64 These people searched for their family records, but they could not find them. So they could not be priests, because they were thought to be unclean.
Unlock Deeper Insights: Get Over 20 Commentaries with Plus! Subscribe Now
Nehemiah 7:64 In-Context
62 the descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda -- 642.
63 And these priests could not prove that their ancestors came from Israel: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai. (He had married a daughter of Barzillai from Gilead and was called by her family name.)
64 These people searched for their family records, but they could not find them. So they could not be priests, because they were thought to be unclean.
65 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the holy food until a priest settled this matter by using the Urim and Thummim.
66 The total number of those who returned was 42,360.