Lexical Summary Ater: Ater Original Word: אָטֵר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ater From 'atar; maimed; Ater, the name of three Israelites -- Ater. see HEBREW 'atar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom atar Definition a leader in Isr. NASB Translation Ater (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs אָטֵר proper name, masculine (binder?) a chief of Jews Ezra 2:16,42; Nehemiah 7:21,45; Nehemiah 10:18. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Name Significance Ater is a personal or clan name that occurs only in the restoration books. The rarity of the name highlights the Lord’s detailed remembrance of every household that returned from exile. Though individually obscure, the bearers of the name Ater are permanently inscribed in Scripture, underscoring that no servant of God is overlooked in the unfolding plan of redemption. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Ezra 2:16 – “the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98.” The two groupings—descendants “through Hezekiah” and the clan of “gatekeepers”—suggest either two related branches of a single family or two distinct families sharing the same name. Historical Setting All five occurrences fall within the lists and narratives that surround the first return of the exiles under Zerubbabel (circa 538 BC) and the later reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah (mid-fifth century BC). Genealogical precision was vital: only verified Israelite families could reclaim ancestral lands, serve in temple ministries, or sign national covenants. The inclusion of Ater testifies to the thorough administrative work that accompanied spiritual renewal. The Family of Ater of Hezekiah Twice the text links Ater with Hezekiah. Whether this Hezekiah was the celebrated king of Judah or a later namesake, the connection underscores spiritual heritage. Ninety-eight male members are counted, implying a sizeable family when women and children are considered. Their willingness to leave comfortable lives in Babylon for a devastated Jerusalem reveals deep covenant loyalty and an expectation of messianic hope tied to the land. The Gatekeeper Clan of Ater In Ezra 2:42 and Nehemiah 7:45 Ater heads one of six gatekeeping families. Gatekeepers protected sacred space, controlled access to the courts, guarded treasuries, and maintained order during worship (1 Chronicles 9:17-27). The numbers—139 in Ezra and 138 in Nehemiah—show only a marginal loss over nearly a century, reflecting steadfast commitment across generations. Their ministry kept the restored temple functioning, ensuring that worship could proceed in purity and safety. Covenant Renewal Participation Nehemiah 10 lists signatories who bound themselves to obey the Law after the wall was rebuilt. The appearance of “Ater, Hezekiah” in verse 17 seals the family’s public pledge of obedience. This moment linked the name of Ater to a solemn oath that God’s Word would govern personal and national life. Theological Reflections • God records ordinary people who act in faith, highlighting the worth of every believer’s service. Ministry Principles for Today 1. Faithfulness in small assignments—such as guarding doors—advances the larger mission of the church. Forms and Transliterations אָטֵ֥ר אָטֵר֙ אטר ’ā·ṭêr ’āṭêr aTerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:16 HEB: בְּנֵֽי־ אָטֵ֥ר לִֽיחִזְקִיָּ֖ה תִּשְׁעִ֥ים NAS: the sons of Ater of Hezekiah, 98; KJV: The children of Ater of Hezekiah, INT: the children of Ater Hezekiah ninety Ezra 2:42 Nehemiah 7:21 Nehemiah 7:45 Nehemiah 10:17 5 Occurrences |
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