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

EZRA 2:62KJV
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Ezra 2:62 (KJV)

What does Ezra 2:62 mean?

Ezra 2:62 describes a group of people who tried to prove they belonged to the priestly families by searching for their names in the official genealogical records, but their names were not found, so they were excluded from serving as priests because they were considered ceremonially unclean. This verse shows the importance of documented ancestry for those claiming the right to serve in the priesthood after the return from exile.

The setting is the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile, as recorded by Ezra. Leaders are carefully verifying who truly belongs to the priestly line, since only those with proven ancestry could serve in temple duties. The verse highlights the seriousness with which the community protected the purity and legitimacy of the priesthood by relying on written records.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:62

  • "Register" (הַמִּתְיַחְשִׂים, hamit'yachsim; H3791) refers to the official list or record of family lines. This word shows that the process was formal and required documentation, not just personal claims.
  • "Genealogy" (הִתְיַחֵשׂ, hityaches; H3187) means tracing family descent. The use of this word emphasizes that priestly status depended on clear, traceable lineage.
  • "Polluted" (גָּאַל, ga'al; H1351) means ceremonially unclean or disqualified. This does not mean moral corruption, but rather a lack of ritual or legal qualification for priestly service.

Why Ezra 2:62 matters

  • Ezra 2:62 clears up that priestly service was not based on personal desire or reputation, but on documented family history, protecting the integrity of temple worship.
  • The verse highlights the community’s commitment to following the law and maintaining the standards set out for the priesthood, even after years in exile.
  • This careful process connects to the wider theme of restoration in Ezra, showing how the returning exiles sought to rebuild their religious life on a firm and legitimate foundation.

Where else these words appear

“polluted” Hebrew H1351 · used in 9 verses

  • 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.
  • Isaiah 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
  • Zephaniah 3:1 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

“priesthood” Hebrew H3550 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 29:9 And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
  • Numbers 16:10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
  • Joshua 18:7 But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.

“register” Hebrew H3791 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 28:19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.
  • Esther 1:22 For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.
  • Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

“genealogy” Hebrew H3187 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:33 And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:9 And the number of them, after their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty thousand and two hundred.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:17 Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;