Ezra 2:61
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:
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
And of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
And of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
H3548
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
2 of 17
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
בְּנֵ֣י
And of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
And of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
And of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
And of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
And of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
And of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִבְּנ֞וֹת
of the daughters
H1323
מִבְּנ֞וֹת
of the daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
11 of 17
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וַיִּקָּרֵ֖א
and was called
H7121
וַיִּקָּרֵ֖א
and was called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
15 of 17
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
2 Samuel 17:27And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,1 Kings 2:7But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.
Historical Context
Barzillai the Gileadite was the wealthy Transjordan noble who provisioned David during Absalom's rebellion. For a priestly family to adopt his name (likely through marriage to gain inheritance rights) represented assimilation and compromise. Post-exilic Judaism strictly regulated priestly genealogy; without documentation, these families could not serve at the altar or receive priestly portions.
Questions for Reflection
- What worldly name or identity have you assumed that compromises your calling as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)?
- How does choosing comfort and status over spiritual heritage parallel Esau's forfeiting of his birthright?
- In what ways does pastoral ministry today require uncompromised identity and clear genealogical connection to apostolic faith?
Analysis & Commentary
And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai—The genealogical crisis deepens: even priests lacked documentation. Habaiah (חֲבַיָּה) means "Yahweh has hidden," Koz (קוֹץ) means "thorn," and Barzillai (בַּרְזִלַּי) means "iron" or "strong."
The third family took the name of Barzillai the Gileadite through marriage (2 Samuel 19:31-39)—choosing a wealthy benefactor's name over their priestly lineage. This is Esau's bargain repeated: trading birthright for immediate advantage (Genesis 25:29-34). Priestly ministry requires uncompromised identity; those who assumed secular names forfeited sacred function. Spiritual leadership demands clear testimony to God's calling.