King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:63 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:63 in the King James Version says “And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daugh... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Nehemiah 7:63 · KJV


Context

61

And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. seed: or, pedigree

62

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

63

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

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.

65

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 Thummim. the Tirshatha: or, the governor


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.

This verse within Nehemiah 7 addresses themes of organization, genealogy, remembrance, continuity. With physical security established, Nehemiah organizes administration and records genealogies, showing continuity with God's promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The spiritual reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah shaped Judaism for centuries, establishing Scripture's centrality and patterns of worship continuing into the intertestamental period and beyond. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Nehemiah 7:63 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּמִן1 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים2 of 17

And of the priests

H3548

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

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 17

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

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

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

one 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

to 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 Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 7:63 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 Nehemiah 7:63 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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