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Ezra 2:42

Ezra 2:42 in Multiple Translations

The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 139 in all.

¶ The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.

The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty and nine.

The children of the door-keepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, a hundred and thirty-nine.

the gatekeepers of the families of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, 139.

The sonnes of the porters: the sonnes of Shallum, the sonnes of Ater, the sonnes of Talmon, the sonnes of Akkub, the sonnes of Hatita, the sonnes of Shobai: all were an hundreth and nine and thirtie.

Sons of the gatekeepers; sons of Shallum, sons of Ater, sons of Talmon, sons of Akkub, sons of Hatita, sons of Shobai, the whole [are] a hundred thirty and nine.

The children of the gatekeepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine.

The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty and nine.

The children of the porters: the children of Sellum, the children of Ater, the children of Telmon, the children of Accub, the children of Hatita, the children of Sobai: in all a hundred thirty-nine.

139◄gatekeepers/men who guarded the gates of the temple► who were descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 2:42

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezra 2:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בְּנֵ֣י הַ/שֹּֽׁעֲרִ֗ים בְּנֵי שַׁלּ֤וּם בְּנֵֽי אָטֵר֙ בְּנֵי טַלְמ֣וֹן בְּנֵי עַקּ֔וּב בְּנֵ֥י חֲטִיטָ֖א בְּנֵ֣י שֹׁבָ֑י הַ/כֹּ֕ל מֵאָ֖ה שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וְ/תִשְׁעָֽה
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
הַ/שֹּֽׁעֲרִ֗ים shôwʻêr H7778 gatekeeper Art | N-mp
בְּנֵי bên H1121 son N-mp
שַׁלּ֤וּם Shallûwm H7967 Shallum N-proper
בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp
אָטֵר֙ ʼÂṭêr H333 Ater N-proper
בְּנֵי bên H1121 son N-mp
טַלְמ֣וֹן Ṭalmôwn H2929 Talmon N-proper
בְּנֵי bên H1121 son N-mp
עַקּ֔וּב ʻAqqûwb H6126 Akkub N-proper
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp
חֲטִיטָ֖א Chăṭîyṭâʼ H2410 Hatita N-proper
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
שֹׁבָ֑י Shôbay H7630 Shobai N-proper
הַ/כֹּ֕ל kôl H3605 all Art | N-ms
מֵאָ֖ה mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Adj
וְ/תִשְׁעָֽה têshaʻ H8672 nine Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 2:42

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/שֹּֽׁעֲרִ֗ים shôwʻêr H7778 "gatekeeper" Art | N-mp
A gatekeeper or porter was a person responsible for guarding and maintaining a gate or door. This word is used to describe someone who controls access to a building or area. In the Bible, it is translated as doorkeeper or porter.
Definition: gatekeeper, porter
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: doorkeeper, porter. See also: 2 Samuel 18:26; 2 Chronicles 23:4; Nehemiah 13:5.
בְּנֵי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שַׁלּ֤וּם Shallûwm H7967 "Shallum" N-proper
Shallum is a personal name in the Bible, referring to several Israelites, including a king of Judah who lived during the Divided Monarchy period, and is mentioned in 2 Kings 24:6, as the son of Jehoiakim and father of Zedekiah.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.24.6; son of: Jehoiakim (H3079) and Nehushta (H5179); father of: Zedekiah (H6667I)(?) and Shealtiel (H7597A); also called Jeconiah at 1Ch.3.16,17; 2x27.20; 28.4; 29.2; Coniah at Jer.22.24,28; 37.1; Shallum at Jer.22.11; Jechoniah (KJV: Jechonias; NIV: Jeconiah) inMat.1.11; 1x Another name of ye.ho.ya.khin (יְהוֹיָכִין "Jehoiachin" H3078) § Shallum = "retribution" 1) son of Jabesh, conspirator and slayer of king Zachariah of the northern kingdom of Israel ending the dynasty of Jehu; assumed the throne and became the 15th king of the northern kingdom; reigned for one month and was killed by Menahem 2) the 3rd son of king Josiah of Judah and subsequent king of Judah; reigned for 3 months before he was taken captive to Egypt where he was placed in chains and later died 2a) also 'Jehoahaz' 3) husband of Huldah the prophetess in the reign of king Josiah of Judah. Maybe the same as 4 4) uncle of Jeremiah the prophet. Maybe the same as 3 5) a Simeonite, son of Shaul and grandson of Simeon 6) a Judaite, son of Sisamai and father of Jekamiah in the family of Jerahmeel 7) an Ephraimite, father of Jehizkiah 8) a son of Naphtali 9) a Korahite Levite, chief of a family of gatekeepers for the east gate of the temple 9a) maybe same as 13 10) son of Halohesh and ruler of a district of Jerusalem; also repairer of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 11) a priest, of the family of Eleazar, son of Zadok and father of Hilkiah in the family line of Ezra 12) a Korahite Levite, son of Kore, father of Maaseiah, and in charge of the work of the service. Maybe same as 9 13) a Levite gatekeeper who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 14) a Levite and descendant of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Shallum. See also: 2 Kings 15:10; 1 Chronicles 9:19; Jeremiah 22:11.
בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָטֵר֙ ʼÂṭêr H333 "Ater" N-proper
Ater, meaning 'binder', is the name of three Israelites, including a chief who sealed Nehemiah's covenant in Nehemiah 10:17.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.17 § Ater = "binder" a chief Israelite who sealed Nehemiah's covenant
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Ater. See also: Ezra 2:16; Nehemiah 7:21; Nehemiah 10:18.
בְּנֵי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
טַלְמ֣וֹן Ṭalmôwn H2929 "Talmon" N-proper
Talmon was a temple doorkeeper who lived during the time of Exile and Return. His name means oppressor and he is mentioned in the books of 1 Chronicles and Nehemiah. He was a Levite and some of his descendants returned from exile.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.17 § Talmon = "oppressor" 1) the head of a family of doorkeepers in the temple; some of his descendants returned from exile with Zerubbabel and were employed in their hereditary office in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra 1a) possibly two other doorkeepers in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Talmon. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:17; Nehemiah 7:45; Nehemiah 12:25.
בְּנֵי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַקּ֔וּב ʻAqqûwb H6126 "Akkub" N-proper
Akkub refers to five different Israelites, including a descendant of David and a Levite gatekeeper, mentioned in Nehemiah 8:7. They lived during the time of Exile and Return. Akkub means insidious.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.7 § Akkub = "insidious" 1) son of Elioenai and descendant of David through Zerubbabel 2) a head of a family returning from exile 3) head of a family of temple slaves returning from exile 4) a Levite gatekeeper 5) a Levite who helped Ezra expound the law to the people 6) a Levite gatekeeper after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Akkub. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:24; Nehemiah 7:45; Nehemiah 12:25.
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
חֲטִיטָ֖א Chăṭîyṭâʼ H2410 "Hatita" N-proper
Hatita was a temple porter who returned from exile with Zerubbabel, as recorded in Ezra 2:42. His name means exploring, and he was a leader of a family of Levitical porters. Hatita played a significant role in the rebuilding of the temple.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.42 § Hatita = "exploring" head of a family of Levitical porters or gate-keepers who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Hatita. See also: Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45.
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שֹׁבָ֑י Shôbay H7630 "Shobai" N-proper
Shobai was an Israelite who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel after the Exile. He was an ancestor of a family of temple doorkeepers, as listed in Ezra 2:42.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.42 § Shobai = "glorious" ancestor of a family of doorkeepers of the temple who returned with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Shobai. See also: Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45.
הַ/כֹּ֕ל kôl H3605 "all" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מֵאָ֖ה mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
וְ/תִשְׁעָֽה têshaʻ H8672 "nine" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number nine, used for counting or describing quantities. It can also mean ninth when describing order or sequence.
Definition: 1) nine, nonad 1a) nine (as cardinal number) 1b) ninth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: nine ([phrase] -teen, [phrase] -teenth, -th). See also: Genesis 5:5; Judges 4:13; Jeremiah 39:2.

Study Notes — Ezra 2:42

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — The List of Returning Exiles

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Nehemiah 7:45 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138 in all.
2 1 Chronicles 9:17 These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief;
3 1 Chronicles 26:1–19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom. Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men. Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men. All these were descendants of Obed-edom; they and their sons and brothers were capable men with strength to do the work—62 in all from Obed-edom. Meshelemiah also had sons and brothers who were capable men—18 in all. Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all. These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did. They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons. The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah. There were guards stationed at every watch. Each day there were six Levites on the east, four on the north, four on the south, and two pairs at the storehouse. As for the court on the west, there were four at the highway and two at the court. These were the divisions of the gatekeepers who were descendants of Korah and Merari.

Ezra 2:42 Summary

Ezra 2:42 talks about the gatekeepers, who were responsible for watching over the temple entrances. There were 139 gatekeepers from different families, like the descendants of Shallum and Ater. This shows us that God cares about the details and wants us to work together to serve Him, just like the different parts of the body work together, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. By serving God in our own unique ways, we can be like the gatekeepers, helping to protect and preserve the purity of worship and community, as encouraged in Psalm 92:1-4 and Hebrews 10:24-25.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the gatekeepers in Ezra 2:42?

The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple, ensuring the purity and security of the worship space, as seen in 1 Chronicles 9:17-27 and Psalm 84:10.

Why are the descendants of specific families listed in Ezra 2:42?

The listing of specific families, such as the descendants of Shallum and Ater, highlights the importance of genealogy and family lineage in the biblical tradition, as also seen in Genesis 5:1-32 and 1 Chronicles 1-9.

How many gatekeepers were there according to Ezra 2:42?

There were 139 gatekeepers in total, according to Ezra 2:42, who were descended from the families of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai.

What can we learn from the organization and structure of the temple staff in Ezra 2:40-44?

The organization and structure of the temple staff, including the gatekeepers, Levites, and singers, demonstrate the importance of order, hierarchy, and teamwork in the service of God, as also emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Ephesians 4:11-16.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the role of the gatekeepers teach us about the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against worldly influences, as warned in Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 15:18-20?
  2. How can we, like the gatekeepers, serve as guardians of our faith communities, protecting and preserving the purity of worship and doctrine, as exhorted in 1 Timothy 4:16 and 2 Timothy 4:2?
  3. What does the attention to detail in Ezra 2:42, including the specific family lineages, reveal about God's care and concern for His people, as also seen in Psalm 87:6 and Matthew 10:30?
  4. How can we apply the principles of organization and teamwork seen in Ezra 2:40-44 to our own service and ministry, as encouraged in Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 2:42

[See comments on Ezra 2:41].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 2:42

The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 2:42

(42) The children of the porters.—The porters, or gatekeepers, number six families, three of which appear in the old Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9:17).

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 2:42

42. the porters] so also R.V.; although it is noteworthy that having substituted ‘door-keepers’ for ‘porters’ (A.V.) in 1 Chronicles 26:1, the R.V. has not for the sake of consistency made a similar alteration here, the word in Hebrew being the same in both instances. The door-keepers mentioned here and in 1 Chronicles 26:1-19 are Levites: possibly the name ‘porters’ was preserved to distinguish the Levitical attendants from the priestly door-keepers (or more literally ‘keepers of the threshold’) mentioned in 2 Kings 25:18, Jeremiah 35:4. Compare Psalms 84:10 ‘I had rather be a doorkeeper in (marg.: ‘stand at the threshold of’) the house of my God’. The names are clearly the names of households or courses, since Shallum, Akkub and Talmon are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:17, and Akkub and Talmon are referred to in Nehemiah 11:19.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 2:42

42. Porters — Doorkeepers of the temple. See on 1 Chronicles 9:18.

Sermons on Ezra 2:42

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer For the Courses of the Doorkeepers. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the vital role of doorkeepers in both the physical and spiritual realms, highlighting their responsibility to maintain the sanctity of the House of God and th

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