Ezra 2:62

Authorized King James Version

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֗לֶּה
these or those
#2
בִּקְשׁ֧וּ
These sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#3
כְתָבָ֛ם
their register
something written, i.e., a writing, record or book
#4
הַמִּתְיַחְשִׂ֖ים
among those that were reckoned by genealogy
to enroll by pedigree
#5
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
but they were not found
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
#7
וַֽיְגֹאֲל֖וּ
therefore were they as polluted
to soil or (figuratively) desecrate
#8
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
הַכְּהֻנָּֽה׃
put from the priesthood
priesthood

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection