### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÂṭêr**, represented by `{{H333}}`, is a proper name meaning **maimed**. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**. The name is used to identify three Israelites who were heads of families returning from the Babylonian exile or who participated in the renewal of the covenant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H333}}` appears exclusively in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It first identifies the progenitor of a family of temple **porters** `{{H7778}}`. The descendants, or "children of **Ater**," are listed in the census of those who returned from captivity ([[Ezra 2:42]]; [[Nehemiah 7:45]]). Another lineage is identified as "The children of **Ater** of Hezekiah" `{{H3169}}`, whose family numbered ninety-eight people ([[Ezra 2:16]]; [[Nehemiah 7:21]]). Finally, an individual named **Ater** is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant with God, alongside Hizkijah `{{H2396}}` and Azzur `{{H5809}}` [[Nehemiah 10:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and identity of those named **Ater**:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is consistently used in the phrase "the children of **Ater**," establishing the identity of the returning exiles through their lineage and family head ([[Ezra 2:16]]; [[Ezra 2:42]]).
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (porter): This term defines the specific role held by the descendants of one Ater, identifying them as a family of temple doorkeepers who returned to serve in Jerusalem ([[Ezra 2:42]]; [[Nehemiah 7:45]]).
* `{{H3169}}` **Yᵉchizqîyâh** (Hezekiah): Used to distinguish a specific lineage, "Ater of **Hezekiah**," indicating an association with a prominent person or place bearing that name [[Ezra 2:16]]. A variant of this name, Hizkijah `{{H2396}}`, appears alongside Ater in other passages ([[Nehemiah 7:21]]; [[Nehemiah 10:17]]).
### Theological Significance
While a proper name, the context of `{{H333}}` points to significant themes in Israel's history:
* **Community Restoration:** The name Ater is found within census lists crucial to the rebuilding of the nation after the Babylonian exile. The descendants of Ater were part of the foundational community that returned to Judah to restore society and temple worship ([[Ezra 2:16]]; [[Ezra 2:42]]).
* **Hereditary Roles:** The identification of a family as "the children of Ater" from the line of **porters** `{{H7778}}` underscores the importance of lineage in determining roles and responsibilities within the religious life of the community [[Ezra 2:42]].
* **Covenantal Commitment:** An individual named Ater is listed among the chiefs of the people who sealed a binding agreement to follow God's Law. This signifies a personal and corporate commitment to renewing the covenant relationship with God during a pivotal moment of national dedication [[Nehemiah 10:17]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼÂṭêr** `{{H333}}` is the proper name of several Israelites who were significant figures in the post-exilic community. The name is tied to specific families, including a line of temple **porters** `{{H7778}}` and another associated with **Hezekiah** `{{H3169}}`. Through its appearances in census lists and covenant documents, the name Ater is embedded in the historical narrative of Israel's restoration, highlighting themes of lineage, service, and renewed faithfulness to God.
TRV