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.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּ֕ל
H3605
הַכֹּ֕ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מֵאָ֖ה
in all an hundred
H3967
מֵאָ֖ה
in all an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
16 of 18
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
Historical Context
Gatekeepers guarded temple entrances day and night (1 Chronicles 9:23-27), managing temple treasuries, sacred vessels, and controlling who could enter which courts. During the monarchy they numbered 4,000 (1 Chronicles 23:5), making the return of only 139 a drastic reduction—requiring longer shifts and harder work. Their low numbers meant each gatekeeper bore greater responsibility for maintaining sanctuary boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the gatekeeper role—controlling access to sacred space—teach about the importance of boundaries in spiritual life and church discipline?
- How do the gatekeepers' names (describing barriers and restraints) reflect the necessary 'negative' function of excluding what defiles holiness?
- In what ways does Christ as 'the door' both fulfill and transform the gatekeepers' function—making access both more exclusive (only through Him) and more universal (to all who believe)?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of the porters (בְּנֵי הַשֹּׁעֲרִים)—The term sho'arim (gatekeepers/doorkeepers) describes those guarding temple entrances, controlling access to sacred space. Six families are named—Shallum ('recompense'), Ater ('bound/shut'), Talmon ('oppressor'), Akkub ('insidious/cunning'), Hatita ('exploring'), and Shobai ('captor')—totaling 139 gatekeepers. These names ironically describe barriers and restraints, fitting for those who managed boundaries between holy and common.
Gatekeepers determined who entered God's presence, making them guardians of holiness. Their role anticipates Christ as 'the door' (John 10:9)—the ultimate Gatekeeper who grants access to the Father. The specific enumeration of six families (vs. Asaph's single family of singers) suggests specialized gate assignments. First Chronicles 9:22 notes David and Samuel established this office 'in their set office'—showing gatekeeping's prophetic origins and enduring importance for regulating worship access.