חֲטִיטָא
𐤇𐤈𐤉𐤈𐤀
Chatita
H2410 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name referring to an individual or family group associated with the role of 'temple porter' (gatekeeper or doorkeeper) in the post-exilic Jerusalem temple community. The word functions exclusively as a personal or clan name in biblical texts; it is not a common noun. The semantic range reflects identity as part of the group of gatekeepers responsible for entering, guarding, and overseeing gates of the temple precincts. The broader sense encompasses affiliation with temple service.
Semantic Range
proper name of a gatekeeper family or clan; affiliation with temple gatekeeping; (etymologically) connected to searching or digging out (rare, conjectural)
Root / Etymology
From a root חטט (apparently meaning 'to dig out' or 'to search'), though the specific root is not attested elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible and remains uncertain. חֲטִיטָא is used as a personal or familial/group name and the formation parallels other similar post-exilic family or guild names. The connection to the root idea of 'dig out, search' is not explicitly reflected in narrative content.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חֲטִיטָא (Chatita or Hatita) is one of several names found in Ezra 2:43 and Nehemiah 7:46, listing the 'gatekeepers' who returned from Babylonian exile and served in the second temple period. The name identifies a clan or household rather than a role. In English translations, this word is sometimes rendered as 'Hatita' and treated as a personal or family name. There is no evidence that this term denotes a functional title apart from its use as a proper noun. Although traditional translations sometimes call these groups 'Nethinim' or 'temple servants', these are distinct terms with technical meanings. 'Porter' is a late English translation of the Hebrew word's function in temple service. The term does not occur outside the genealogical lists and does not refer generally to the activity of 'exploring' or 'digging;' these associations are speculative based on etymology, not usage. In later periods, such names often denoted hereditary guild functions related to the temple.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root apparently meaning to dig out; explorer; Chatita, a temple porter; Hatita.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חטט (ḥ-ṭ-ṭ) — to dig out, search, investigate
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2410-01 |
חֲטִיטָ֖א | chatita | HNp |
Hatita | Searcher-clan | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2410-01 |
Ezra 2:42 | חֲטִיטָ֖א | chatita | HNp |
Hatita | Searcher-clan |
H2410-01 |
Nehemiah 7:45 | חֲטִיטָ֖א | chatita | HNp |
Hatita | Searcher-clan |