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.

EZRA 2:42KJV
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Ezra 2:42 (KJV)

What does Ezra 2:42 mean?

Ezra 2:42 lists the descendants of the gatekeepers (called "porters" in the KJV) who returned from exile, naming the families of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, with a total of 139 people. This verse records part of the census taken as the Israelites came back to Jerusalem after captivity in Babylon.

Ezra, as the narrator, is documenting the different groups who returned to help rebuild the community and temple. The "children of the porters" refers to families responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple, a significant role in the worship life of Israel. Listing their names and numbers shows the careful organization and value placed on every group, even those with supporting roles.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:42

  • "children" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing that these are family groups or clans, not just individual children.
  • "porters" (שֹׁעֲרִים, shoʿarim): This term means "gatekeepers" or "doorkeepers," highlighting a specific temple duty of guarding and managing the entrances, which was considered a trusted and honorable service.
  • The specific family names (Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, Shobai) are preserved in Hebrew, showing the importance of remembering each clan by name in the community's history.

Why Ezra 2:42 matters

  • This verse highlights that every role in the restored community, even those not directly involved in priestly or leadership duties, was recorded and valued.
  • By naming the gatekeeper families, Ezra 2:42 shows the continuity of temple service and the importance of order and security in worship.
  • The careful record-keeping connects the returning exiles to their heritage, reinforcing their identity and the legitimacy of their service in the rebuilt temple.

Where else these words appear

“Hatita” Hebrew H2410 · used in 2 verses

  • Nehemiah 7:45 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, an hundred thirty and eight.

“Shobai” Hebrew H7630 · used in 2 verses

  • Nehemiah 7:45 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, an hundred thirty and eight.

“Ater” Hebrew H333 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 2:16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
  • Nehemiah 7:21 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
  • Nehemiah 7:45 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, an hundred thirty and eight.

“Talmon” Hebrew H2929 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 9:17 And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;
  • Nehemiah 7:45 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, an hundred thirty and eight.
  • Nehemiah 11:19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.