### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼIttay**, represented by `{{H863}}`, is a proper name meaning **near**. It appears **9 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. The name belongs to two distinct individuals in the Old Testament: one a notable Gittite warrior who allied with King David, and the other an Israelite who was one of David's mighty men.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent biblical figure named **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}` is a Gittite who demonstrates profound loyalty to King **David** `{{H1732}}` during Absalom's rebellion. When David was fleeing Jerusalem, he urged **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}` to remain behind, calling him a **stranger** `{{H5237}}` and an **exile** `{{H1540}}` [[2 Samuel 15:19]]. In response, **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}` swore a powerful oath, declaring, "surely in what **place** `{{H4725}}` my **lord** `{{H113}}` the **king** `{{H4428}}` shall be, whether in **death** `{{H4194}}` or **life** `{{H2416}}`, even there also will thy **servant** `{{H5650}}` be" [[2 Samuel 15:21]]. David accepted his allegiance, and **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}` was later appointed as a commander over a **third part** `{{H7992}}` of David's army [[2 Samuel 18:2]]. The other individual, also named **Ittai** `{{H863}}` or **Ithai** `{{H863}}`, was the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Ribai** `{{H7380}}` from **Gibeah** `{{H1390}}` of **Benjamin** `{{H1144}}`, listed among David's mighty men ([[2 Samuel 23:29]]; [[1 Chronicles 11:31]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the narrative of **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}` the Gittite:
* `{{H1663}}` **Gittîy** (a Gittite or inhabitant of Gath): This term is consistently used to identify **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}`, underscoring his foreign origins and making his devotion to the Israelite king particularly noteworthy [[2 Samuel 15:22]].
* `{{H5237}}` **nokrîy** (strange, foreigner): King David's description of **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}` as a **stranger** `{{H5237}}` emphasizes that he had no political or national obligation to follow the fleeing king, which highlights the personal nature of his loyalty [[2 Samuel 15:19]].
* `{{H113}}` **ʼâdôwn** (lord, master, owner): Ittai’s repeated use of this word to address David as "my **lord** `{{H113}}` the king" signifies his voluntary submission and deep respect for David's authority, even in a moment of great weakness for the monarchy [[2 Samuel 15:21]].
### Theological Significance
The story of **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}` carries significant thematic weight, illustrating key virtues.
* **Unconditional Loyalty:** Ittai's pledge to follow David into either **life** `{{H2416}}` or **death** `{{H4194}}` serves as a powerful example of steadfast faithfulness that is not dependent on circumstances or personal gain [[2 Samuel 15:21]].
* **Trust Earned Through Faithfulness:** David quickly recognized the sincerity of Ittai's commitment and entrusted him with a high-ranking military command over a **third part** `{{H7992}}` of his forces, demonstrating that genuine loyalty is a basis for great trust and responsibility [[2 Samuel 18:2]].
* **Allegiance Beyond Borders:** As a **Gittite** `{{H1663}}`, Ittai's allegiance stands in stark contrast to the betrayal from David's own **son** `{{H1121}}`, **Absalom** `{{H53}}`. His story shows that faithfulness and devotion are not limited by nationality or background.
### Summary
In summary, the name **ʼIttay** `{{H863}}` is primarily associated with the remarkable character of the Gittite warrior whose loyalty to King David was absolute. He stands as a biblical model of unwavering faithfulness, a foreigner who offered his full support when the king's own family and people had turned against him. While the name also identifies an Israelite warrior from Benjamin, it is Ittai the Gittite who provides a lasting portrait of allegiance and honorable service.
TRV