Meaning
Doorposts are the upright parts at the sides of a doorway or gate. In the King James Version (KJV), related expressions include “side posts,” “door post,” and “posts.”
The Hebrew word מְזוּזָה (mezuzah) means a doorpost or gatepost.
Biblical Usage
In Exodus 12:7, 22–23, the Israelites were instructed to apply the Passover blood to the side posts and the upper doorpost of their houses. Exodus 21:6 mentions a doorpost in the instruction concerning a servant who chose to remain with his master.
Deuteronomy 6:9 and 11:20 instruct the Israelites to write God’s commandments upon the posts of their houses and gates. Judges 16:3 records Samson carrying away the gates of Gaza with their posts.
Posts are also mentioned in descriptions of the temple and its doorways (1 Kings 6:31, 33; 7:5) and in Ezekiel’s visions (Ezekiel 41:21; 43:8; 45:19; 46:2). Proverbs 8:34 and Isaiah 57:8 contain further references to doors and their posts.
Key References
- Exodus 12:7 — The Israelites were instructed to apply the Passover blood to the side posts and upper doorpost.
- Exodus 12:22–23 — The blood was placed on the lintel and side posts.
- Deuteronomy 6:9 — God’s words were to be written upon the posts of the house and gates.
- Judges 16:3 — Samson carried away the gates of Gaza with their posts.
- 1 Kings 6:31, 33 — Posts are mentioned in the description of the temple’s doorways.
- Ezekiel 45:19 — Posts are mentioned in the instructions concerning the house and gate.
Related Terms
- Lintel — The horizontal part above a doorway.
- Passover — The observance associated with the blood placed on the doorposts and lintel in Egypt.