1 Chronicles 9:24
New International Version
The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north and south.

New Living Translation
The gatekeepers were stationed on all four sides—east, west, north, and south.

English Standard Version
The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.

Berean Standard Bible
The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.

King James Bible
In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

New King James Version
The gatekeepers were assigned to the four directions: the east, west, north, and south.

New American Standard Bible
The gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north, and south.

NASB 1995
The gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north and south.

NASB 1977
The gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north, and south.

Legacy Standard Bible
The gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north, and south.

Amplified Bible
The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides —on the east, west, north, and south.

Christian Standard Bible
The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.

American Standard Version
On the four sides were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

Contemporary English Version
There was one full-time guard appointed to each of the four sides of the temple.

English Revised Version
On the four sides were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The gatekeepers were on the four sides (east, west, north, and south).

Good News Translation
There was a gate facing in each direction, north, south, east, and west, and each had a chief guard.

International Standard Version
The guardians were stationed on four sides—east, west, north, and south.

Majority Standard Bible
The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.

NET Bible
The gatekeepers were posted on all four sides--east, west, north, and south.

New Heart English Bible
On the four sides were the gatekeepers, toward the east, west, north, and south.

Webster's Bible Translation
In four quarters were the porters, towards the east, west, north and south.

World English Bible
On the four sides were the gatekeepers, toward the east, west, north, and south.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The gatekeepers are at [the] four sides: east, west, north, and south.

Young's Literal Translation
At four sides are the gatekeepers, east, west, north, and south.

Smith's Literal Translation
To the four quarters will be the gates, from the sunrising, the sea, the north and the south.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In four quarters were the porters: that is to say, toward the east, and west, and north, and south.

Catholic Public Domain Version
At the four directions, there were gatekeepers, that is, at the east, and at the west, and at the north, and at the south.

New American Bible
The gatekeepers were stationed at the four sides, to the east, the west, the north, and the south.

New Revised Standard Version
The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The gates were open toward the four directions, toward the east, west, north, and south.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
To the four winds they were opening these gates, to the East and to the West and to the North and the South.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
On the four sides were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The gates were toward the four winds, eastward, westward, northward, southward.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People of Jerusalem
23So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. 24The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. 25Their relatives came from their villages at fixed times to serve with them for seven-day periods.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 11:19
And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.

2 Chronicles 23:19
He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the LORD, so that no one who was in any way unclean could enter.

2 Kings 11:6
a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple—

2 Kings 11:5-7
and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace, / a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— / the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king.

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ...

Ezekiel 44:11
Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them.

Ezekiel 44:1-3
The man then brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary that faced east, but it was shut. / And the LORD said to me, “This gate is to remain shut. It shall not be opened, and no man shall enter through it, because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered through it. Therefore it will remain shut. / Only the prince himself may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the LORD. He must enter by way of the portico of the gateway and go out the same way.”

2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

2 Chronicles 31:14
Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions to the LORD and the consecrated gifts.

1 Chronicles 23:32
So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 26:1-5
These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. / Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, / Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. ...

1 Chronicles 26:20-28
Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. / From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, / the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. ...

1 Chronicles 26:29-32
From the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel. / From the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, had charge of the affairs of Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king. / As for the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to the genealogies of his ancestors. In the fortieth year of David’s reign the records were searched, and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites at Jazer in Gilead. ...

1 Chronicles 9:17-23
These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; / he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. / Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. ...

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”


Treasury of Scripture

In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

four

1 Chronicles 26:14-18
And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counseller, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward…

Jump to Previous
Doorkeepers Doors East Four Gatekeepers Keepers North Porters Quarters Sides South Towards West
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Doorkeepers Doors East Four Gatekeepers Keepers North Porters Quarters Sides South Towards West
1 Chronicles 9
1. The original of Israel and Judah's genealogies
2. The Israelites
10. The priests
14. and the Levites, with Nethinims, who dwelt in Jerusalem
27. The charge of certain Levites
35. The stock of Saul and Jonathan














The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides:
Gatekeepers played a crucial role in the temple, ensuring the sanctity and security of the sacred space. Their presence on all four sides signifies comprehensive protection and vigilance. This arrangement reflects the importance of maintaining order and reverence in worship, as seen in other parts of Scripture where gatekeepers are mentioned, such as 1 Chronicles 26. The role of gatekeepers can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate guardian of His Church, ensuring that only those who are sanctified enter into His presence.

east, west, north, and south.
The mention of the four cardinal directions emphasizes the universality and completeness of God's protection and presence. In biblical symbolism, the number four often represents completeness, as seen in the four corners of the earth or the four living creatures in Revelation 4:6-8. This arrangement of gatekeepers could also symbolize the inclusivity of God's covenant, extending to all nations and peoples. Geographically, Jerusalem was a central location, and the temple was a focal point for worship, drawing people from all directions. This setup ensured that the temple was accessible yet safeguarded, reflecting the balance between openness to the faithful and the need for holiness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gatekeepers
These were Levites assigned to guard the entrances of the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple worship.

2. Four Sides (East, West, North, South)
This refers to the comprehensive coverage of the temple's entrances, symbolizing vigilance and readiness in all directions.

3. Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the presence of God dwelled among His people.

4. Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties, including the role of gatekeepers, musicians, and other temple services.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was located, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel.
Teaching Points
Vigilance in Spiritual Life
Just as the gatekeepers were stationed on all sides, Christians are called to be vigilant in guarding their hearts and minds against spiritual threats.

Comprehensive Coverage
The placement of gatekeepers on all sides of the temple serves as a reminder to cover all areas of our lives with prayer and discernment.

Role of Service
The gatekeepers' role, though seemingly mundane, was vital for the functioning of the temple. This teaches us that every role in the body of Christ is important and valuable.

Preparedness and Readiness
Being stationed at the gates symbolizes readiness to act. Believers should be prepared to respond to God's call and to defend their faith.

Community and Cooperation
The organized structure of the gatekeepers reflects the need for cooperation and unity within the church community to fulfill God's purposes.(24) In four quarters were the porters.--"To the four winds used the warders to stand" (to be), viz., on the four sides of the tent of meeting, and from the age of Solomon on the four sides of the square enclosure of the Temple.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The gatekeepers
הַשֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים (haš·šō·‘ă·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7778: A gatekeeper

were stationed
יִהְי֖וּ (yih·yū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

on the four
לְאַרְבַּ֣ע (lə·’ar·ba‘)
Preposition-l | Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 702: Four

sides:
רוּח֔וֹת (rū·ḥō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

east,
מִזְרָ֥ח (miz·rāḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4217: Place of sunrise, the east

west,
יָ֖מָּה (yām·māh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

north,
צָפ֥וֹנָה (ṣā·p̄ō·w·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter

and south.
וָנֶֽגְבָּה׃ (wā·neḡ·bāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 9:24 On the four sides were the porters (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 9:23
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