Ancestor of a priestly family who returned from exile.
Barzillai
Named in 2 verses across 2 books, first in Ezra 2:61.
בַּרְזִלַּיBarzillai
The name means “son of contempt; made of iron.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Barzillai Written by AI
Barzillai is mentioned in Ezra 2:61 and Nehemiah 7:63 as the ancestor of a priestly family who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. According to these passages, the descendants of Habaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai sought to be registered as priests but were unable to prove their priestly lineage. The text states that Barzillai had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite (likely the same Barzillai who supported David) and took on his name. Due to the uncertainty surrounding their genealogy, these priests were excluded from serving until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance. The mention of Barzillai in this context highlights the importance of verifying priestly lineage and maintaining the purity of the priesthood after the exile.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Barzillai, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Of iron. (1.) A Meholathite, the father of Adriel (2 Sam. 21:8).
(2.) A Gileadite of Rogelim who was distinguished for his loyalty to David. He liberally provided for the king’s followers (2 Sam. 17:27). David on his death-bed, remembering his kindness, commended Barzillai’s children to the care of Solomon (1 Kings 2:7).
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(3.) A priest who married a daughter of the preceding (Ezra 2:61).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Ezra 2:61
And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).
- Nehemiah 7:63
And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.