King James Version

What Does Ezra 2:42 Mean?

Ezra 2:42 in the King James Version says “The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akku...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 2:42 · KJV

Context

40

The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four. Hodaviah: or, Judah called also Hodevah

41

The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.

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.

43

The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

44

The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon, Siaha: or, Sia

Read Ezra 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the gatekeeper role—controlling access to sacred space—teach about the importance of boundaries in spiritual life and church discipline?
  2. How do the gatekeepers' names (describing barriers and restraints) reflect the necessary 'negative' function of excluding what defiles holiness?
  3. 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)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 18

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַשֹּֽׁעֲרִ֗ים2 of 18

“of the porters”

H7778

a janitor

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 18

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שַׁלּ֤וּם4 of 18

“of Shallum”

H7967

shallum, the name of fourteen israelites

בְּנֵ֣י5 of 18

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָטֵר֙6 of 18

“of Ater”

H333

ater, the name of three israelites

בְּנֵ֣י7 of 18

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

טַלְמ֣וֹן8 of 18

“of Talmon”

H2929

talmon, a temple doorkeeper

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 18

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַקּ֔וּב10 of 18

“of Akkub”

H6126

akkub, the name of five israelites

בְּנֵ֣י11 of 18

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֲטִיטָ֖א12 of 18

“of Hatita”

H2410

chatita, a temple porter

בְּנֵ֣י13 of 18

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שֹׁבָ֑י14 of 18

“of Shobai”

H7630

shobai, an israelite

הַכֹּ֕ל15 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מֵאָ֖ה16 of 18

“in all an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים17 of 18

“thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וְתִשְׁעָֽה׃18 of 18

“and nine”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 2:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 2:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 9:171 Chronicles 26:1-19Nehemiah 7:45

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