New International VersionThe gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north and south.
New Living TranslationThe gatekeepers were stationed on all four sides—east, west, north, and south.
English Standard VersionThe gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.
Berean Standard BibleThe gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.
King James BibleIn four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.
New King James VersionThe gatekeepers were assigned to the four directions: the east, west, north, and south.
New American Standard BibleThe gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north, and south.
NASB 1995The gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north and south.
NASB 1977The gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north, and south.
Legacy Standard BibleThe gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north, and south.
Amplified BibleThe gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides —on the east, west, north, and south.
Christian Standard BibleThe gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.
American Standard VersionOn the four sides were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.
Contemporary English VersionThere was one full-time guard appointed to each of the four sides of the temple.
English Revised VersionOn the four sides were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe gatekeepers were on the four sides (east, west, north, and south).
Good News TranslationThere was a gate facing in each direction, north, south, east, and west, and each had a chief guard.
International Standard VersionThe guardians were stationed on four sides—east, west, north, and south.
NET BibleThe gatekeepers were posted on all four sides--east, west, north, and south.
New Heart English BibleOn the four sides were the gatekeepers, toward the east, west, north, and south.
Webster's Bible TranslationIn four quarters were the porters, towards the east, west, north and south. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.
World English BibleOn the four sides were the gatekeepers, toward the east, west, north, and south. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe 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 TranslationTo the four quarters will be the gates, from the sunrising, the sea, the north and the south. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIn four quarters were the porters: that is to say, toward the east, and west, and north, and south.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAt 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 BibleThe gatekeepers were stationed at the four sides, to the east, the west, the north, and the south.
New Revised Standard VersionThe gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe gates were open toward the four directions, toward the east, west, north, and south.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedTo 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 1917On the four sides were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThe 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 gatekeeperswere stationedon the foursides: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 11:19And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.
2 Chronicles 23:19He 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 11:6a 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 11:5-7and 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 26:12-19These 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 44:11Yet 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 44:1-3The 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 8:14In 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 31:14Kore 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 23:32So 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 26:1-5These 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 26:20-28Now 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 26:29-32From 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 9:17-23These 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 28:20and 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 DoorkeepersDoorsEastFourGatekeepersKeepersNorthPortersQuartersSidesSouthTowardsWestJump to Next DoorkeepersDoorsEastFourGatekeepersKeepersNorthPortersQuartersSidesSouthTowardsWest1 Chronicles 9 1.The original of Israel and Judah's genealogies2.The Israelites10.The priests14.and the Levites, with Nethinims, who dwelt in Jerusalem27.The charge of certain Levites35.The stock of Saul and JonathanThe 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 inRevelation 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. GatekeepersThese 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. TempleThe central place of worship for the Israelites, where the presence of God dwelled among His people. 4. LevitesA tribe set apart for religious duties, including the role of gatekeepers, musicians, and other temple services. 5. JerusalemThe city where the temple was located, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel. Teaching Points Vigilance in Spiritual LifeJust as the gatekeepers were stationed on all sides, Christians are called to be vigilant in guarding their hearts and minds against spiritual threats. Comprehensive CoverageThe 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 ServiceThe 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 ReadinessBeing 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 CooperationThe organized structure of the gatekeepers reflects the need for cooperation and unity within the church community to fulfill God's purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 9:24?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 9:24 highlight the importance of organized service to God?
3.What role did the gatekeepers play in maintaining order and security?
4.How can we apply the gatekeepers' vigilance to our spiritual lives today?
5.Compare the gatekeepers' duties with New Testament teachings on spiritual watchfulness.
6.How does 1 Chronicles 9:24 encourage us to be faithful in our responsibilities?
7.What is the significance of gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 9:24 for temple worship?
8.How does 1 Chronicles 9:24 reflect the organization of ancient Israelite society?
9.Why were gatekeepers stationed on all four sides according to 1 Chronicles 9:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 9?
11.What archaeological evidence supports or challenges the specific gatekeepers and their duties described in 1 Chronicles 9:17–27?
12.How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5)
13.Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census?
14.Why are the census figures in 1 Chronicles 21:5 different from those in 2 Samuel 24:9?What Does 1 Chronicles 9:24 Mean The gatekeepers“The gatekeepers…” (1 Chronicles 9:24) points us to a special group of Levites whose calling was to guard every entrance to God’s house. Earlier in the chapter we read of “Shallum… and their kinsmen from his family—928 in all” (verse 22) who served in this role. Their assignment had deep roots: Moses first appointed gatekeepers for the tabernacle (Numbers 3:25–26), and David formalized the office for the temple (1 Chronicles 15:23–24; 26:1–19). They protected what was holy, maintained order, and welcomed worshipers—much as believers today are called to guard sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13–14) and extend a gracious welcome (Romans 15:7).
were stationedThe phrase reminds us that these men did not wander about; they held fixed posts. “They had been entrusted with responsibility for the chambers and treasuries in the house of the Lord” (1 Chronicles 9:26). God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Just as the priests camped on assigned sides of the tabernacle in the wilderness (Numbers 2:3, 10, 18, 25), the gatekeepers remained on duty day and night (1 Chronicles 9:33). Faithfulness today likewise involves staying at the task the Lord assigns (Luke 12:42–43).
on the four sidesStationing guards on every side provided complete coverage. Nothing could approach the temple unnoticed, echoing the cherubim who guarded “every direction” at Eden’s gate (Genesis 3:24). Centuries later the New Jerusalem will have gates on all four points of the compass (Revelation 21:13), showing that God’s dwelling is perfectly secure and yet open to all redeemed nations (Isaiah 60:11).
eastThe east gate received the first light of dawn and the first flow of pilgrims. When Hezekiah reopened the temple, he gathered priests “in the square on the east side” (2 Chronicles 29:4). Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord depart by the east gate (Ezekiel 10:18–19) and return by that same gate (Ezekiel 43:1–4), foreshadowing Christ’s triumphal entry. Sunrise still reminds us that God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23).
westThe west side lay opposite the rising sun and closest to the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33–34). The imagery points to approach: God, enthroned between the cherubim, invited consecrated priests to come all the way in (Hebrews 10:19–22). A sentry at the west gate symbolized the need for holiness when drawing near (Psalm 24:3–4).
northInvaders often came from the north (Jeremiah 1:14), so this side required careful watch. Ezekiel’s temple vision includes a north gate for priests bringing sacrifices (Ezekiel 40:35–37). Believers today guard against doctrine or influence that would pull hearts away from the Lord (Colossians 2:8).
southThe south gate opened toward warmth and abundance, a route often traveled by worshipers from Judah’s pastoral regions (Nehemiah 3:26). Philip met the Ethiopian official on “the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza—this is the desert road” (Acts 8:26), illustrating how God sends good news to every direction. Gatekeepers on the south assured that no one approaching with sincere devotion would be turned away (John 6:37).
summary1 Chronicles 9:24 underscores God’s orderly care: dedicated servants posted on every side so that His house stayed pure, secure, and welcoming. Their vigilance prefigures the church’s call to guard truth, practice holiness, and invite people from east, west, north, and south to come and worship the living God. (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 gatekeepersהַשֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים(haš·šō·‘ă·rîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7778:A gatekeeperwere stationedיִהְי֖וּ(yih·yū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beon the fourלְאַרְבַּ֣ע(lə·’ar·ba‘)Preposition-l | Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 702:Foursides:רוּח֔וֹת(rū·ḥō·wṯ)Noun - common plural
Strong's 7307:Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spiriteast,מִזְרָ֥ח(miz·rāḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4217:Place of sunrise, the eastwest,יָ֖מָּה(yām·māh)Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220:A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basinnorth,צָפ֥וֹנָה(ṣā·p̄ō·w·nāh)Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6828:Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarterand south.וָנֶֽגְבָּה׃(wā·neḡ·bāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5045:South country, the Negeb, south
Links 1 Chronicles 9:24 NIV1 Chronicles 9:24 NLT1 Chronicles 9:24 ESV1 Chronicles 9:24 NASB1 Chronicles 9:24 KJV
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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) |
