### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Ṭalmôwn**, represented by `{{H2929}}`, means **oppressive; Talmon, a temple doorkeeper; Talmon**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The name identifies a specific individual who held the important role of a porter, or doorkeeper, for the temple during the period of Israel's return from exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Talmon is consistently identified as a temple porter `{{H7778}}`. He is part of a group of Levites tasked with guarding the temple gates. He is listed alongside colleagues like Akkub `{{H6126}}` and their brethren `{{H251}}` who "kept `{{H8104}}` the gates `{{H8179}}`" [[Nehemiah 11:19]]. The records in Ezra and Nehemiah list "the children `{{H1121}}` of Talmon" among the families of porters who returned to Jerusalem, indicating he was the head of a family line dedicated to this service `([[Ezra 2:42]], [[Nehemiah 7:45]])`. This service was organized under a clear hierarchy, with one account noting that Shallum `{{H7967}}` was the chief `{{H7218}}` among them [[1 Chronicles 9:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify Talmon's role and context:
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (doorkeeper, porter): This word defines the specific role held by Talmon and his brethren. It appears in every verse where Talmon is mentioned, establishing his function as a guardian of the temple gates [[Nehemiah 12:25]].
* `{{H7967}}` **Shallûwm** (Shallum): Mentioned as the head of a family of porters and specifically as the "chief" `{{H7218}}`, Shallum's name provides context for the organizational structure in which Talmon served [[1 Chronicles 9:17]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is key to understanding Talmon's legacy, as the phrase "the children `{{H1121}}` of Talmon" identifies a family line that continued the sacred duty of being temple porters after the return from exile [[Ezra 2:42]].
### Theological Significance
The mention of Talmon carries significance related to the order and continuation of temple worship.
* **Hereditary Vocation:** The listing of "the children `{{H1121}}` of Talmon" in the census of returning exiles underscores that the role of porter was a sacred, hereditary duty passed down through generations. This demonstrates a commitment to long-term family service to God and the temple [[Ezra 2:42]].
* **Communal Responsibility:** Talmon is never mentioned in isolation. He is always part of a named group of "brethren" `{{H251}}` working together [[1 Chronicles 9:17]]. This emphasizes that the guardianship of sacred space was a shared, communal responsibility requiring organization and cooperation.
* **The Sanctity of the Gates:** The porters' duty was to be "keeping `{{H8104}}` the ward `{{H4929}}` at the thresholds `{{H624}}` of the gates `{{H8179}}`" [[Nehemiah 12:25]]. The verb used, `shâmar` `{{H8104}}`, means to guard or protect, highlighting the vital role of these individuals in maintaining the holiness and order of the temple.
### Summary
In summary, **Ṭalmôwn** `{{H2929}}` represents more than just an individual; he embodies the vital and faithful role of the temple porters in the post-exilic community. His name is tied to the organized, communal, and hereditary nature of this sacred duty. While not a central figure in the biblical saga, Talmon's consistent appearance in these lists highlights the importance of the dedicated individuals who guarded the house of God, ensuring its sanctity and proper function.
TRV