English · KJV
H1665

גִּתִּית

Gittîyth /ghit-teeth'/ Ask about this word
Rootfeminine of גִּתִּי
Meaninga Gittite harp
KJV usageGittith.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of Gittîyth — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Gittîyth, represented by H1665, refers to a Gittite harp. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, always in the context of musical direction within the Psalms.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical text, H1665 is used exclusively as a musical instruction in the book of Psalms. It appears in the superscription, or heading, of three distinct psalms. Each time, it follows the direction "To the chief Musician" (Psalms 8:1, Psalms 81:1, Psalms 84:1). This indicates that Gittîyth was a specific instruction for the performance of these psalms, possibly relating to a particular instrument or musical style. The psalms designated "upon Gittith" are attributed to David Psalms 8:1, Asaph Psalms 81:1, and the sons of Korah Psalms 84:1.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context of worship and music where Gittîyth is found:

  • H5329 nâtsach (chief musician): This word is consistently paired with H1665, appearing in the phrase "To the chief Musician upon Gittith" Psalms 8:1. Its definition includes to excel, be eminent, or act as a superintendent of Temple music.
  • H4210 mizmôwr (psalm): All three verses that mention Gittith identify the composition as a psalm. This term is defined as a poem set to notes, indicating a musical piece (Psalms 8:1, Psalms 81:1, Psalms 84:1).
  • H7321 rûwaʻ (make a joyful noise): This word appears in a psalm set to Gittith, commanding the worshipers to make a joyful noise unto God Psalms 81:1. It describes an act to shout for alarm or joy.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H1665 is tied to the content of the psalms it accompanies, which focus on joyful and heartfelt worship.

  • Praise for God's Majesty: The instruction is connected to a declaration of God's excellent name throughout the earth, whose glory is set above the heavens Psalms 8:1.
  • Joyful Worship and Divine Strength: One psalm set to Gittith explicitly calls for God's people to sing aloud and make a joyful noise to "God our strength" Psalms 81:1.
  • Longing for God's Dwelling: The term is used to introduce a psalm expressing deep affection for God's tabernacles, highlighting a desire for His presence Psalms 84:1.

Summary

In summary, H1665 Gittîyth is a specific musical term used in the book of Psalms. While its exact meaning refers to a Gittite harp, its function in scripture is to direct the "chief Musician" in the performance of psalms of praise. It consistently prefaces psalms that express themes of God's majesty, the joy of worship, and a deep longing for His presence, connecting the works of David, Asaph, and the sons of Korah through a shared musical instruction.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 3 occurrences, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • גִּתִּית

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5329 נָצַח a primitive root; also as denominative from נֶצַח; properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintend H4210 מִזְמוֹר from זָמַר; properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes; psalm. H7321 רוּעַ a primitive root; to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout (for alarm o

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

3 verses, all in Psalms — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.