patrial from גַּת; a Gittite or inhabitant of Gath; Gittite.
Transliteration:Gittîy
Pronunciation:ghit-tee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גִּתִּי (Gittîy), Strong's number `{{H1663}}`, is a gentilic or patrial adjective/noun derived directly from the place name גַּת (Gath, `{{H1661}}`). Its core meaning is straightforward: "an inhabitant of Gath" or "a Gittite." Gath was one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, located in the Shephelah region. Therefore, the term inherently identifies an individual as belonging to this specific Philistine city. The semantic range of Gittîy is narrow and precise, referring exclusively to the geographic and ethnic origin of a person from Gath, without broader metaphorical or abstract connotations. It functions primarily as a descriptor of identity and affiliation within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גִּתִּי (Gittîy) appears in several key biblical passages, predominantly in the books of Samuel and Chronicles, often in contexts related to the Philistines or King David's reign.
While Goliath, the famous Philistine giant, is identified as being "from Gath" in [[1 Samuel 17:4]], he is not explicitly called a "Gittite" using this specific term. However, the most prominent and significant use of "Gittite" is in reference to Ittai the Gittite.
During Absalom's rebellion against King David, Ittai and his men demonstrate remarkable loyalty. [[2 Samuel 15:18]] states, "And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who had come with him from Gath, passed on before the king." This verse highlights a contingent of Gittite warriors who had joined David's service.
David's interaction with Ittai further emphasizes his foreign origin and the king's initial reluctance to involve him in the perilous flight: "Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, 'Why do you also go with us? Return and remain with the king; for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home'" [[2 Samuel 15:19]]. Despite David's suggestion, Ittai declares his unwavering allegiance: "But Ittai answered the king, 'As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be!'" [[2 Samuel 15:21]]. This profound declaration of loyalty from a Gittite, a member of a historically adversarial people, is a pivotal moment.
Later, Ittai's trustworthiness is further affirmed when David places him in command of a third of his army during the battle against Absalom's forces: "And the king sent out the army, a third under the command of Joab, a third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third under the command of Ittai the Gittite" [[2 Samuel 18:2]]. This demonstrates the immense trust David placed in this foreign loyalist.
Other occurrences include [[2 Samuel 21:19]] and [[1 Chronicles 20:5]], which mention "Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite," further associating the term with the powerful warriors of Gath.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is גַּת (Gath, `{{H1661}}`), the city from which the Gittites originate. Understanding Gath's role as a major Philistine city is crucial for grasping the identity of its inhabitants.
Closely associated are the פְּלִשְׁתִּים (Philistines, `{{H6430}}`), the broader ethnic group to which the Gittites belonged. Gath was one of the five principal Philistine cities (the Pentapolis), alongside Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron.
The individual אִתַּי (Ittai, `{{H3864}}`) is inextricably linked to the term "Gittite," as his story provides the most detailed and impactful illustration of a Gittite's character and role in the biblical narrative.
Another related term by root is גִּתִּית (Gittith, `{{H1665}}`), which appears in the superscriptions of several Psalms (e.g., [[Psalm 8:1]], [[Psalm 81:1]], [[Psalm 84:1]]). While sharing the same root, its meaning is debated but generally understood as a musical term, possibly referring to a Gathite instrument or a tune associated with Gath. While distinct in semantic domain, its etymological connection to Gath is clear.
Concepts tied to "Gittite" include foreign mercenaries, loyalty to a sovereign, the presence of foreigners within Israelite society, and the ongoing conflict and eventual subjugation of Philistine cities by Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of גִּתִּי (Gittîy) primarily emerges from the remarkable narrative of Ittai the Gittite.
1. **Divine Providence and Unexpected Loyalty:** Ittai's unwavering loyalty to King David, despite being a foreigner from a historically hostile nation, stands as a powerful testament to divine providence. God can raise up faithful servants from unexpected places, even from among those traditionally considered enemies. It challenges the conventional understanding of ethnic and national boundaries in the context of divine purpose.
2. **Inclusion and Faithfulness Beyond the Covenant Community:** Ittai's story foreshadows a broader understanding of God's kingdom and His people that extends beyond the strict ethnic lines of Israel. His faithfulness, expressed through his oath and actions, demonstrates that true devotion can be found even among those outside the immediate covenant community. This provides a glimpse into the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, where individuals from all nations can align themselves with God's anointed.
3. **The Nature of True Allegiance:** Ittai's commitment to David, "wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life," exemplifies a profound and selfless allegiance. This serves as a model of devotion, not only to an earthly king but also implicitly to the King of Kings, reflecting the kind of commitment God desires from His followers.
4. **Conquest and Dominion:** More broadly, the mention of Gittites and Gath in the context of Israel's history (e.g., David's eventual conquest of Gath in [[1 Chronicles 18:1]]) underscores the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land and dominion over Israel's enemies. Even as individual Gittites like Ittai found a place of honor, the city of Gath itself ultimately fell under Israelite control, signifying God's sovereign power.
### Summary
The term גִּתִּי (Gittîy, `{{H1663}}`) precisely identifies an inhabitant of Gath, one of the primary Philistine cities. While often associated with Israel's adversaries, its most significant biblical usage centers on Ittai the Gittite, a foreign mercenary who demonstrated extraordinary loyalty to King David during Absalom's rebellion. This narrative elevates the term beyond a mere geographical descriptor, highlighting themes of unexpected faithfulness, divine providence, and the potential for inclusion and allegiance from individuals outside the traditional covenant community. The Gittite, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder that God's purposes can transcend ethnic and national divides, calling forth devotion from diverse sources.
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