Nehemiah 7:64

KJV

These sought their register [among] those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

KJV (with Strong's)

These sought {H1245} their register {H3791} among those that were reckoned by genealogy {H3187}, but it was not found {H4672}: therefore were they, as polluted {H1351}, put from the priesthood {H3550}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"These tried to locate their geneaolgical records, but they weren't found. Therefore they were considered defiled and were not allowed to serve as cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible

These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.

American Standard Version

These sought their registeramongthose that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:64 details a critical moment in the post-exilic community's restoration, specifically concerning a group claiming priestly heritage whose genealogical records could not be verified. Due to this lack of verifiable lineage, they were deemed ritually "polluted" and consequently disqualified from serving in the sacred office of the priesthood, underscoring the paramount importance of purity, divine order, and verifiable identity in ancient Israelite worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7 serves as a comprehensive census of the Jewish community that returned from Babylonian exile, mirroring the list previously recorded in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"). This chapter immediately follows the completion of the wall of Jerusalem and precedes the great spiritual revival led by Ezra in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law"). The meticulous registration of families, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants, was essential for re-establishing the social, economic, and religious order of the nation. The specific focus on the priesthood in this verse highlights the meticulous care taken to ensure that those serving in the temple met the stringent requirements of Mosaic Law, thereby maintaining the sanctity of worship and the legitimacy of the restored community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the post-exilic era, around the mid-5th century BCE, after the return of various waves of exiles from Babylon to Judah. The returnees were committed to rebuilding not only the physical city but also their national and religious identity, which had been severely disrupted by the seventy-year exile. In ancient Israelite society, genealogy was not merely a matter of family history; it was foundational for tribal identity, land inheritance, and, most critically, eligibility for specific religious roles. For the priesthood, only direct male descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi were permitted to serve, as stipulated in passages like [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Sons Appointed to the Priesthood"). The absence of verifiable genealogical records for these individuals meant they could not prove their divinely mandated right to serve, leading to their exclusion. The term "polluted" in this context refers to ritual uncleanness or profanation, not necessarily moral depravity, emphasizing their unfitness for sacred duties according to divine law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it underscores the **Sanctity of the Priesthood**, illustrating God's demand for holiness and order in those who minister before Him. The strict requirements for priestly service highlight the sacred nature of approaching God and performing His worship according to His prescribed ways. Second, it emphasizes the **Importance of Genealogy and Records**, demonstrating how vital these documents were for establishing identity, rights, and privileges in ancient Israel, particularly for the priesthood. Their absence meant a loss of sacred roles and responsibilities. Third, the concept of **Purity and Holiness** is central; the individuals were deemed "polluted" (Hebrew: *chalal*), signifying ritual unfitness for holy duties, reinforcing God's unwavering demand for purity in His service. Finally, the verse speaks to **Divine Order and Accountability**, showcasing the seriousness with which God's covenantal ordinances were upheld, even after generations of exile, ensuring that the restored community adhered to the divine blueprint for worship and governance. This commitment to order is also seen in the detailed regulations for priests found in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Register (Hebrew, _mikhtav'_):** This term refers to a written document, an enrollment, or a record. In this context, it signifies an official, verifiable genealogical record. The absence of such a "register" was definitive proof that these individuals could not substantiate their claim to priestly lineage, highlighting the critical importance of documented proof in establishing identity and rights within the Israelite community, especially for sacred office.
* **Genealogy (Hebrew, _yachas_):** Meaning "to be enrolled by lineage" or "to be registered by descent," this word points directly to the system of tracing one's ancestry. For the priesthood, this was not merely a matter of family pride but a divine requirement for legitimate service. The inability to prove one's "genealogy" meant a fundamental disqualification from the sacred duties of the temple, as priestly service was strictly hereditary through the line of Aaron.
* **Polluted (Hebrew, _chalal_):** This verb carries the sense of being profaned, defiled, or made common. It does not necessarily imply a moral failing but rather a ritual status. In this context, it means they were considered ritually unfit or disqualified from serving in the holy office of the priesthood. Their lack of verifiable lineage meant they were "profaned" from that sacred role, unable to participate in the hallowed duties of the temple without violating God's specific commands regarding the purity of His ministers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These sought their register [among] those that were reckoned by genealogy":** This clause describes the attempt by a specific group of individuals to verify their claim to priestly heritage. They presented themselves to be counted among those whose lineage was officially recognized and recorded, indicating their desire to participate in the sacred service.
* **"but it was not found":** This is the pivotal point of the verse. Despite their efforts, the necessary genealogical documentation to prove their direct descent from Aaron was absent or insufficient. This lack of verifiable proof rendered their claim illegitimate in the eyes of the community and, more importantly, according to divine law.
* **"therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood":** This final clause states the direct consequence of the missing records. Because their lineage could not be confirmed, they were deemed "polluted" or ritually unfit for sacred service. Consequently, they were formally excluded or "put from" the priesthood, emphasizing the strict adherence to divine regulations concerning the sanctity and purity required for those ministering in God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:64 employs several literary techniques to convey its message. The primary device is **Legal Language**, as the verse functions as a formal legal ruling or administrative decision regarding eligibility for sacred office. This is evident in the precise terminology ("register," "genealogy," "put from the priesthood") which reflects the meticulous record-keeping and judicial processes of the time. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** or **Juxtaposition**: the active "seeking" of the register is starkly contrasted with its ultimate "not found," highlighting the definitive nature of the disqualification. This creates a sense of irreversible consequence. Furthermore, the terms "register" and "genealogy" serve as **Metonymy** for legitimacy, purity, and divine appointment, while "polluted" functions as **Symbolism** for ritual unfitness and exclusion from sacred space. The concise, declarative nature of the statement underscores the authority and finality of the decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The rigorous requirements for the Old Testament priesthood, as exemplified in Nehemiah 7:64, profoundly underscore God's unwavering demand for holiness and order in those who approach Him and minister on His behalf. This passage reveals that access to sacred service was not based on personal desire or perceived piety, but on divine appointment and verifiable lineage, ensuring ritual purity and adherence to God's established covenant. This emphasis on an unblemished record and ritual fitness foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect High Priest and a pure means of access to God, a need that humanity, in its fallen state, could never meet on its own terms. The exclusion of those deemed "polluted" highlights the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of His presence and the integrity of those who serve in His name.

* [Leviticus 21:17-23](/leviticus/21-17 "Leviticus 21:17-23 - Priestly Qualifications") - Details physical requirements for priests, further illustrating the emphasis on purity and wholeness.
* [Hebrews 7:11-14](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-14 - Change of Priesthood") - Explains the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood and the necessity of a new, superior priesthood.
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood") - Declares New Testament believers to be a "royal priesthood," emphasizing their spiritual access and calling to proclaim God's excellencies.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific genealogical requirements of the Old Testament priesthood no longer apply to believers today, Nehemiah 7:64 offers timeless principles for our spiritual lives and service. It reminds us that God values authenticity, integrity, and purity in those who seek to serve Him. Just as the priests needed verifiable lineage, believers are called to live with a clear spiritual "register"—a life that aligns with our identity in Christ and is marked by genuine faith and obedience. This passage challenges us to examine our motivations and methods in serving God, ensuring that our service is not merely outward performance but flows from an inward commitment to holiness and truth. It prompts us to consider what might "pollute" our spiritual effectiveness today—perhaps unconfessed sin, compromise with the world, or a lack of genuine devotion—and to pursue spiritual purity through repentance and reliance on Christ. Serving God is a sacred privilege, and this verse encourages us to approach it with reverence, ensuring our lives reflect the holiness of the One we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on verifiable lineage in Nehemiah 7:64 speak to the importance of authenticity and integrity in our walk with God today?**
* **In what ways might we, as New Testament believers, unknowingly become "polluted" or unfit for service, and how can we actively pursue spiritual purity and readiness?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's unchanging standards for those who serve Him, even though the specific requirements for the priesthood have changed in the new covenant?**

### FAQ

**Why was genealogy so critical for the priesthood in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Genealogy was paramount for the priesthood in ancient Israel because it was a matter of divine command and covenant. God explicitly ordained that only direct male descendants of Aaron, from the tribe of Levi, could serve as priests (e.g., [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Sons Appointed to the Priesthood")). Genealogical records provided the verifiable proof of this lineage, ensuring that only those divinely appointed could perform the sacred duties of the tabernacle and later the temple. This strict requirement maintained the sanctity and legitimacy of the priestly office, preventing unauthorized individuals from profaning holy things and upholding the divine order for worship.

**Does "polluted" in this verse imply moral sin or ritual impurity?**

Answer: In the context of Nehemiah 7:64, "polluted" (Hebrew, _chalal_) refers to ritual impurity or profanation, not necessarily moral sin or corruption. These individuals were deemed "polluted" because they lacked the verifiable genealogical proof required to serve in the priesthood. Their inability to demonstrate their legitimate lineage meant they were ritually unfit or disqualified from performing sacred duties according to the Law. Serving without this proper lineage would have been a profanation of the holy office itself, regardless of their personal moral standing. It signifies a state of being rendered "common" or "unholy" in relation to a sacred office, thereby making them ineligible to participate in the holy service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strict genealogical requirements and the concept of "pollution" in Nehemiah 7:64 find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priesthood, with its emphasis on perfect lineage and ritual purity, continually pointed to the need for a High Priest who was truly without blemish or flaw. The Levitical system, though divinely instituted, was imperfect and temporary, requiring continuous sacrifices and a human priesthood subject to sin and death. Jesus, however, fulfills the role of the perfect High Priest, not according to the Levitical law (as He was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi), but according to the superior order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - The Superior Priesthood of Christ")). His "register" is not of human descent but of divine appointment and eternal perfection. Through His sinless life and once-for-all sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), Jesus provided the ultimate purification, cleansing us from all "pollution" of sin and rendering us fit to approach God. Because of His perfect work, believers are no longer disqualified by earthly lineage or ritual impurity but are made 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 and boldness ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). He is our perfect "register," our unblemished record, and our eternal access to the Father.

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

Nehemiah 7:5

¶ And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,

1 Chronicles 9:1

¶ So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they [were] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, [who] were carried away to Babylon for their transgression.

Nehemiah 13:29

Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

Matthew 22:11

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

Matthew 22:13

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Leviticus 4:3

If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

Matthew 25:11

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.