Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.

NEHEMIAH 11:19KJV
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Nehemiah 11:19 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 11:19 mean?

Nehemiah 11:19 lists the men who served as gatekeepers in Jerusalem after the return from exile, specifically naming Akkub, Talmon, and their relatives, totaling 172 people who were responsible for guarding the city gates. This verse highlights the organization and roles assigned to ensure the security and functioning of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah is describing how the people who returned to Jerusalem were assigned specific duties to rebuild and protect the city. The verse names the "porters" (gatekeepers), Akkub and Talmon, along with their "brethren" (relatives or fellow Levites), showing the careful record-keeping and division of labor. This detail fits into the larger context of Nehemiah 11, where various groups are listed according to their responsibilities in the restored city.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 11:19

  • "Porters" (שֹׁעֵרִים, shoʿerim): This word refers to gatekeepers, those who watched over the entrances to the city or temple. Their role was important for both security and ritual purity.
  • "Kept" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This verb means to guard, watch, or keep. It emphasizes that these men had an active, ongoing responsibility to protect the gates, not just a ceremonial title.
  • "Gates" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): This word refers to the city gates, which were crucial points for access, defense, and community life in ancient cities.

Why Nehemiah 11:19 matters

  • Nehemiah 11:19 shows that every role, even those that might seem less prominent like gatekeeping, was valued and recorded in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
  • The verse highlights the practical steps taken to secure the city, reminding readers that spiritual renewal included careful organization and responsibility.
  • By naming individuals and their families, Nehemiah underlines the importance of community and shared duty in restoring the life of Jerusalem after exile.

Where else these words appear

“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;
  • 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.
  • 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.

“Akkub” Hebrew H6126 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.
  • 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.
  • 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.

“porters” Hebrew H7778 · used in 37 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:
  • Ezra 2:70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

“seventy” Hebrew H7657 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 4:24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.
  • Numbers 7:73 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 21:14 So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.