Ezra 2:61 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Certain priestly families also could not establish their lineage, including one that took the name of Barzillai.
What Does Ezra 2:61 Mean?
Among those of uncertain descent were some claiming priestly heritage. One family had taken the name Barzillai after marrying into that honored line, and so its own priestly ancestry had become tangled and hard to trace.
For a priest, lineage was everything, for it determined the right to serve at the altar. Here that right is in question through no obvious fault, only the blurring of records over time. The careful honesty of the account shows how seriously the community guarded the sacred office, refusing to presume what could not be proven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 2:61
What does Ezra 2:61 mean?
Certain priestly families also could not establish their lineage, including one that took the name of Barzillai.