The Hebrew word Gittîy, represented by H1663, is a patrial term for an inhabitant of Gath. It appears 10 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible, serving to identify specific individuals and groups originating from the Philistine city of Gath H1661.
In the biblical narrative, H1663 is used to identify both famous enemies and steadfast allies of Israel. On one hand, the term is linked to Israel's adversaries, as seen when Elhanan slays the brother of Goliath H1555 the Gittite 2 Samuel 21:19. On the other hand, it describes figures of remarkable loyalty to King David H1732. Obed-edom H5654 the Gittite housed the ark H727 of the LORD H3068, and his household was blessed as a result 2 Samuel 6:11. Ittai H863 the Gittite, a commander in David's army, is described as a stranger H5237 and an exile H1540 who nonetheless remained loyal to the king 2 Samuel 15:19. The term also refers to a collective group of six hundred Gittites who followed David from Gath 2 Samuel 15:18.
Several related words provide context for the identity and narrative role of the Gittite:
- H1661 Gath (Gath, a Philistine city): This is the city of origin for every Gittite, as explicitly stated when a group of men who came with David are identified as coming "from Gath" 2 Samuel 15:18.
- H6430 Pᵉlishtîy (a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth; Philistine): This identifies the larger national group to which Gittites belong. The Gittites are listed among the five lords of the Philistines Joshua 13:3.
- H863 ʼIttay (near; Ittai or Ithai, the name of a Gittite and of an Israelite; Ithai, Ittai): This is the proper name of a prominent Gittite who served as a military commander for David 2 Samuel 18:2.
- H1555 Golyath (exile; Goljath, a Philistine; Goliath): This is the name of the famous Philistine giant whose brother is identified as a Gittite 2 Samuel 21:19.
- H5654 ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm (worker of Edom; Obed-Edom, the name of five Israelites; Obed-edom): This is the name of the Gittite in whose house the ark of the LORD rested and brought blessing 2 Samuel 6:10.
The designation Gittite carries significant narrative weight, often highlighting themes of loyalty and divine interaction beyond Israel's borders.
- Unexpected Loyalty: Despite being Philistines H6430, certain Gittites display profound loyalty to David. Ittai H863 the Gittite, though a foreigner H5237 and exile H1540, pledges to follow David even in death 2 Samuel 15:19. A group of six hundred Gittites also follows the king when he flees Jerusalem 2 Samuel 15:18.
- Association with Divine Presence: The Ark H727 of the LORD H3068 is entrusted to the house of Obed-edom H5654 the Gittite, resulting in the LORD blessing H1288 him and his entire household 2 Samuel 6:11.
- Identity of the Enemy: The term also identifies formidable adversaries of Israel. The brother of Goliath H1555 is specified as a Gittite, connecting him to the Philistine warrior heritage and the ongoing conflict between the two nations 1 Chronicles 20:5.
In summary, H1663 Gittîy is more than a simple geographic label; it is a specific identifier for people from the Philistine city of Gath H1661. The term encapsulates a significant narrative paradox: while identifying some of Israel's notable enemies, it also designates some of King David's H1732 most loyal and trusted followers, such as Ittai H863 and Obed-edom H5654. This highlights a biblical theme where personal allegiance and divine blessing are not strictly confined by national or ethnic lines.
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