Lexical Summary thuróros: Doorkeeper, gatekeeper Original Word: θυρωρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a doorkeeper, gatekeeperFrom thura and ouros (a watcher); a gate- warden -- that kept the door, porter. see GREEK thura NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom thura and ouros (a guardian) Definition a doorkeeper NASB Translation doorkeeper (3), kept the door (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2377: θυρωρόςθυρωρός, θυρωρου, ὁ, ἡ (from θύρα, and ὥρα care; cf. ἀκρυωρος, πυλωρός, τιμωρός; cf. Curtius, § 501, cf. p. 101; (Vanicek, p. 900; Allen in American Journ. of Philol. i., p. 129)), a doorkeeper, porter; male or female janitor: masculine, Mark 13:34; John 10:3; feminine, John 18:16f ((Sappho), Aeschylus, Herodotus, Xenophon, Plato, Aristotle, Josephus, others; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Overview The Greek term θυρωρός occurs four times in the New Testament and denotes a person stationed at an entryway to guard, admit, or exclude. In first-century homes, estates, public buildings, and temple courts, this individual exercised delegated authority and constant vigilance—traits that Scripture employs to illustrate spiritual readiness, discernment, and faithfulness. Old Testament Background Gatekeepers were established in Israel as an official Levitical duty (1 Chronicles 9:17-27). They guarded the thresholds of the tabernacle and later the temple, supervised storerooms (2 Kings 22:4), and regulated the flow of worshipers. Psalm 84:10 expresses the honor of such service: “I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” The New Testament employment of θυρωρός assumes this heritage of trusted custodianship. The Doorkeeper in the Teaching of Jesus (Mark 13:34) In His eschatological discourse Jesus likens His return to a master “going on a journey” who “commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch” (Mark 13:34). The porter’s sleepless vigilance captures the posture expected of every disciple while the Lord is “away.” By singling out the doorkeeper from the other servants, Jesus highlights the particular accountability resting on those charged with guarding access to the household of faith—whether leaders safeguarding doctrine or individual believers guarding their hearts. The Doorkeeper and the Good Shepherd (John 10:3) “The doorkeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen for His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). In the shepherd allegory the porter stands between false messiahs and the flock, recognizing and admitting only the rightful shepherd. While interpretations vary as to whether the figure represents the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist, or faithful leaders, the point is clear: entrance to God’s people is regulated in accordance with the Shepherd’s identity and call. Authentic ministry is therefore marked by conformity to Christ’s voice, not by self-appointment. A Watcher at the Fire of Denial (John 18:16-17) At the high priest’s residence, “the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper and brought Peter in” (John 18:16). The porter was a female servant who challenged Peter: “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” (John 18:17). Her question became the trigger for Peter’s first denial. The scene shows that even a seemingly minor household servant can serve as a moral test, reminding readers that moments requiring witness may arise from unexpected quarters. Themes and Ministry Significance 1. Watchfulness: The porter’s primary task is to stay alert (Mark 13:34). Believers are to “be on guard” (Mark 13:33) against spiritual apathy and doctrinal error. Practical Applications • Churches appoint spiritual “gatekeepers” when they examine teaching, oversee membership, and practice church discipline. Summary θυρωρός paints a vivid portrait of vigilant, delegated guardianship. Whether standing watch for the master’s return, recognizing the voice of the Good Shepherd, or confronting a wavering disciple, the doorkeeper embodies the call to faithful stewardship until Christ appears. Forms and Transliterations θυρωροί θυρωρος θυρωρός θυρωρὸς θυρωρούς θυρωρω θυρωρώ θυρωρῷ thuroro thurōrō thuroros thurōros thyroro thyrōrō thyrorôi thyrōrō̂i thyroros thyrorós thyroròs thyrōros thyrōrós thyrōròsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 13:34 N-DMSGRK: καὶ τῷ θυρωρῷ ἐνετείλατο ἵνα NAS: commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. KJV: and commanded the porter to watch. INT: And the doorkeeper commanded that John 10:3 N-NMS John 18:16 N-DFS John 18:17 N-NFS Strong's Greek 2377 |
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