### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qôwrêʼ**, represented by `{{H6981}}`, is the proper name **Kore**. The word itself means "crier," and it appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. It is used to identify at least two different Levites who were assigned positions of significant responsibility in the service of the house of the LORD.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6981}}` is used to identify Levites serving in key roles. One Kore is mentioned as the ancestor of porters, including his son Meshelemiah [[1 Chronicles 26:1]] and his descendant Shallum, who was a keeper of the gates of the tabernacle [[1 Chronicles 9:19]]. Another man named Kore, the son of Imnah the Levite, was himself a porter who was given authority over the freewill offerings of God and was responsible to distribute the oblations of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 31:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context surrounding the duties of the individuals named Kore:
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (doorkeeper, porter): This title is the primary role associated with both men named Kore and their families. They were appointed to serve by their courses at the gates [[2 Chronicles 8:14]], a crucial function in temple service.
* `{{H7145}}` **Qorchîy** (Korahite, Korhite): This term identifies the Levitical lineage of the Kore who was an ancestor of the porters Shallum and Meshelemiah. The Korhites were a prominent family assigned duties as keepers of the tabernacle gates [[1 Chronicles 9:19]].
* `{{H5592}}` **çaph** (threshold, gate, post): This word refers to the physical location of the porters' service. The Korahites were designated as keepers of the gates `{{H5592}}` of the tabernacle [[1 Chronicles 9:19]].
* `{{H3996}}` **mâbôwʼ** (an entrance, entry): The fathers of the Korahite gatekeepers had been keepers of the entry to the host of the LORD [[1 Chronicles 9:19]], highlighting a generational responsibility for guarding access.
### Theological Significance
The roles associated with `{{H6981}}` are significant to the operational integrity of Israel's worship.
* **Guardianship of Sacred Space:** As porters, the men named Kore and their sons were designated as keepers `{{H8104}}` of the gates [[1 Chronicles 9:19]]. This duty was essential for protecting the sanctity of the holy areas and overseeing who entered.
* **Stewardship of Holy Offerings:** Kore the son of Imnah was trusted to distribute `{{H5414}}` the oblations `{{H8641}}` of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 31:14]]. This role required great integrity in managing the sacred things given to God.
* **Ordered Levitical Service:** The assignment of these men into specific divisions `{{H4256}}` of porters [[1 Chronicles 26:1]] underscores their place within the structured and organized system of worship established for the nation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6981}}` **Kore** is a proper name consistently linked to the vital temple duties of porters and gatekeepers. The individuals bearing this name were entrusted with the guardianship of sacred entrances and the administration of holy offerings. Their service illustrates the importance of specific, trusted families within the organized structure of Levitical worship and the maintenance of the house of the LORD.
TRV