or כִּתִּיִּי; patrial from an unused name denoting Cyprus (only in the plural); a Kittite or Cypriote; hence, an islander in general, i.e. the Greeks or Romans on the shores opposite Palestine; Chittim, Kittim.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kittîy**, represented by `{{H3794}}`, refers to a Kittite or Cypriote. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. Used in the plural form as Chittim or Kittim, the term broadly denotes an islander, often referencing the Greeks or Romans on the shores opposite Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3794}}` is used to establish lineage and geography. In the table of nations, Kittim is listed as one of the sons of Javan ([[Genesis 10:4]], [[1 Chronicles 1:7]]). The term is frequently associated with maritime power and prophecy. For instance, ships from the coast of Chittim are prophesied to afflict Asshur and Eber [[Numbers 24:24]]. Similarly, the arrival of the ships of Chittim causes a king to be grieved and return with indignation against the holy covenant [[Daniel 11:30]]. The land of Chittim is also the source from which the news of Tyre's destruction is revealed [[Isaiah 23:1]], and its isles are mentioned as a source of ivory for ship benches [[Ezekiel 27:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the geographical and genealogical context of `{{H3794}}`:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word establishes the lineage of Kittim, who is named as one of the **sons** of Javan [[Genesis 10:4]].
* `{{H3120}}` **Yâvân** (Javan): As the father of Kittim, **Javan** provides the direct ancestral link for this people group in the table of nations [[1 Chronicles 1:7]].
* `{{H6716}}` **tsîy** (ship): This term is directly linked to Chittim in prophecies describing naval power, as in the "ships of Chittim" that come against a king [[Daniel 11:30]].
* `{{H339}}` **ʼîy** (isle, island): The term Chittim is often used in conjunction with **isles**, highlighting their identity as islanders or coastal people [[Jeremiah 2:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3794}}` lies in its role within prophecy and its representation of distant Gentile nations.
* **Instrument of Prophecy:** The people of Chittim are portrayed as a significant maritime force in prophetic events. They are destined to come in ships to afflict Asshur and Eber [[Numbers 24:24]] and to confront a powerful ruler, causing him to retreat and act against the holy covenant [[Daniel 11:30]].
* **Geographical Benchmark:** Chittim is used as a geographical benchmark to emphasize the extent of Israel's unique transgressions. The people are told to look to the distant isles of Chittim and Kedar to see that no other nation has abandoned its gods as Israel has [[Jeremiah 2:10]].
* **Representation of Gentile Powers:** As descendants of Javan, Kittim represents the broader Gentile world, particularly the maritime powers to the west of Palestine. Their mention in prophecies concerning major powers like Tyre and Asshur integrates them into the divine narrative of judgment and sovereignty over all nations ([[Isaiah 23:1]], [[Numbers 24:24]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3794}}` is more than a simple geographical label. It identifies a specific people group, Kittim, originating from Javan and associated with the isles of the Mediterranean, such as Cyprus. Biblically, it functions as a marker of lineage in the table of nations, a source of materials for trade, and, most significantly, a key player in divine prophecy, representing a western naval power that executes or influences events concerning major empires and the covenant people.
TRV