תָּרָע
𐤕𐤓𐤏
târâʻ
H8652 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Male doorkeeper or gatekeeper, typically one officially assigned to guard, monitor, or control entry to a gate, doorway, or threshold of a public or sacred building. In Aramaic contexts in the Hebrew Bible (particularly in Daniel), the term refers to an individual responsible for access to palace, temple, or city precincts. May imply authority to challenge or permit passage, and sometimes denotes a function within an administrative or ceremonial structure.
Semantic Range
doorkeeper, gatekeeper, guard at a threshold, official in charge of entry, person monitoring access
Root / Etymology
Aramaic noun from the root תְּרַע (to open, gate). This noun derives from a root meaning 'to open' or 'gate' and in this form (תָּרָע) denotes the person associated with this function (doorkeeper or gatekeeper). The Hebrew cognate שָׁעַר (sha‘ar, 'gate') is related, though תָּרָע is only attested as an Aramaic term in Biblical Hebrew texts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
תָּרָע appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, notably in Daniel 3:2 and 3:3. As a technical title, it refers to a subordinate but official position at palatial or temple complexes. The gatekeeper’s role could have ritual implications, but primarily involved control over access for reasons of security, order, or ceremony. This term is often translated 'porter' or 'doorkeeper' in older English Bibles—terms that may not fully convey its official character in ancient administrative settings. Not to be confused with the Hebrew שׁוֹעֵר (sho‘er), which serves a similar function in Hebrew contexts; תָּרָע is distinctively Aramaic. In the monarchic and later periods, the position parallels similar roles in large royal or sacred compounds throughout the ancient Near East. Later translations and traditions sometimes rendered the term 'doorkeeper' or 'porters,' but care should be taken not to impose medieval or churchy connotations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from תְּרַע; a doorkeeper; porter.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
תרע (t-r-ʿ) — to open, gate, threshold, permit access
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8652-01 |
תָרָֽעַיָּ/א֙ | taraaya | ANcmpd/Td |
gatekeepers | the gatekeepers | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8652-01 |
Ezra 7:24 | תָרָֽעַיָּ/א֙ | taraaya | ANcmpd/Td |
gatekeepers | the gatekeepers |