תָּרָע (ta.ra)
ta.ra
doorkeeper
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tar’a refers to a gatekeeper or porter, specifically one who served in the temple. It denotes an official responsible for guarding the entrances and managing access to the sacred precincts. This role was essential for maintaining order and ensuring that only those permitted could enter the holy spaces.
Its sole occurrence in the Hebrew Bible appears in Ezra 7:24, where it describes officials appointed by King Artaxerxes to oversee temple operations. The term highlights the structured hierarchy within the restored community, emphasizing the importance of proper stewardship and security in worship. Though rare, its usage underscores the value placed on organized service in religious life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Ezra 7:24, King Artaxerxes explicitly protects the rights of the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple workers. This rare Hebrew word, tar’a, identifies those who served as doorkeepers or porters for the house of God. Their duty was not merely physical security but maintaining the sacred order of worship by managing access to holy spaces.
This historical detail reminds us that every role in God’s community matters. Whether leading worship or guarding entrances, faithful service is honored by God and protected by just authority. It encourages us to value our specific contributions to the church, knowing that organized, respectful service reflects a heart devoted to God’s presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gatekeepers/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָרָֽעַיָּ/א֙1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 7:24
Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.
This verse uniquely lists gatekeepers alongside priests and Levites, showing their official status and legal protection under Persian law.