Ezra 2:62

62 They had thoroughly searched for their family records but couldn't find them. And so they were barred from priestly work as ritually unclean.

Ezra 2:62 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 2:62

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy
To find their names written and registered there; for the Jews kept public registers of their priests, their descent, marriages, and offspring, that it might be known who were fit, and who not, to officiate as such:

but they were not found;
their names were not there, nor any account taken of them:

therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood;
were not suffered to attend at the altar, and offer sacrifice, and enjoy the privileges belonging to that office.

Ezra 2:62 In-Context

60 Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda, 652 in all.
61 Likewise with these priestly families: Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai, who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and took that name.
62 They had thoroughly searched for their family records but couldn't find them. And so they were barred from priestly work as ritually unclean.
63 The governor ruled that they could not eat from the holy food until a priest could determine their status with the Urim and Thummim.
64 The total count for the congregation was 42,360.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.