tir.sha.ta identifies an official who gives directives and speaks with religious leaders and the people.

The attested contexts present the term as an official designation: in Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65, this figure directs that certain people not eat sacred food pending priestly consultation, while Nehemiah 8:9 names Nehemiah in a public address with Ezra and the Levites.

1. Official designation in community leadership · dominant

   Each attested form is a common masculine singular absolute noun. In Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65, the APB renders the clause with an official telling people not to eat holy things until a priest can stand or arise for Urim and Thummim; in Nehemiah 8:9, it names Nehemiah alongside Ezra and the instructing Levites as they address the people.

   Ezra 2:63Nehemiah 7:65Nehemiah 8:9

In the Anselm Project Bible: Where the translation makes the term's contribution visible, it uses “governor” in Ezra 2:63, Nehemiah 7:65, and Nehemiah 8:9. In Nehemiah 10:2 and Nehemiah 7:69, the supplied APB wording does not clearly isolate its contribution.