dual of גַּת; double winepress; Gittajim, a place in Palestine; Gittaim.
Transliteration:Gittayim
Pronunciation:ghit-tah'-yim
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גִּתַּיִם (Gittayim), Strong's `{{H1664}}`, is a proper noun derived from the dual form of גַּת (gat), meaning "winepress" (Strong's `{{H1660}}`). The dual ending "-ayim" signifies "two" or "double." Therefore, the literal meaning of Gittayim is "double winepress" or "two winepresses." As a place name, it likely indicated a locale characterized by the presence of two prominent winepresses or a region particularly noted for its viticulture. Its semantic range is restricted to this geographical designation, with its etymology providing insight into the agricultural character of the area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name גִּתַּיִם (Gittayim) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a crucial passage within the narrative of 2 Samuel:
* **[[2 Samuel 4:3]]**: "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and were sojourners there until this day."
This verse describes the fate of the Beerothites, a Hivite people who were part of the Gibeonite confederacy (cf. [[Joshua 9:17]]). Following the political turmoil and the murder of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, the Beerothites were displaced from their city, Beeroth. They sought refuge in Gittaim, where they remained as "sojourners" (גֵּרִים, *gerim*). The phrase "until this day" (עד היום הזה) indicates that their resettlement in Gittaim was long-lasting, suggesting that Gittaim provided a stable environment for them. The geographical location of Gittaim is generally placed within the tribal territory of Benjamin, consistent with the Beerothites' original location and the broader context of the events surrounding Saul's house. The text's primary purpose in mentioning Gittaim is to account for the Beerothites' whereabouts and their status as a displaced people.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **גַּת (gat) `{{H1660}}`**: The foundational root meaning "winepress." This connection highlights the agricultural basis of the place name and, by extension, the likely economic activity of the region. Winepresses are often symbolic of harvest, abundance, and sometimes divine judgment (e.g., "treading the winepress of God's wrath").
* **גִּתִּי (Gitti) `{{H1661}}`**: Referring to an inhabitant of Gath, a prominent Philistine city. While sharing the *gat* root, Gath and Gittaim are distinct locations. The shared etymology, however, points to the widespread nature of viticulture in ancient Canaan.
* **Sojourner (גֵּר, ger) `{{H1616}}` / Sojourning (גּוּר, gur) `{{H1481}}`**: The description of the Beerothites as "sojourners" in Gittaim connects to a significant biblical theme. The *ger* was a resident alien, often without land rights, who relied on the hospitality of the community. This status is frequently addressed in Mosaic Law, which mandates care and justice for the *ger* (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:34]], [[Deuteronomy 10:19]]).
* **Refuge / Asylum**: Although Gittaim is not designated as one of the official "cities of refuge" from Mosaic law, it functionally served as a place of asylum for the displaced Beerothites, providing them with a new home and a measure of security during a turbulent period.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Gittaim is primarily indirect, arising from its single appearance within the biblical narrative of [[2 Samuel 4:3]].
1. **Divine Providence in Historical Detail**: Gittaim serves as a precise geographical detail that grounds the unfolding of God's sovereign plan in human history. The displacement of the Beerothites and their resettlement in Gittaim are part of the complex political and social landscape through which God worked to establish David's kingdom. The seemingly minor detail contributes to the overall verisimilitude and historical reliability of the biblical account.
2. **The Theme of the Sojourner**: The most potent theological implication lies in the Beerothites' status as "sojourners" (גֵּרִים). Their finding a home in Gittaim, even as displaced persons, subtly echoes the broader biblical injunctions regarding the care and welcome of the alien. This theme is central to Israelite ethics, reflecting God's own compassion for the vulnerable and reminding the Israelites of their own history as sojourners in Egypt (e.g., [[Exodus 23:9]]). Gittaim thus becomes a silent testament to the practical outworking of this divine principle, even amidst the chaos of war and political transition.
3. **Stability Amidst Upheaval**: In a period marked by instability and violence (the transition from Saul's house to David's reign), Gittaim appears as a place that offered enduring refuge. This might subtly point to the enduring nature of communities and the resilience of human society, even when larger political structures are in flux.
### Summary
גִּתַּיִם (Gittayim), Strong's `{{H1664}}`, is a proper noun derived from the dual form of גַּת (gat) `{{H1660}}`, literally meaning "double winepress." Its sole appearance in [[2 Samuel 4:3]] identifies it as the place where the Beerothites, a displaced Gibeonite clan, found long-term refuge as "sojourners" (גֵּרִים `{{H1616}}`). While its etymology hints at its agricultural character, Gittaim's primary biblical significance lies in its role as a geographical anchor for the historical narrative of Israel's early monarchy. Theologically, it subtly underscores the biblical theme of hospitality and care for the alien, demonstrating how displaced peoples could find a measure of stability and a new home within the ancient Near Eastern context, reflecting a divine principle of compassion.
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