Old Testament

Nehemiah 7:63

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

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

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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.

What Nehemiah 7:63 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Nehemiah 7:63, we see a list of the priests and their families, specifically mentioning the descendants of Habaiah, Koz, and Barzillai. Barzillai is noted for marrying a daughter of another Barzillai, which indicates the importance of family lineage and connections in the priestly community. This verse highlights how names and family ties were significant in ancient Israel, as they often reflected heritage and identity. The mention of Barzillai marrying into another prominent family shows the intertwining of lineages, which was crucial for maintaining the priestly line and ensuring the continuation of religious duties. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of family and community in fulfilling one's role in society, especially in spiritual leadership. It emphasizes that our identities are often shaped by our relationships and heritage, which can influence our responsibilities and roles within a community.

How to apply Nehemiah 7:63 to your life

Understanding the significance of family and community can help us appreciate our own roles in society. We should value our relationships and recognize how they shape our identities and responsibilities. Building strong connections can enhance our contributions to our communities and spiritual lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Nehemiah 7:63

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Nehemiah 7:63

At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah

Author
Nehemiah, with Ezra
Written
Around 430 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The post-exilic Jewish community

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Nehemiah 7:63 mean?

Nehemiah 7:63 lists the descendants of certain priests, emphasizing the importance of family lineage in the priestly community. It highlights Barzillai's marriage into another prominent family, reflecting how heritage and identity were significant in ancient Israel.

What is the significance of Barzillai in Nehemiah 7:63?

Barzillai is significant in Nehemiah 7:63 because he represents the intertwining of priestly lineages through marriage. His union with a daughter of another Barzillai underscores the importance of family connections in maintaining religious duties and identity.

What does the term 'children of Barzillai' refer to in Nehemiah 7:63?

The term 'children of Barzillai' in Nehemiah 7:63 refers to the descendants of Barzillai, indicating a specific family line within the priestly community. This highlights the significance of lineage and heritage in the context of religious roles.

What is the context of Nehemiah 7:63?

Nehemiah 7:63 is part of a larger list of returning exiles and their genealogies, focusing on the priests and their families. It serves to document the restoration of the community and the importance of maintaining priestly lines after the Babylonian exile.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.