King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:61 Mean?

Ezra 2:61 in the King James Version says “And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took ... — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

Ezra 2:61 · KJV


Context

59

And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: Addan: or, Addon seed: or, pedigree

60

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.

61

And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

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. were they: Heb. they were polluted from the priesthood

63

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. Tirshatha: or, governor


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai—The genealogical crisis deepens: even priests lacked documentation. Habaiah (חֲבַיָּה) means "Yahweh has hidden," Koz (קוֹץ) means "thorn," and Barzillai (בַּרְזִלַּי) means "iron" or "strong."

The third family took the name of Barzillai the Gileadite through marriage (2 Samuel 19:31-39)—choosing a wealthy benefactor's name over their priestly lineage. This is Esau's bargain repeated: trading birthright for immediate advantage (Genesis 25:29-34). Priestly ministry requires uncompromised identity; those who assumed secular names forfeited sacred function. Spiritual leadership demands clear testimony to God's calling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Barzillai the Gileadite was the wealthy Transjordan noble who provisioned David during Absalom's rebellion. For a priestly family to adopt his name (likely through marriage to gain inheritance rights) represented assimilation and compromise. Post-exilic Judaism strictly regulated priestly genealogy; without documentation, these families could not serve at the altar or receive priestly portions.

Reflection Questions

  1. What worldly name or identity have you assumed that compromises your calling as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)?
  2. How does choosing comfort and status over spiritual heritage parallel Esau's forfeiting of his birthright?
  3. In what ways does pastoral ministry today require uncompromised identity and clear genealogical connection to apostolic faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 17

And of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים2 of 17

of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 17

And of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֳבַיָּ֖ה4 of 17

of Habaiah

H2252

chabajah, an israelite

בְּנֵ֣י5 of 17

And of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַקּ֑וֹץ6 of 17

of Koz

H6976

kots, the name of two israelites

בְּנֵ֣י7 of 17

And of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בַּרְזִלַּ֤י8 of 17

of Barzillai

H1271

barzillai, the name of three israelites

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לָ֠קַח10 of 17

which took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִבְּנ֞וֹת11 of 17

of the daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בַּרְזִלַּ֤י12 of 17

of Barzillai

H1271

barzillai, the name of three israelites

הַגִּלְעָדִי֙13 of 17

the Gileadite

H1569

a giladite or descendant of gilad

אִשָּׁ֔ה14 of 17

a wife

H802

a woman

וַיִּקָּרֵ֖א15 of 17

and was called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

עַל16 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁמָֽם׃17 of 17

after their name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 2:61 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 2:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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