Ezra 2:62
Ezra 2:62 in Multiple Translations
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 register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood.
They made search for their record among the lists of families, but their names were nowhere to be seen; so they were looked on as unclean and no longer priests.
They searched for a record of them in the genealogies, but their names weren't found, so they were barred from serving as priests.
These sought their writing of the genealogies, but they were not founde: therefore were they put from the Priesthood.
these have sought their register among those reckoning themselves by genealogy, and they have not been found, and they are redeemed from the priesthood,
These sought their place among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found; therefore they were deemed disqualified and removed from the priesthood.
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.
These sought the writing of their genealogy, and found it not, and they were cast out of the priesthood.
The people in that group searched in the documents that had the names of the ancestors of all the clans, but these men’s names were not found. So they were not permitted do the work that priests did.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 2:62
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 2:62 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֗לֶּה
בִּקְשׁ֧וּ
כְתָבָ֛/ם
הַ/מִּתְיַחְשִׂ֖ים
וְ/לֹ֣א
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
וַֽ/יְגֹאֲל֖וּ
מִן
הַ/כְּהֻנָּֽה
אֵ֗לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
בִּקְשׁ֧וּ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
כְתָבָ֛/ם
kâthâb
H3791
writing
N-ms | Suff
הַ/מִּתְיַחְשִׂ֖ים
yâchas
H3187
to enroll
Art | V-Hithpael
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
וַֽ/יְגֹאֲל֖וּ
gâʼal
H1351
to defile
Conj | V-Pual-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/כְּהֻנָּֽה
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
priesthood
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 2:62
אֵ֗לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
בִּקְשׁ֧וּ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
כְתָבָ֛/ם
kâthâb
H3791
"writing"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to something written, like a book or document, and is used in the Bible to describe important records or scriptures. It appears in the book of Ezra and Nehemiah to describe official documents. In English, it is often translated as 'register' or 'scripture'.
Definition: 1) a writing, document, edict 1a) register, enrolment, roll 1b) mode of writing, character, letter 1c) letter, document, a writing 1d) a written edict 1d1) of royal enactment 1d2) of divine authority Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתָב "inscription" H3792)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: register, scripture, writing. See also: 1 Chronicles 28:19; Esther 3:14; Daniel 10:21.
הַ/מִּתְיַחְשִׂ֖ים
yâchas
H3187
"to enroll"
Art | V-Hithpael
To enroll means to officially record or list someone's name, often for genealogical purposes. This word is used to describe the process of reckoning or numbering people in a family tree or genealogy.
Definition: (Hithpael) to reckon genealogically, enrol on a genealogy, enrol, be enrolled
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (number after, number throughout the) genealogy (to be reckoned), be reckoned by genealogies. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:33; 2 Chronicles 12:15; Nehemiah 7:64.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
וַֽ/יְגֹאֲל֖וּ
gâʼal
H1351
"to defile"
Conj | V-Pual-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to make something unclean or impure, often used in Leviticus to describe defiling the temple or oneself. It can also mean to stain or desecrate something, like in Ezekiel 20:16. The concept is about ruining something's purity or holiness.
Definition: 1) to defile, pollute, desecrate 1a) (Niphal) to be defiled, be polluted 1b) (Piel) to pollute, desecrate 1c)(Pual) to be desecrated (of removal from priesthood) 1d) (Hiphil) to pollute, stain 1e) (Hithpael) to defile oneself
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: defile, pollute, stain. See also: Ezra 2:62; Lamentations 4:14; Isaiah 59:3.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/כְּהֻנָּֽה
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
"priesthood"
Art | N-fs
The priesthood refers to the office or position of a priest, like the Levitical priesthood in the Old Testament. It involves serving God and leading others in worship. The Bible describes the responsibilities and duties of the priesthood in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: priesthood
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: priesthood, priest's office. See also: Exodus 29:9; Numbers 25:13; Nehemiah 13:29.
Study Notes — Ezra 2:62
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 2:62 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 2:62
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 2:62
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 2:62
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 2:62
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 2:62
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 2:62
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 2:62
- Sermons on Ezra 2:62
Context — The List of Returning Exiles
60the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 652 in all.
61And 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).
62These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.
63The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. 64The whole assembly numbered 42,360,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 3:10 | So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.” |
| 2 | Numbers 16:39–40 | So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers brought by those who had been burned up, and he had them hammered out to overlay the altar, just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers. |
| 3 | Leviticus 21:21–23 | No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God. He may eat the most holy food of his God as well as the holy food, but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 44:10–14 | Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them. Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. They must not approach Me to serve Me as priests or come near any of My holy things or the most holy things. They will bear the shame of the abominations they have committed. Yet I will appoint them to keep charge of all the work for the temple and everything to be done in it. |
| 5 | Numbers 18:7 | But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” |
Ezra 2:62 Summary
This verse is talking about a group of men who wanted to serve as priests, but they couldn't find their family records, which were necessary to prove they were descended from the right family. Because they couldn't find these records, they were considered 'unclean' and weren't allowed to serve as priests, as seen in Leviticus 21:1-15. This teaches us that God wants those who serve Him to be pure and set apart, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16. It's a reminder that we should strive to live holy lives, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7, and seek to follow God's guidance and will, as prompted in Psalm 119:105.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were these men excluded from the priesthood?
These men were excluded from the priesthood because they could not find their family records, which were necessary to prove their lineage and purity, as seen in Ezra 2:62 and supported by the importance of genealogy in 1 Chronicles 6:1-15.
What does it mean to be 'unclean' in this context?
To be 'unclean' in this context means to be ritually impure, and thus unable to serve as a priest, as described in Leviticus 21:1-15 and Ezekiel 44:10-16, emphasizing the importance of purity for those serving in the priesthood.
How did the lack of family records affect these men's ability to serve God?
The lack of family records meant that these men could not prove their lineage, and therefore could not be certain of their right to serve as priests, highlighting the significance of knowing one's spiritual heritage, as seen in Psalm 16:5-6 and 1 Peter 2:9-10.
What is the significance of the Urim and Thummim mentioned in the next verse?
The Urim and Thummim, mentioned in Ezra 2:63, were objects used by the high priest to determine God's will, as described in Exodus 28:30 and Numbers 27:21, and their use here emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in matters of purity and priesthood.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can ensure my own 'family records' are in order, spiritually speaking, to serve God effectively?
- How can I balance the need for ritual purity with the reality of my own sinfulness and imperfection, as seen in Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8-9?
- In what ways can I seek to 'consult the Urim and Thummim' in my own life, seeking God's guidance and will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'excluded from the priesthood' due to my own lack of purity or devotion, and how can I seek to address these areas, as prompted in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and Hebrews 12:14?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 2:62
These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy,.... To find their names written and registered there; for the Jews kept public registers of their priests, their descent,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 2:62
The Jews were generally very exact and careful in their genealogies, partly from their own choice and interest, that they might preserve the distinctions of the several tribes and families, which was necessary both to make out their claims or titles to offices or inheritances, which might belong to them by death, or otherwise, as here we see, and to govern themselves thereby in the matter of marriages, and some other things wherein the practice of some laws required the knowledge of these things; and partly by the special providence of God, that so it might be certainly known of what tribe and family the Messiah was born. For as they took care of all their families, so doubtless they took a more punctual and singular care about the royal family, upon which all their hopes depended.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 2:62
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.Ver. 62. But they were not found] They could not prove themselves to be of the seed of Aaron; and were therefore worthily turned off. So shall all be at the last day that are not written among the living in Jerusalem, that are not registered in the Lamb’ s book of life, that have been ashamed of Christ and of his words, Mark 8:38.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 2:62
(62) Their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy.—Better, their record, or the record of the Enregistered.Polluted.—Levitically disqualified.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 2:62
62. these sought their register &c.] Literally ‘These sought their writing (LXX. γραφὴναὐτῶν), the enrolled’, i.e. they searched for their genealogy in the priestly book, which went by the name of ‘The Enrolled’, or as we should now call it ‘The Register’. Compare ‘the writing (mrg. ‘register’) of the house of Israel’ in Ezekiel 13:9, where the same word is used in the original. therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood] R.V. therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood. The margin Heb. ‘they were polluted from the priesthood’ gives the literal, rendering. To be declared polluted was equivalent to being excluded from any active part in the office and administration of the priesthood. They were to be accounted ‘polluted’, until their claim could be established. The importance attached to the genealogical accuracy of the claims preferred to the priesthood is not only a symptom of the legal spirit which animated the Jews of the Return. It goes back to the abolition of the High Places firstly by Hezekiah and afterwards by Josiah, in consequence of which a sharp distinction was drawn between those who had ministered at the High Places and those who were engaged in the Temple worship at Jerusalem. This point is illustrated by the writings of Ezekiel, himself a priest, who writing during the Captivity distinguishes between ‘the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok’ (Ezekiel 43:19; cf. Ezekiel 40:46, Ezekiel 44:14, Ezekiel 48:11) and the ‘Levites that went astray’ (Ezekiel 44:10; Ezekiel 44:13; Ezekiel 44:15, Ezekiel 48:11).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 2:62
62. These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy — Literally, these sought their register — the enrolled. According to Bertheau, the enrolled was the title of their register.
Sermons on Ezra 2:62
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Foundations of Ministry by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and discerning our motives in ministry. He contrasts the busyness of the Levites in the outer court with the stillnes |
|
The Order Appointed by God by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of following God's commands in an orderly and timely manner, specifically in presenting offerings and performing services to Him. He highl |