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.

NEHEMIAH 7:64KJV
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Nehemiah 7:64 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 7:64 mean?

Nehemiah 7:64 describes a group of people who tried to prove their family connection to the priesthood by searching for their names in the official genealogical records, but their names could not be found, so they were excluded from serving as priests because they were considered ceremonially unclean. This verse shows the importance placed on documented ancestry for those serving in the temple.

In the context of Nehemiah, the leaders are organizing the returned exiles and making sure only those with proven priestly lineage can serve in sacred roles. The verse highlights the careful process of checking genealogies to maintain the purity and order of temple service, reflecting the seriousness with which the community treated their religious responsibilities.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 7:64

  • "sought" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means to search or seek diligently. Here, it shows the effort made by these individuals to find proof of their ancestry.
  • "register" (כְּתוֹבֶת, ketovet): This refers to a written record or list. The verse emphasizes that official written documentation was required to confirm priestly status.
  • "genealogy" (יַחַשׂ, yachas): This word means a record of family descent. The focus on genealogy underlines how priestly roles depended on clear, traceable lineage.
  • "polluted" (גָּאַל, ga'al): This word is often understood as "defiled" or "unclean." In this context, it does not mean moral corruption but rather ceremonial unfitness for priestly duties.
  • "priesthood" (כְּהֻנָּה, kehunah): This term refers to the office or function of a priest. The verse is about protecting the integrity of this sacred role.

Why Nehemiah 7:64 matters

  • Nehemiah 7:64 clears up that priestly service was not just about personal desire or ability but required documented family lineage, showing the community's commitment to following God's instructions for temple worship.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of written records and careful administration in the post-exilic community, which helped maintain order and trust after years of exile and disruption.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Nehemiah of restoring proper worship and leadership in Jerusalem, highlighting the seriousness with which the returned exiles approached their renewed life together.

Where else these words appear

“polluted” Hebrew H1351 · used in 9 verses

  • Ezra 2:62 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.
  • 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;