Also, of the priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai (who had taken a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here, a priest is recorded not just by his father's name, but by the name of his wife's family, a striking detail that highlights how deeply interwoven community and lineage were, even for the priestly class. It suggests that honoring the integrity of the people who returned meant acknowledging their new familial connections and the respect given to the established families they joined.
Also, of the priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai (who had taken a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a lengthy list detailing the families who returned from exile and resettled in Jerusalem, meticulously cataloging who lived where and their ancestral lines. These genealogies were crucial for re-establishing order, land ownership, and temple service after the return. The inclusion of priests and their lineages, even mentioning one family that took on a prominent name through marriage, highlights the effort to ensure the purity and proper functioning of the religious community.
Why spend so much ink on lists of names? These genealogies were more than just records; they were foundational to identity and covenant.
In Nehemiah's time, precise genealogical records were vital for several reasons:
This verse introduces a fascinating case where family lines intentionally crossed and redefined themselves. What does this teach us about identity?
The mention of the sons of Barzillai presents a unique situation:
Ask a follow-up
This genealogical record in Nehemiah's time highlights the importance of lineage and identity for the returning exiles, especially the priests, as they re-established their community and religious life in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
The first major wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. This marked the beginning of the rebuilding of the Temple and the community.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
After years of difficulty and opposition, the Second Temple in Jerusalem was completed and dedicated, signifying a renewed spiritual center for the returning community.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
The scribe Ezra led another group of exiles back to Jerusalem, focusing on restoring the Law and religious observance among the people.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Appointed Governor
King Artaxerxes of Persia appointed Nehemiah as governor of Judah, commissioning him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem amidst significant opposition.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah, despite facing threats and internal strife, successfully led the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in a remarkably short time.
c. 444 BC
Census and Reorganization of Jerusalem
Following the completion of the walls, Nehemiah conducted a census of the returned exiles. This verse comes from that genealogical record, which was crucial for establishing the proper order and rights of families and priestly lines.
This passage lists the same priestly families (Hobaiah, Hakkoz, Barzillai) who returned from exile, highlighting the continuity of these lineage records.
1 Chronicles 24:7-14This chapter details the divisions of the priesthood established by David, including the division of Hakkoz, providing historical context for the priestly families mentioned in Nehemiah.
Ruth 4:18-22This passage traces the lineage of David back through Boaz and Salmon to Perez, ultimately mentioning the ancestor 'Ram' who is linked to the priestly family of Hakkoz, showing ancient connections between prominent families.
1 Samuel 17:1-58This story introduces a prominent layman named Barzillai the Gileadite, who showed great kindness to David, suggesting that his family name held significance that a priest's family might wish to associate with.
cambridgeNehemiah 7:63: "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."
63 . Habaiah ] R.V. Hobaiah. Koz ] R.V. Hakkoz. one of the daughters ] R.V. a wife of the daughters.
henryNehemiah 7:5-73: "And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,"
7:5-73 Nehemiah knew that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the inhabitants than upon its walls. Every good gift and every good work are from above. God gives knowledge, he gives grace; all is of him, and therefore all must…
Here, a priest is recorded not just by his father's name, but by the name of his wife's family, a striking detail that highlights how deeply interwoven community and lineage were, even for the priestly class. It suggests that honoring the integrity of the people who returned meant acknowledging their new familial connections and the respect given to the established families they joined.
This passage is part of a lengthy list detailing the families who returned from exile and resettled in Jerusalem, meticulously cataloging who lived where and their ancestral lines. These genealogies were crucial for re-establishing order, land ownership, and temple service after the return. The inclusion of priests and their lineages, even mentioning one family that took on a prominent name through marriage, highlights the effort to ensure the purity and proper functioning of the religious community.
This passage is part of a lengthy list detailing the families who returned from exile and resettled in Jerusalem, meticulously cataloging who lived where and their ancestral lines. These genealogies were crucial for re-establishing order, land ownership, and temple service after the return. The inclusion of priests and their lineages, even mentioning one family that took on a prominent name through marriage, highlights the effort to ensure the purity and proper functioning of the religious community.
"Also, of the priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai (who had taken a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name)." — Here, a priest is recorded not just by his father's name, but by the name of his wife's family, a striking detail that highlights how deeply interwoven community and lineage were, even for the prie…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026