Nehemiah 7:64

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.

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}.

"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.

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

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

Context

Nehemiah 7 details a comprehensive census of the people who returned from Babylonian exile, mirroring the list found in Ezra chapter 2. This chapter serves to establish the population of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, organizing the community for the rebuilding efforts and the restoration of proper worship. Among the returnees were various groups, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants. For the priesthood, lineage was paramount. According to Mosaic Law, only direct descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi could serve as priests (Numbers 3:10). This verse specifically addresses a group claiming priestly heritage whose genealogical records were missing or insufficient, leading to their disqualification from sacred service.

Key Themes

  • The Sanctity of the Priesthood: The strict requirements for priestly service underscore its sacred nature and the importance of approaching God in a prescribed, holy manner.
  • Importance of Genealogy and Records: In ancient Israel, genealogical records were vital for establishing tribal identity, inheritance, and especially for proving eligibility for the priesthood. Their absence meant a loss of privileges and roles.
  • Purity and Holiness: The term "polluted" (Hebrew: chalal) in this context refers to ritual uncleanness or profanation, meaning they were deemed unfit to perform holy duties, not necessarily morally corrupt. This highlights God's demand for purity in those who serve Him.
  • Divine Order and Accountability: God's covenant with Israel established a clear order for worship and service. This verse demonstrates the seriousness with which these divine ordinances were upheld, even after generations of exile.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "polluted" is chalal (Χ—ΧœΧœ), which carries the sense of being profaned, defiled, or made common. It's not necessarily a moral judgment but rather a ritual status; these individuals were considered ritually unfit to serve in the holy office of the priesthood because their lineage could not be verified. Their inability to prove their connection to the divinely appointed priestly line meant they were "profaned" from that sacred role, unable to participate in the hallowed duties of the temple.

Practical Application

This verse offers several enduring lessons for believers today. While the specific requirements for the Old Testament priesthood no longer apply in the same way, the principles of integrity, accountability, and purity in service to God remain relevant.

  • Integrity in Service: God values authenticity and truth. Just as the priests needed verifiable lineage, believers are called to serve God with integrity, ensuring our actions align with His word.
  • God's Standards for Service: This passage reminds us that serving God is a privilege, and it must be done according to His terms, not our own. While we are all part of a "royal priesthood" through Christ, we are still called to live holy lives worthy of our calling.
  • Spiritual Purity: For Christians, our spiritual lineage is not by birth but by faith in Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest. The emphasis on purity for the Old Testament priests serves as a reminder for us to pursue holiness and confess sin, ensuring we are spiritually prepared to worship and serve God.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 7:5 (4 votes)

    ΒΆ 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 (4 votes)

    ΒΆ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 22:11 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (0 votes)

    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 (0 votes)

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