Bible Dictionary
DOORKEEPER
Doorkeepers guarded the entrances of cities and the temple. Levitical doorkeepers opened and closed the temple gates, protected sacred areas and vessels, and received offerings; the New Testament also mentions household doorkeepers.
Biblical Usage
The Old Testament mentions keepers of city gates and temple thresholds. Later Levitical doorkeepers served in rotation and held an honorable place among temple servants. Psalm 84 uses the image of standing at God’s threshold in humility. The New Testament mentions doorkeepers at a private house, the high priest’s house, and a sheepfold.