Nehemiah 7:63

KJV

And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took [one] of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the priests {H3548}: the children {H1121} of Habaiah {H2252}, the children {H1121} of Koz {H6976}, the children {H1121} of Barzillai {H1271}, which took {H3947} one of the daughters {H1323} of Barzillai {H1271} the Gileadite {H1569} to wife {H802}, and was called {H7121} after their name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and of the cohanim: descendants of Havayah, descendants of Hakotz, and descendants of Barzillai, who took a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gil'adi and was named after them.

Berean Standard Bible

And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).

American Standard Version

And of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:63 is a pivotal entry within the detailed census of the post-exilic community, specifically addressing a group of priests whose claim to the sacred office was challenged due to an obscured lineage. This verse highlights the meticulous standards required for priestly service in the restored temple, underscoring the profound importance of genealogical purity and verifiable identity for those ministering before God in ancient Israel. The narrative serves as a testament to the community's commitment to adhering to Mosaic Law and maintaining the integrity of their spiritual heritage amidst the monumental task of national and religious restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:63 is situated within a comprehensive census list that spans from [Nehemiah 7:6](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6 - Census of the Returnees") to [Nehemiah 7:69](/nehemiah/7-69 "Nehemiah 7:69 - Conclusion of the Census"). This chapter meticulously records the names and numbers of those who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Joshua, mirroring the account found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"). The placement of this detailed genealogy immediately after the completion of the wall in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall") signifies a shift from physical rebuilding to the re-establishment of social, religious, and civic order. The census was crucial for organizing the community, allocating land, and, most critically, determining eligibility for temple service, laying the groundwork for the spiritual revival that would follow in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from the seventy-year Babylonian captivity marked a critical juncture for the Jewish people. They faced the immense challenge of rebuilding their homeland, their capital city, and their spiritual infrastructure. In this post-exilic period, the meticulous preservation of genealogies was not merely a historical curiosity but a vital component of Jewish identity and societal structure. Lineage determined tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and, for the Aaronic priests, the right to perform sacred duties in the rebuilt temple. The strict requirements for priestly purity, rooted in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 21](/leviticus/21 "Leviticus 21 - Laws for Priests")), were paramount. Any ambiguity in one's priestly descent could lead to disqualification from temple service, reflecting the community's profound commitment to holiness and divine order in their worship.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted by this verse is the **Purity and Integrity of the Priesthood**. The meticulous scrutiny of priestly lineage underscores the unwavering commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the Aaronic priesthood, ensuring that only those with verifiable descent from Aaron could minister in the temple. This theme is deeply intertwined with the **Importance of Genealogy and Identity**. For the returning exiles, one's lineage was synonymous with identity, privilege, and responsibility, determining everything from tribal affiliation to the right to participate in sacred rituals. The inability to prove one's ancestry, as seen in this verse, was a significant disqualification. Furthermore, the specific case of the Barzillai family implicitly touches upon the **Consequences of Intermarriage and Obscured Lineage**. While not explicitly condemned as sinful intermarriage with Gentiles, the act of a priestly family adopting the name of a non-priestly father-in-law created an ambiguity that directly impacted their eligibility for temple service, highlighting the strict standards applied to those representing God. This concern for purity echoes throughout the post-exilic books, as seen in [Ezra 9-10](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer About Intermarriage") and [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kohanim'_):** This term refers to the descendants of Aaron, who were divinely appointed to mediate between God and the people through sacrifices and temple rituals. Their role was sacred, demanding ritual purity and an unblemished lineage, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The scrutiny applied to them in Nehemiah 7:63 underscores the profound importance of their office and the strict requirements for those who would approach God on behalf of the community.
* **Barzillai (Hebrew, _barzillay'_):** Meaning "man of iron" or "strong," this name itself is not the issue. Rather, it is the adoption of this name by a priestly family, whose true patrilineal priestly name was lost or obscured, that created the problem. This highlights the cultural norm of patrilineal naming and the disruption caused when a family deviated from this practice, especially for a priestly line where identity was paramount.
* **Called after their name (Hebrew, _niqra' al-shmam'_):** This phrase indicates that the priestly family, through marriage, adopted the name of their father-in-law, Barzillai the Gileadite. This act, while perhaps intended to honor the father-in-law, inadvertently obscured their own priestly lineage, making it impossible to verify their direct descent from Aaron. This loss of verifiable identity rendered them ineligible for temple service, demonstrating the meticulousness required for sacred office.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai":** This clause introduces a specific group of priestly families whose lineage was under scrutiny. The names Habaiah and Koz are listed alongside Barzillai, indicating that these families, or at least the "children of Barzillai" in question, were part of the larger group of priests whose claims to the priesthood were challenged due to genealogical uncertainty.
* **"which took [one] of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife":** This specifies the reason for the genealogical issue. A male from one of these priestly families (or perhaps the Barzillai family itself, if it was a priestly family that married into the non-priestly Barzillai the Gileadite's line) married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite. The designation "the Gileadite" identifies him as a prominent individual from Gilead, likely a non-priestly family, reinforcing the idea that this was an intermarriage outside of a verifiable priestly line.
* **"and was called after their name":** This is the critical consequence. Due to this marriage, the priestly family adopted the name of Barzillai the Gileadite. This deviation from the traditional patrilineal naming convention meant that their original priestly surname was no longer used or recognized, making it impossible to trace their direct lineage back to Aaron. Without this verifiable proof, they could not serve in the temple, underscoring the strict genealogical requirements for the priesthood.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 7:63, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Genealogy** or **List**. The meticulous cataloging of names and families serves to establish order, identity, and legitimacy within the returning community. This detailed list is not merely a historical record but a theological statement about God's providential preservation of His people and their distinct identity. The specific entry concerning the Barzillai family also employs a subtle form of **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the clear, verifiable lineages of other priestly families with the obscured lineage of this particular group. This highlights the strict standards and the consequences of failing to meet them. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in the phrase "the children of Barzillai," as it refers to the descendants of the priestly family who married into the Barzillai the Gileadite family, rather than the descendants of Barzillai the Gileadite himself. This linguistic nuance underscores the core issue of identity confusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The rigorous standards for the Old Testament priesthood, as exemplified in Nehemiah 7:63, reflect a profound theological emphasis on holiness, separation, and the divine order of worship. God's demand for an unblemished lineage for those who would draw near to Him in sacred service underscored the absolute necessity of purity in approaching a holy God. This meticulous concern for identity and integrity in service foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on spiritual authenticity and the character required for leadership within the church. While physical lineage is no longer a criterion for ministry, the principles of accountability, adherence to divine standards, and a clear, uncompromised identity in Christ remain paramount for all who serve God.

* [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests Excluded from Service")
* [Deuteronomy 23:2](/deuteronomy/23-2 "Deuteronomy 23:2 - Exclusion from the Assembly")
* [Hebrews 7:11-14](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-14 - Change of Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 7:63, though rooted in ancient Israel's specific context of physical lineage and temple service, offers profound and enduring principles for believers today. It challenges us to consider the integrity of our spiritual identity and the authenticity of our service to God. Just as the returning exiles meticulously guarded the purity of the priesthood, we are called to guard the purity of our faith and the integrity of our witness. Our spiritual lineage is now through Christ, and our identity is found solely in Him, not in any earthly heritage or human accomplishment. This verse reminds us that God has always called for a high standard from those who represent Him, whether in leadership or in daily living. It prompts us to examine whether our lives truly reflect the name of Christ by which we are called, ensuring that no worldly entanglements or compromises obscure our true spiritual identity and calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our "spiritual lineage" or identity in Christ become obscured by worldly influences or compromises today?**
* **How does the ancient emphasis on priestly purity translate into a call for integrity and authenticity in Christian service and leadership?**
* **What does it mean for believers to be "called after Christ's name," and how should this impact our daily lives and choices?**

### FAQ
**Why was genealogical proof so critical for priests in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Genealogical proof was critical for priests because their right to serve in the temple was strictly tied to their direct, verifiable descent from Aaron, as mandated by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 21](/leviticus/21 "Leviticus 21 - Laws for Priests")). This ensured the sanctity of the priesthood, maintained the divine order of worship, and prevented unauthorized individuals from performing sacred duties. For the post-exilic community, re-establishing the temple and its services required absolute adherence to these divine regulations to ensure God's blessing and presence.

**What was the specific problem with the "children of Barzillai" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The problem was not that the family was inherently bad, but that a priestly family intermarried with a non-priestly family (Barzillai the Gileadite) and subsequently adopted the father-in-law's name. This act obscured their true patrilineal priestly name and lineage, making it impossible for them to produce the necessary genealogical records to prove their Aaronic descent. Without this verifiable proof, they were disqualified from serving as priests in the rebuilt temple, highlighting the meticulous standards for sacred office.

**Does this Old Testament emphasis on physical lineage have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are not bound by physical genealogies for spiritual standing or service, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. The passage underscores the importance of **integrity, authenticity, and clear identity** for those who serve God. Just as the ancient priests needed an unblemished lineage, believers today are called to live lives that clearly reflect their spiritual identity in Christ, free from compromise that might obscure their witness or calling. Our spiritual lineage is now through Christ, and our identity is found in Him, making us a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stringent requirements for the Old Testament priesthood, so meticulously detailed in Nehemiah 7:63, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Levitical priesthood, with its reliance on human lineage and its susceptibility to blemish and death, was a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus, though not from the tribe of Levi but from Judah, fulfills a superior, eternal priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - A New Priesthood")). His lineage is not merely human but divine, as the Son of God, making His priesthood unblemished, eternal, and perfectly efficacious. Unlike the Old Testament priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")), securing eternal redemption. Through His perfect sacrifice and unblemished life, He has opened a new and living way to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to God Through Christ")). Therefore, our access to God is no longer dependent on a physical, traceable lineage or ritual purity but on our spiritual identity in Christ, who makes us all "a royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), able to draw near to God with confidence through Him ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 17:27

And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

Ezra 2:61

And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

Ezra 2:63

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

2 Samuel 19:31

¶ And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

2 Samuel 19:33

And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 2:7

But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.