2 Chronicles 35:6
New International Version
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves and prepare the lambs for your fellow Israelites, doing what the LORD commanded through Moses.”

New Living Translation
Slaughter the Passover lambs, purify yourselves, and prepare to help those who come. Follow all the directions that the LORD gave through Moses.”

English Standard Version
And slaughter the Passover lamb, and consecrate yourselves, and prepare for your brothers, to do according to the word of the LORD by Moses.”

Berean Standard Bible
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses.”

Berean Literal Bible
And slaughter the Passover, and consecrate yourselves, and prepare them for your⁺ brothers, that they may do according to the word of YHWH by the hand of Moses.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So slaughter the Passover offerings, consecrate yourselves, and prepare them for your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.”

New American Standard Bible
Now slaughter the Passover animals, keep one another consecrated, and prepare for your countrymen to act in accordance with the word of the LORD by Moses.”

NASB 1995
“Now slaughter the Passover animals, sanctify yourselves and prepare for your brethren to do according to the word of the LORD by Moses.”

NASB 1977
“Now slaughter the Passover animals, sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brethren to do according to the word of the LORD by Moses.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now slaughter the Passover animals, sanctify yourselves and prepare for your brothers to do according to the word of Yahweh by the hand of Moses.”

Amplified Bible
Slaughter the Passover lambs and consecrate yourselves, and prepare for your fellow countrymen to carry out (obey) the word of the LORD given by Moses.”

Berean Annotated Bible
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your⁺ fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD {YHWH} given by \the word of the LORD by the hand of/ Moses (drawn out).”

Christian Standard Bible
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your brothers to carry out the word of the LORD through Moses.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your brothers to carry out the word of the LORD through Moses.”

American Standard Version
And kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brethren, to do according to the word of Jehovah by Moses.

Contemporary English Version
When the people bring you their Passover lamb, you must kill it and prepare it to be sacrificed to the LORD. Make sure the people celebrate according to the instructions that the LORD gave Moses, and don't do anything to make yourselves unclean and unacceptable.

English Revised Version
And kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brethren, to do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Slaughter the Passover lamb, perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy, and prepare [the lambs] for the other Israelites as the LORD instructed [us] through Moses."

Good News Translation
You are to kill the Passover lambs and goats. Now make yourselves ritually clean and prepare the sacrifices in order that your fellow Israelites may follow the instructions which the LORD gave through Moses."

International Standard Version
Now slaughter the Passover, consecrate yourselves, and prepare your relatives to obey the command from the LORD given by Moses."

NET Bible
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your countrymen to do what the LORD commanded through Moses."

New Heart English Bible
Kill the Passover lamb, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brothers, to do according to the word of the LORD by Moses."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses.”

World English Bible
Kill the Passover lamb, sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brothers, to do according to Yahweh’s word by Moses.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and slaughter the Passover-offering and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brothers, to do according to the word of YHWH by the hand of Moses.”

Berean Literal Bible
And slaughter the Passover, and consecrate yourselves, and prepare them for your⁺ brothers, that they may do according to the word of YHWH by the hand of Moses.”

Young's Literal Translation
and slaughter the passover-offering and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brethren, to do according to the word of Jehovah by the hand of Moses.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And slaughter ye the passover and consecrate yourselves, and prepare for your brethren to do according to the word of Jehovah by the hand of Moses.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And being sanctified kill the phase, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the words which the Lord spoke by the hand of Moses.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And having been sanctified, immolate the Passover. And then prepare your brothers, so that they may be able to act in accord with the words which the Lord has spoken by the hand of Moses.”

New American Bible
Slaughter the Passover sacrifice, sanctify yourselves, and be at the disposition of your kin, that all may be done according to the word of the LORD given through Moses.”

New Revised Standard Version
Slaughter the passover lamb, sanctify yourselves, and on behalf of your kindred make preparations, acting according to the word of the LORD by Moses.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And kill the passover and sanctify yourselves and prepare the hearts of your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And kill the Passover and be hallowed and prepare the heart of your brethren, that they will do just as LORD JEHOVAH spoke with your brethren.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And kill the passover lamb, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brethren, to do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And kill ye the passover, and prepare it for your brethren, to do according to the word of the Lord, by the hand of Moses.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Josiah Restores the Passover
5Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites. 6Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses.” 7From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present.…

Cross References
Slaughter the Passover lambs,

Exodus 12:21-23
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.

Exodus 12:6
You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight.

Deuteronomy 16:5-6
You are not to sacrifice the Passover animal in any of the towns that the LORD your God is giving you. / You must only offer the Passover sacrifice at the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name. Do this in the evening as the sun sets, at the same time you departed from Egypt.
consecrate yourselves,

2 Chronicles 29:5
“Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity.

Joshua 3:5
Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

Exodus 19:10
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes
and make preparations for your fellow countrymen

2 Chronicles 30:17-18
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. / A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone

2 Chronicles 29:34-35
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. / Furthermore, the burnt offerings were abundant, along with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings. So the service of the house of the LORD was established.

Ezra 6:20-21
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. / The 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.
to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses.”

Numbers 9:1-5
In the first month of the second year after Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai: / “The Israelites are to observe the Passover at its appointed time. / You are to observe it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with its statutes and ordinances.” …

Exodus 12:24-28
And you are to keep this command as a permanent statute for you and your descendants. / When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as He promised, you are to keep this service. / When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ …

Deuteronomy 16:1-2
Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. / You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name.
2 Kings 23:21-23
The king commanded all the people, “Keep the Passover of the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” / No such Passover had been observed from the days of the judges who had governed Israel through all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah. / But in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem.

Leviticus 23:4-8
These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times. / The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. / On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. …

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.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

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

So kill

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…

Exodus 12:6,21,22
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…

Ezra 6:20,21
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…

sanctify

2 Chronicles 29:5,15,34
And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place

2 Chronicles 30:3,15-19
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…

Genesis 35:2
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

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2 Chronicles 35
1. Josiah keeps a most solemn Passover
20. He provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo
25. Lamentations for Josiah












Slaughter the Passover lambs
This phrase refers to the observance of the Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt as described in Exodus 12. The slaughtering of the lambs is a direct command from God, symbolizing the sacrifice necessary for redemption. The lamb is a type of Christ, who is referred to as the "Lamb of God" in John 1:29, signifying His role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Consecrate yourselves
Consecration involves setting oneself apart for a holy purpose. In the context of the Passover, the priests and Levites were required to be ritually clean to perform their duties. This act of consecration underscores the holiness required to approach God, a theme echoed in 1 Peter 1:16, which calls believers to be holy as God is holy.

And make preparations for your fellow countrymen
This phrase highlights the communal aspect of the Passover celebration. The priests and Levites were to assist the people in preparing for the festival, ensuring that all was done according to God's instructions. This reflects the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance within the community, as seen in Ephesians 4:11-12, where leaders equip the saints for ministry.

To carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses
The reference to Moses connects this command to the Law given at Sinai, emphasizing continuity in God's covenant with Israel. The Passover is a perpetual ordinance (Exodus 12:14), and adherence to it demonstrates obedience to God's word. This obedience is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in James 1:22, which calls believers to be doers of the word.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Josiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and restored the observance of the Passover as commanded in the Law of Moses.

2. Levites
The tribe assigned to religious duties, including the preparation and slaughtering of the Passover lambs.

3. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, as instituted in the Law of Moses.

4. Moses
The prophet through whom God delivered the Law, including the instructions for the Passover.

5. Israelites
The people of God, for whom the Passover was prepared and celebrated.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Josiah's actions highlight the importance of adhering to God's instructions as given through Moses. This obedience is a model for us to follow God's Word faithfully.

Role of Spiritual Leaders
The Levites were tasked with preparing the Passover, demonstrating the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and serve the community in worship and obedience.

Significance of the Passover
The Passover is a reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. It points forward to Christ's sacrifice, encouraging us to remember and celebrate our salvation through Him.

Consecration and Preparation
The Levites were to consecrate themselves, emphasizing the need for personal holiness and preparation in serving God and others.

Community Worship
The preparation of the Passover for the Israelites underscores the communal aspect of worship, reminding us of the importance of gathering together to honor God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 35:6?

2. How does 2 Chronicles 35:6 emphasize the importance of obedience in worship practices?

3. What role do the Levites play in ensuring proper worship according to God's commands?

4. How can we apply the principle of preparation in our own worship today?

5. In what ways does 2 Chronicles 35:6 connect to the Passover instructions in Exodus?

6. How does following God's commands in 2 Chronicles 35:6 strengthen community faithfulness?

7. What is the significance of the Passover lambs in 2 Chronicles 35:6 for Christians today?

8. How does 2 Chronicles 35:6 reflect the importance of obedience to God's commands?

9. Why is the role of the Levites emphasized in 2 Chronicles 35:6?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 35?

11. How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?

12. Who were the believers in the Old Testament?

13. How could 2 Chronicles 35:7's massive number of sacrificed animals (30,000 lambs and goats) be logistically and historically feasible?

14. What is the significance of the biblical drink offering?
What Does 2 Chronicles 35:6 Mean
Slaughter the Passover lambs

• In Josiah’s revival, the Levites are told, “Slaughter the Passover lambs,” because the nation had neglected this command since the days of the divided kingdom (2 Chronicles 35:1; cf. 2 Kings 23:21–22).

• The task highlights personal responsibility: each lamb had to be killed at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month, exactly as prescribed in Exodus 12:6 and Leviticus 23:5.

• Blood was sprinkled on the altar (2 Chronicles 35:11), pointing ahead to the shedding of a greater, once-for-all sacrifice (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

• By starting with the lambs, Josiah anchors the celebration in God’s redemptive act—Israel’s deliverance from Egypt—reminding the people that salvation always begins with God’s initiative.


Consecrate yourselves

• Before handling holy things, the Levites must be ceremonially clean (2 Chronicles 29:15-17). Holiness is never optional for those who serve (Leviticus 11:44-45; Hebrews 12:14).

• Consecration involved washing, abstaining from defilement, and obeying every detail of the Law (Numbers 8:5-22).

• The practical takeaway: purity precedes ministry. We cannot lead others in worship while ignoring our own walk with the Lord (Psalm 24:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:16).

• Josiah’s call echoes earlier reforms under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30:3, 17), showing that genuine revival requires renewed dedication each generation.


Make preparations for your fellow countrymen

• The Levites are urged to serve the people, not merely perform rituals. They must distribute portions, guide families, and ensure everyone can “carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses” (Deuteronomy 16:1-8).

• Preparation included arranging the sacrificial animals (2 Chronicles 35:7-9), setting up stations for roasting and distribution (v. 13), and explaining the meaning of the feast (Exodus 13:8, 14).

• Their servant-leadership models how believers today help one another obey Scripture (Galatians 5:13; Hebrews 10:24-25).

• Obedience is corporate: the whole community must align with God’s Word, just as Moses commanded at Sinai (Deuteronomy 31:11-13).


summary

2 Chronicles 35:6 captures Josiah’s threefold charge: offer the required sacrifice, pursue personal holiness, and actively help others keep God’s commands. The verse underscores that true worship is rooted in the Lamb’s blood, flows from consecrated hearts, and overflows in service that leads the entire covenant family into faithful obedience.

(6) And sanctify yourselves.--Probably by washing the hands before handing the blood of sprinkling to the priests. (See 2Chronicles 30:16 seq.)

Prepare your brethren.--Prepare (the passover) for your brethren of the laity.

That they may do.--So as to do. The Levites themselves are to obey the prescriptions of the Mosaic Law.

Verse 6. - Prepare your brethren; i.e. as betokened by the wording of the foregoing verse, their brethren, the people. The Levites were to purify themselves, perform their other duties of killing the victims, and withal to use their opportunities of instructing the people to the better order and performance of the whole solemn service.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Slaughter
וְשַׁחֲט֖וּ (wə·ša·ḥă·ṭū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7819: To slaughter, beat

the Passover lambs,
הַפָּ֑סַח (hap·pā·saḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6453: A pretermission, exemption, Passover

consecrate yourselves,
וְהִתְקַדְּשׁוּ֙ (wə·hiṯ·qad·də·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6942: To be set apart or consecrated

and make preparations
וְהָכִ֣ינוּ (wə·hā·ḵî·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3559: To be erect

for your fellow countrymen
לַאֲחֵיכֶ֔ם (la·’ă·ḥê·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

to carry out
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the word
כִּדְבַר־ (kiḏ·ḇar-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

[given] by
בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Moses.”
מֹשֶֽׁה׃ (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 35:6 Kill the Passover and sanctify yourselves (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 35:5
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