep it in its time; because there were not priests enough sanctified, and the people was not as yet gathered together to Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For they had not been able to keep it at its proper time. For the priests, who were unable to suffice, had not been sanctified. And the people had not yet been gathered together in Jerusalem.

New American Bible
They could not celebrate it at the regular time because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient numbers, and the people were not gathered at Jerusalem.

New Revised Standard Version
(for they could not keep it at its proper time because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, nor had the people assembled in Jerusalem).
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For they could not keep it at the appointed time because the priests had not sanctified themselves, neither had the instructors of the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because they were unable to do it at that time, because the Priests were not hallowed, and the Teachers of the people were not gathered to Jerusalem.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For they could not keep it at that time, because a sufficient number of priest had not purified themselves, and the people was not gathered to Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hezekiah Proclaims a Passover
2For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, 3since they had been unable to observe it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem. 4This proposal pleased the king and the whole assembly.…

Cross References
2 Kings 18:1-6
In the third year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. / He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abi, the daughter of Zechariah. / And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. ...

2 Kings 18:13-16
In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. / So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. / Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. ...

2 Kings 18:17-37
Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. / Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. / The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? ...

2 Kings 19:1-37
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz / to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. ...

2 Kings 20:1-11
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” / Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, / “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. ...

2 Kings 20:12-19
At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness. / And Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. / Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” ...

2 Kings 20:20-21
As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? / And Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles 29:1-36
Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. / And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. / In the first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah opened and repaired the doors of the house of the LORD. ...

2 Chronicles 31:1-21
When all this had ended, the Israelites in attendance went out to the cities of Judah and broke up the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles, and tore down the high places and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their cities, each to his own property. / Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. / The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD. ...

2 Chronicles 32:1-23
After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. / When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, / he consulted with his leaders and mighty men about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out. ...

2 Chronicles 32:24-33
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. So he prayed to the LORD, who spoke to him and gave him a sign. / But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. / Then Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart—he and the people of Jerusalem—so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah. ...

Isaiah 36:1-22
In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. / And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh, with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. And he stopped by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. / Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him. ...

Isaiah 37:1-38
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz / to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. ...

Isaiah 38:1-22
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” / Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, / saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. ...

Isaiah 39:1-8
At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. / And Hezekiah welcomed the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. / Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came to me from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

at that time

Exodus 12:6,18
And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening…

because

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.

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Able Assembled Celebrate Consecrated Enough Gathered Holy Jerusalem Numbers Possible Priests Regular Sanctified Sufficient Sufficiently Themselves Time Together
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2 Chronicles 30
1. Hezekiah proclaims a solemn passover on the second month for Judah and Israel.
13. The assembly, having destroyed the altars of idolatry, keep the feast fourteen days
27. The priests and Levites bless the people














since they had been unable
This phrase indicates a situation of limitation or hindrance. The Hebrew root here suggests a lack of capability or opportunity. Historically, this reflects the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining religious observance during periods of neglect or apostasy. It underscores the importance of readiness and preparation in spiritual matters, reminding believers of the need to be vigilant and proactive in their faith practices.

to celebrate it
The "it" refers to the Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. The Hebrew word for "celebrate" implies a joyful and communal observance. This highlights the communal aspect of worship and the importance of coming together to remember God's past deliverances, which serves as a foundation for faith and hope in His future promises.

at the regular time
The "regular time" refers to the prescribed date for Passover, the 14th day of the first month (Nisan). This timing is crucial as it aligns with God's commandment in the Torah. The adherence to God's timing reflects obedience and reverence for His divine order. It serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect and that His instructions are to be followed with precision and respect.

because not enough priests had consecrated themselves
The consecration of priests was essential for conducting the Passover. The Hebrew root for "consecrated" involves sanctification and setting apart for holy service. This highlights the necessity of purity and dedication among spiritual leaders. It serves as a call for leaders to maintain holiness and readiness, as their role is pivotal in guiding the community in worship and obedience to God.

and the people had not gathered in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the chosen city for God's dwelling, was the central place of worship. The gathering of people in Jerusalem signifies unity and collective worship. The historical context here reflects the challenges of uniting a dispersed and divided nation. It emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community to seek God, reinforcing the idea that collective worship strengthens faith and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among believers.

(3) At that time.--The time when the Temple had just been reopened (2Chronicles 29:8), in the first month of Hezekiah's first year. The Purification of the Temple was not completed until the 16th of Nisan (2Chronicles 29:17); but perhaps the Passover would have been held, had not the hindrances here mentioned prevented it. (See 2Chronicles 29:34).

Sufficiently.--L?madday. Literally, unto what was enough (l?-mah-day), an expression only met with here. (Comp. a similar formation, 1Chronicles 15:13.) The meaning is that a sufficient number of priests had not observed the legal ceremonies of self-purification in time to hold Passover in Nisan.

Verse 3. - At that time. The words seem like a reminiscence of the "at that day," twice occurring in ver. 6 of Numbers 9. But anyway the meaning is plain "at the appointed season."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
since
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they had been unable
לֹ֧א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to observe it
לַעֲשֹׂת֖וֹ (la·‘ă·śō·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

at the regular
הַהִ֑יא (ha·hî)
Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

time,
בָּעֵ֣ת (bā·‘êṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

because not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

enough
לְמַדַּ֔י (lə·mad·day)
Preposition-l, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1767: Sufficiency, enough

priests
הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

had consecrated themselves
הִתְקַדְּשׁ֣וּ (hiṯ·qad·də·šū)
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6942: To be set apart or consecrated

and the people
וְהָעָ֖ם (wə·hā·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

had not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

been gathered
נֶאֶסְפ֥וּ (ne·’es·p̄ū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

in Jerusalem.
לִֽירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (lî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 30:3 For they could not keep it at (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 30:2
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