Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.

NEHEMIAH 12:25KJV
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Nehemiah 12:25 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 12:25 mean?

Nehemiah 12:25 lists several men—Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub—who served as porters, responsible for guarding the thresholds at the gates. This verse highlights their specific duty of keeping watch at the entrances, an important role in maintaining order and security in the temple area.

In the context of Nehemiah, these names are part of a record of those who served in various roles during the rebuilding and rededication of Jerusalem’s temple and walls. The porters were gatekeepers, a trusted position ensuring only those who belonged could enter sacred or protected spaces. This verse shows the careful organization and dedication to the temple’s proper functioning after the return from exile.

Where else these words appear

“Bakbukiah” Hebrew H1229 · used in 3 verses

  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
  • Nehemiah 12:9 Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches.

“thresholds” Hebrew H624 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 26:15 To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.

“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.