Nehemiah 7:45

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The porters {H7778}: the children {H1121} of Shallum {H7967}, the children {H1121} of Ater {H333}, the children {H1121} of Talmon {H2929}, the children {H1121} of Akkub {H6126}, the children {H1121} of Hatita {H2410}, the children {H1121} of Shobai {H7630}, an hundred {H3967} thirty {H7970} and eight {H8083}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The gatekeepers: descendants of Shalum, descendants of Ater, descendants of Talmon, descendants of 'Akuv, descendants of Hatita, and descendants of Shovai 138

Berean Standard Bible

The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138 in all.

American Standard Version

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, a hundred thirty and eight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:45 meticulously records the families of porters (gatekeepers) who returned from Babylonian exile, listing Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, totaling one hundred thirty-eight individuals. This verse is part of a comprehensive census taken by Nehemiah, serving to re-establish the community's structure and ensure the proper functioning of the Second Temple in post-exilic Jerusalem, underscoring the vital role of all contributors to the sacred life of the restored nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7 immediately follows the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's walls, a monumental achievement detailed in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall"). With the physical defenses secured, Nehemiah shifts his focus to the internal organization and repopulation of the city. Chapter 7 serves as a meticulous register, mirroring the list found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First List of Exiles Who Returned"), detailing those who returned from Babylonian captivity. This census is not merely an administrative record but a theological statement, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people and their roles in the restored community, from priests and Levites to singers and porters. The inclusion of specific family lines for these roles, like the porters in this verse, highlights the importance of lineage and established order in the post-exilic Jewish society.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, likely around 444 BC, after the initial return under Zerubbabel and Joshua and the subsequent rebuilding efforts under Ezra and Nehemiah. The Babylonian exile had disrupted Jewish life for generations, and the return was a profound act of divine restoration. The detailed census in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of the Returnees") reflects the urgent need to re-establish civil and religious order in a city that had been largely desolate. Porters, or gatekeepers, were essential personnel for the Temple. Their responsibilities extended beyond mere security; they controlled access to sacred spaces, maintained order, and often assisted in various Levitical duties, ensuring the sanctity and smooth operation of the Temple complex. Their inclusion in such a precise register underscores their critical function within the sacred economy of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader census of [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of the Returnees"), powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **order and organization** as foundational to God's people. Nehemiah's meticulous record-keeping demonstrates a divine blueprint for a well-ordered community, where every role, no matter how seemingly mundane, is accounted for and essential for the whole. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **faithfulness in service**. The descendants of these porter families, returning from generations of exile, were willing to resume their ancestral duties at the Temple, demonstrating a profound commitment to God and His house, echoing the dedication seen throughout the book of [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "The Book of Nehemiah - Rebuilding Jerusalem"). Thirdly, the inclusion of porters alongside priests and Levites underscores the **value of every role** within God's house. No function is too small or insignificant in the grand scheme of divine service; all contribute to the restoration of proper worship and the functioning of the Temple in post-exilic Jerusalem, a theme also evident in the broader biblical narrative concerning the body of Christ in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Porters (Hebrew, _sho'arim'_):** This term (שֹׁעֲרִים) refers specifically to "gatekeepers" or "doorkeepers." In the context of the Temple, these individuals were a distinct class of Levites responsible for guarding the Temple gates, controlling access, maintaining order within the precincts, and sometimes assisting with the collection of offerings or the preparation of sacrifices. Their role was crucial for the sanctity and security of the sacred space, ensuring that only authorized personnel and worshippers entered specific areas and that the Temple rituals proceeded without disruption. Their duties were often hereditary, passed down through specific families, as evidenced by the detailed listing here.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The porters:"**: This introductory phrase immediately identifies the specific group being enumerated, setting the stage for a detailed listing of families dedicated to the crucial role of gatekeeping for the Temple. It highlights their distinct professional and familial identity within the returning community.
* **"the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai,"**: This segment provides a precise genealogical record, listing six distinct family lines whose descendants served as porters. The repetitive "the children of" emphasizes the hereditary nature of this sacred duty, connecting the post-exilic community directly to the ancient Levitical lineages and their established roles in Temple service. This meticulous detail underscores the importance of lineage and continuity in the re-establishment of Israel's religious life.
* **"an hundred thirty and eight."**: This numerical summation provides the total count of porters from these six families who returned. The exact number signifies the thoroughness of Nehemiah's census and the practical organization required to staff the Temple. It also reflects the substantial commitment of individuals dedicated to this vital, though often overlooked, aspect of Temple worship and security.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration**, a literary device characterized by the detailed listing of names or items. Here, it is used to meticulously record the specific family lines of the porters who returned from exile. This precise listing reinforces the historical accuracy and administrative rigor of Nehemiah's account. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the phrase "the children of" before each family name emphasizes the hereditary nature of the porters' office and underscores the continuity of their lineage and sacred duty across generations. This repetitive structure lends a rhythmic quality to the text while highlighting the importance of family identity in the post-exilic restoration. Finally, there is an underlying **Symbolism** of order and restoration; the very act of listing these specific individuals for a vital Temple role symbolizes the re-establishment of divine order and the rebuilding not just of walls, but of a functional, worshiping community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:45, by meticulously listing the porters, underscores a profound theological truth: every role within God's kingdom, no matter how seemingly humble or administrative, is vital and valued. The porters were not priests or prophets, yet their specific lineage and numbers were carefully recorded, indicating their indispensable contribution to the re-establishment of sacred order and worship in Jerusalem. This teaches us that faithfulness in service, even in "behind-the-scenes" capacities, is recognized and honored by God, as it contributes to the overall health and function of His people. The divine emphasis on order and accountability is evident in this detailed census, reflecting God's character as a God of order, who desires His people to serve Him with diligence and structure.

* [Ezra 2:42](/ezra/2-42 "Ezra 2:42 - List of Porters") - This parallel passage in Ezra's account confirms the identity and number of the porters returning from exile, emphasizing the consistency and importance of these records.
* [1 Chronicles 9:17-27](/1_chronicles/9-17 "1 Chronicles 9:17-27 - Duties of the Gatekeepers") - This passage provides a detailed description of the extensive duties and responsibilities of the gatekeepers (porters) in the Temple, highlighting their critical role in security, access control, and handling Temple treasures.
* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - A Day in Your Courts") - The psalmist expresses a deep desire to be a "doorkeeper in the house of my God," illustrating the honor and spiritual fulfillment associated with even the most humble service in God's presence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 7:45 offers a powerful reminder that God values every single person and every single role within His kingdom. The detailed listing of the porters, who were essentially security guards and facilitators for the Temple, emphasizes that no task is too small or insignificant when performed for the glory of God. In our modern contexts, whether in the church or in our daily lives, we are often tempted to value visible, prominent roles over those that are less celebrated or more administrative. This verse challenges that perspective, inviting us to embrace all forms of service with diligence and faithfulness, knowing that God sees and honors every contribution. It encourages us to find dignity and purpose in the roles we are given, understanding that even seemingly mundane tasks contribute to the larger work of God's kingdom. Our faithfulness in "small things" prepares us for greater responsibilities and demonstrates our commitment to the divine order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "behind-the-scenes" roles in your community or church do you tend to overlook, and how might Nehemiah 7:45 challenge that perspective?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of this census inspire you to be more diligent and organized in your own areas of service or responsibility?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for those who serve in less visible capacities, recognizing their vital contribution to the whole?**
* **Considering the porters' dedication to their hereditary duty, what ancestral or spiritual legacies are you called to uphold with faithfulness today?**

### FAQ

**Why is this list of porters, and the entire census in Nehemiah 7, so detailed?**

Answer: The meticulous detail of this census, including the specific families of porters and their numbers, serves several crucial purposes. Historically, it provided a vital record for the re-establishment of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, ensuring proper lineage, allocation of land, and the re-institution of Temple service. Theologically, it underscores God's commitment to order and structure within His people. It demonstrates that every role, from the highest priest to the humblest gatekeeper, was essential for the functioning of the restored nation and the proper worship of God. This precision also authenticates the continuity of the covenant community, proving that the returning exiles were indeed the rightful inheritors of God's promises and the legitimate stewards of the Temple, as also seen in the parallel account in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First List of Exiles Who Returned").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The role of the porters in Nehemiah 7:45, meticulously guarding the gates of the earthly Temple and facilitating access to God's presence, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and living "Gate" through whom all must enter to access the Father (as declared in [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Gate")). Just as the porters regulated who could enter the sacred precincts, Christ alone grants access to the spiritual realities of God's kingdom and the new covenant. He is the one who cleanses and purifies those who enter, not merely a physical space, but the very hearts of believers, making them living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Furthermore, as the head of the church, which is the new Temple of God ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation")), Christ ensures its order, security, and the proper functioning of all its members. He is the ultimate "Gatekeeper" who has opened the way to eternal life, securing our access to God's presence forever through His sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 26:1

¶ Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites [was] Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

1 Chronicles 26:32

And his brethren, men of valour, [were] two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.

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.