Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the role of a portress, or female gatekeeper, was a position of responsibility and trust, though it is less frequently mentioned than that of male gatekeepers. The term "portress" refers to a woman who is in charge of overseeing the entrance to a building or a city gate, ensuring that only authorized individuals are allowed to enter. This role is akin to that of a doorkeeper or gatekeeper, which is more commonly referenced in the Scriptures.While the Bible does not explicitly mention a "portress," the concept can be inferred from the broader context of gatekeeping duties described in the Old Testament. Gatekeepers were essential in maintaining the security and order of the temple, cities, and other important locations. They were responsible for opening and closing gates, monitoring those who entered and exited, and sometimes even collecting tolls or taxes. In 2 Kings 22:14, we encounter Huldah the prophetess, who lived in Jerusalem and was consulted by King Josiah's officials. Although not a portress by title, Huldah's presence in the city and her role in providing guidance to the king's men suggest that women held significant positions of influence and responsibility in ancient Israelite society. The role of gatekeepers is more explicitly detailed in passages such as 1 Chronicles 9:17-27, where the duties of the Levite gatekeepers are outlined. These gatekeepers were responsible for the security of the temple, and their duties were considered sacred. The passage states: "The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. Their relatives in their villages were to come from time to time and share their duties for seven-day periods" (1 Chronicles 9:24-25). In the New Testament, the concept of a doorkeeper is mentioned in the context of vigilance and readiness. In Mark 13:34, Jesus uses the imagery of a doorkeeper to illustrate the importance of being watchful for His return: "It is like a man going on a journey, who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch" (Mark 13:34). While the specific role of a portress is not detailed in the biblical text, the principles of vigilance, responsibility, and trust associated with gatekeeping can be applied to the understanding of this role. The presence of women in various positions of authority and service throughout the Bible underscores the value and dignity accorded to them within the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A female porter.Library The Great Denial In the Desert The Denial of St. Peter Light after Darkness The Messenger The Collar of Gold Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. The Saint Resumes the History of Her Life. Aiming at Perfection. ... The Night of the Soul the Night of the Soul Thesaurus Portress (2 Occurrences)...Portress (2 Occurrences). ... John 18:17 This led the girl, the portress, to ask Peter, "Are you also one of this man's disciples?" "No, I am not," he replied. ... /p/portress.htm - 7k Girl (71 Occurrences) Induced (3 Occurrences) Ports (2 Occurrences) Portrayed (3 Occurrences) Acquainted (21 Occurrences) Led (260 Occurrences) Till (774 Occurrences) Porteress (2 Occurrences) Resources Portress: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Portress (2 Occurrences)John 18:16 John 18:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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