חֲטִיטָא (cha.ti.ta)
cha.ti.ta
Hatita
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Chatiṭa is a proper name appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Ezra 2:42 and Nehemiah 7:45. It identifies a specific individual who served as the head of a Levitical family among those who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel’s leadership.
The sources note that the name is linked to the root meaning "to explore" or "search," suggesting a familial identity associated with discovery or vigilance. This family held the specific duty of gatekeeping, a role requiring constant watchfulness over the temple and city entrances.
As one of many named leaders listed in these restoration records, Chatiṭa represents the organized return of religious service. His mention underscores the importance of lineage and assigned roles in rebuilding the community’s spiritual life after the exile.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Chatiṭa appears in two brief lists within Ezra and Nehemiah, marking a Levite family responsible for guarding the temple gates. Though the text offers no personal stories or speeches from this individual, his inclusion highlights how God values faithful service in specific roles. The root meaning suggests searching or watching, fitting perfectly for those tasked with protecting the sacred space during the community’s restoration.
For believers today, this word reminds us that spiritual stewardship often involves quiet vigilance and obedience to assigned duties. Whether guarding a physical boundary or watching over moral integrity in daily life, such faithful watchfulness contributes to the health of the whole community. God honors those who serve diligently in their particular calling, even when their names are recorded only in genealogies.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hatita2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֲטִיטָ֖א2×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:42
The children of the gatekeepers: 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 one hundred thirty-nine.
This verse lists Chatiṭa’s family among the gatekeepers returning from exile, showing their official role in temple security.
-
Nehemiah 7:45
The gatekeepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai: one hundred thirty-eight.
The parallel record confirms the family’s continued presence and duty after the rebuilding efforts began.