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.
Transliteration:Kittîy
Pronunciation:kit-tee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma כִּתִּי (Kittîy), also appearing as כִּתִּיִּי (Kittîyyî), is a patrial noun, indicating origin or inhabitant. Its base meaning derives from an unused geographical name denoting the island of Cyprus. Thus, its primary sense refers to a "Kittite" or "Cypriote," an inhabitant of Cyprus. However, its semantic range extends significantly beyond this initial geographical anchor. Due to Cyprus's strategic location and maritime prominence, כִּתִּי came to signify "an islander in general." Critically, this broadened scope further evolved to encompass the major maritime powers situated on the shores opposite Palestine, specifically referring to the "Greeks or Romans." The term is consistently found in the plural form, suggesting a collective identity for these peoples or their territories.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כִּתִּים (Kittim), the plural form of כִּתִּי, appears in several key biblical passages, each contributing to its broader understanding:
* **[[Numbers 24:24]]**: In Balaam's final oracle, he prophesies, "But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber; and he also shall perish forever." This prophecy foretells the coming of a formidable naval power from the West that will bring affliction upon Assyria and the Hebrews (Eber). This context strongly supports the interpretation of Kittim as a significant, perhaps even hostile, Western maritime force, consistent with the later identification of Greeks or Romans.
* **[[Isaiah 23:1]], [[Isaiah 23:12]]**: Within the oracle concerning Tyre, the ships of Tarshish are exhorted to "howl," for the destruction of Tyre is revealed "from the land of Kittim." This passage links Kittim with the broader Mediterranean maritime network and the fate of prominent trading cities. The reference to "inhabitants of the isle" reinforces the connection to island or coastal peoples, underscoring their role in global commerce and divine judgment.
* **[[Jeremiah 2:10]]**: The prophet challenges Israel, "For pass over to the isles of Kittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there hath been such a thing." Here, Kittim is contrasted with Kedar (representing the East/desert peoples), placing Kittim firmly in the West, across the sea. It serves as an example of a distant, foreign land whose inhabitants, unlike Israel, remain steadfast in their allegiance to their (false) gods, highlighting Israel's unique apostasy.
* **[[Ezekiel 27:6]]**: In the lament over Tyre, it is stated, "Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Kittim." This verse again associates Kittim with maritime trade and the supply of valuable goods, specifically ivory, further cementing its identity as a source of exotic materials and a participant in the extensive sea-borne commerce of the ancient world.
* **[[Daniel 11:30]]**: This passage, often interpreted as referring to the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the Roman Republic, states, "For the ships of Kittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant." This is perhaps the clearest instance where Kittim is understood to represent the rising power of Rome, whose intervention thwarts the Seleucid king's plans. This prophetic context solidifies the interpretation of Kittim as a major Western power with significant geopolitical influence.
* **[[1 Chronicles 1:7]]**: In the genealogies, Kittim is listed as a son of Javan, along with Elishah, Tarshish, and Dodanim. Javan (`{{H3120}}`) is consistently identified with the Greeks or Ionians. This genealogical placement firmly situates Kittim within the broader Hellenic/Aegean world, providing a foundational identity for the peoples it represents.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of כִּתִּי is enriched by its connections to several related words and concepts:
* **Javan (`{{H3120}}`)**: As the ancestral figure from whom Kittim descends in the biblical genealogies (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 1:7]]), Javan represents the Greek or Ionian peoples. This connection is fundamental to understanding Kittim's identity as a Western, Hellenic-influenced power.
* **Tarshish (`{{H8659}}`)**: Frequently mentioned alongside Kittim (e.g., [[Isaiah 23:1]]), Tarshish also denotes a distant, powerful maritime trading entity, often associated with the far West. Their parallel mention underscores their shared identity as significant seafaring nations in the Mediterranean world.
* **Isles/Coasts (אִי, `{{H339}}`)**: The very definition of כִּתִּי as an "islander" or "inhabitant of the shores" highlights its intrinsic link to the Hebrew term for "isle" or "coastland." This geographical descriptor is key to understanding the nature and origin of the peoples designated as Kittim.
* **Sea Peoples**: While not a direct lexical equivalent, the broader understanding of Kittim as "islanders in general" and later as Greeks or Romans places them within the historical context of the "Sea Peoples," powerful maritime groups who significantly impacted the ancient Near East.
* **Ships and Naval Power**: The recurring mention of "ships of Kittim" (e.g., [[Numbers 24:24]], [[Daniel 11:30]]) directly links the term to naval strength, maritime trade, and military prowess, underscoring their influence across the Mediterranean.
### Theological Significance
The presence and portrayal of כִּתִּי in the biblical narrative carry profound theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**: The prophecies concerning Kittim, particularly in Balaam and Daniel, demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, even those distant and seemingly outside the immediate sphere of Israel's direct interaction. These powerful Gentile entities are shown to be instruments, or subjects, of God's overarching plan for history and redemption.
* **Scope of Prophetic Revelation**: The inclusion of Kittim in prophetic oracles (Isaiah, Daniel) expands the geographical and political scope of biblical prophecy beyond the immediate confines of the Levant. It indicates that God's plan encompasses the entire known world, foretelling the rise and fall of empires far removed from Israel's borders.
* **Judgment and Historical Fulfillment**: Kittim often appears in contexts related to divine judgment (e.g., the fall of Tyre) or pivotal historical events (e.g., Roman intervention in Daniel). This highlights the Bible's claim to accurately predict and interpret global historical movements as part of God's unfolding purpose.
* **Identity of Gentile Powers**: As a term that evolves to represent the dominant Western maritime powers (Greece and Rome), Kittim serves as a prophetic identifier for key Gentile players in redemptive history, whose actions significantly impact God's people and the broader world.
* **Moral Contrast**: In [[Jeremiah 2:10]], Kittim serves as a stark moral contrast to Israel, illustrating the faithfulness of even pagan nations to their deities, thereby accentuating Israel's unique and profound unfaithfulness to the one true God.
### Summary
The Hebrew term כִּתִּי (Kittîy, `{{H3794}}`) begins as a specific geographical identifier for the inhabitants of Cyprus, the "Kittites" or "Cypriotes." However, its semantic range expands significantly to encompass "islanders in general" and, most notably, the dominant Western Mediterranean powers, specifically the Greeks and Romans. Throughout its biblical occurrences, Kittim is consistently associated with maritime activity, extensive trade, and formidable naval power. Its appearance in prophetic contexts underscores God's comprehensive sovereignty over all nations and His foresight regarding the rise and fall of global empires. The theological implications highlight the vast scope of divine prophecy, the role of Gentile powers in God's plan, and the moral lessons drawn from their actions in contrast to Israel's.
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