King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:64 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:64 in the King James Version says “These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as p...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 7:64 · KJV

Context

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

66

The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

Read Nehemiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 7:64 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 · 9 words
אֵ֗לֶּה1 of 9
H428

these or those

בִּקְשׁ֧וּ2 of 9

“These sought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

כְתָבָ֛ם3 of 9

“their register”

H3791

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

הַמִּתְיַחְשִׂ֖ים4 of 9

“among those that were reckoned by genealogy”

H3187

to enroll by pedigree

וְלֹ֣א5 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִמְצָ֑א6 of 9

“but it was not found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

וַיְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ7 of 9

“therefore were they as polluted”

H1351

to soil or (figuratively) desecrate

מִן8 of 9
H4480

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

הַכְּהֻנָּֽה׃9 of 9

“put from the priesthood”

H3550

priesthood

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 7:64 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 7:64 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 7:51 Chronicles 9:1Nehemiah 13:29Matthew 22:11-13Leviticus 4:3Matthew 25:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

Nehemiah 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNehemiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nehemiah 7 with CommentaryAll Nehemiah ChaptersComplete Nehemiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes