John 11:55 - Exposition

Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the Passover, that they might purify themselves . ἐκ τῆς χώρας meant "from the country" generally. Though the Law did not specifically recommend purification "before the Passover," yet the general principle of ceremonial cleansings had been applied to the Feast of the Passover (see 2 Chronicles 30:16-20 ; Acts 21:24 ). The time required varied from one to six days ( Exodus 19:10 , Exodus 19:11 ; Numbers 9:10 ).