Head of a family of gatekeepers who returned from exile
Ater
Named in 2 verses across 2 books, first in Ezra 2:42.
אָטֵרAter
The name means “left hand; shut.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Ater Written by AI
Ater is mentioned in the lists of people who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, as recorded in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7. He was the head of a family of gatekeepers, also known as doorkeepers, who were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple and maintaining order within its precincts. The gatekeepers played a crucial role in ensuring the security and sanctity of the temple. Ater's family, along with other gatekeepers, joined the group of exiles led by Zerubbabel in their return to Jerusalem, contributing to the restoration of temple worship and service.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Ater, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Shut; lame. (1.) Ezra 2:16. (2.) Neh. 10:17. (3.) Ezra 2:42.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Ezra 2:42
The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 139 in all.
- Nehemiah 7:45
The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138 in all.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.