Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the role of a door-keeper was one of significant responsibility and trust. The door-keeper, or gatekeeper, was tasked with overseeing the entrance to a building or area, ensuring that only authorized individuals were allowed to enter. This role is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in both religious and social settings.Old Testament Context The position of a door-keeper is prominently featured in the context of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties, were often assigned the role of gatekeepers. In 1 Chronicles 9:22-27, the duties of the gatekeepers are described in detail: "All these who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds were 212 in number. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north, and south." The role of the door-keeper was not merely a ceremonial one; it involved vigilance and dedication. The gatekeepers were responsible for maintaining the sanctity and security of the Temple, ensuring that only those who were ritually clean and authorized could enter. This duty underscored the holiness of the Temple and the need for purity in worship. Psalms and the Desire for God's Presence The psalmist expresses a deep longing for the presence of God, even in the humble role of a door-keeper. In Psalm 84:10, the psalmist declares, "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." This verse highlights the honor and privilege associated with being close to the presence of God, even in a seemingly lowly position. The door-keeper's role is elevated as a symbol of devotion and the desire to be near the divine. New Testament References While the specific term "door-keeper" is not frequently used in the New Testament, the concept of watchfulness and readiness is echoed in Jesus' teachings. In Mark 13:34, Jesus uses the imagery of a doorkeeper in a parable about being prepared for His return: "It is like a man going on a journey, who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch." Here, the door-keeper's role is to remain vigilant, underscoring the importance of spiritual alertness and readiness for the coming of the Lord. Symbolism and Spiritual Application The role of a door-keeper carries rich symbolic meaning in the Christian faith. It represents the call to guard one's heart and life against spiritual intrusions and to remain vigilant in faith. The door-keeper's duty to protect the sanctity of the Temple can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's responsibility to maintain purity and holiness in their own life. In summary, the role of the door-keeper in the Bible is one of honor, vigilance, and devotion. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of guarding what is sacred and being ever watchful in anticipation of the Lord's presence. Easton's Bible Dictionary This word is used in Psalm 84:10 (R.V. marg., "stand at the threshold of, " etc.), but there it signifies properly "sitting at the threshold in the house of God." The psalmist means that he would rather stand at the door of God's house and merely look in, than dwell in houses where iniquity prevailed.Persons were appointed to keep the street door leading into the interior of the house (John 18:16, 17; Acts 12:13). Sometimes females held this post. Greek 2377. thuroros -- a doorkeeper ... Short Definition: a door-keeper, porter Definition: a door-keeper, porter. Word Origin from thura and ouros (a guardian) Definition a doorkeeper NASB Word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2377.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 8652. tara -- doorkeeper... tara. 8653 . doorkeeper. Transliteration: tara Phonetic Spelling: (taw-raw') Short Definition: doorkeepers. ... porter. (Aramaic) from tra'; a doorkeeper -- porter ... /hebrew/8652.htm - 6k 466. Eliphelehu -- "may God distinguish him," a doorkeeper 7778. shoer -- a gatekeeper 5605. saphaph -- to stand at or guard the threshold 5592b. saph -- threshold, sill 8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve 2929. Talmon -- an Israelite name 2928. Telem -- an Israelite, also a place in the desert of Judah Library If any Bishop, Presbyter, Deacon, Sub-Deacon, Lector, Cantor, or ... John Chapter x. 13-Nov A Lesson in Courtesy Whether There are Seven Orders? The Good Shepherd. John ix. 34-36 Whether the Acts of the Orders are Rightly Assigned in the Text? Blessed Trust John xviii. 1 Book Six Turmoil in the Twenties. ... Thesaurus Doorkeeper (8 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DOORKEEPER. ... In Psalm 84:10, "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God," the word is not used in its technical sense. ... /d/doorkeeper.htm - 13k Door-keeper (2 Occurrences) Porter (6 Occurrences) Obed-edom (16 Occurrences) Obededom (15 Occurrences) Port (3 Occurrences) Doorkeepers (37 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Zebadiah (9 Occurrences) Kore (4 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the phrase raising Cain? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? | GotQuestions.org Is door-to-door evangelism an effective method? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Door-keeper (2 Occurrences)John 18:17 Psalms 84:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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