Lexical Summary Gitti: Gittite Original Word: גִּתִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gittite Patrial from Gath; a Gittite or inhabitant of Gath -- Gittite. see HEBREW Gath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Gath Definition an inhab. of Gath NASB Translation Gittite (9), Gittites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גִּתִּי adjective, of a people, of II.גַּת 1; of Obed-edom 2 Samuel 6:10,11 = 1 Chronicles 13:13; Ittai 2 Samuel 15:19,22; 2 Samuel 18:2; Goliath 2 Samuel 21:19; 1 Chronicles 20:5; plural with article as substantive, הַגִּתִּים 1 Samuel 15:18 the Gittites (but read אִתַּי הַגִּתִּי We Klo Kit Bu NowArchaeology i.308n.); singular with article as proper name collectiveהַגִּתִּי Joshua 13:3 (with men of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, and the Awwim). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Geographic Background “Gittite” designates a native or inhabitant of Gath, one of the five principal Philistine cities located in the Shephelah between the coastal plain and the Judean hills. Gath’s strategic position along east-west trade routes made its citizens formidable in war and influential in the region. While the term is Philistine in origin, the Old Testament applies it both to Philistines and to certain Israelites who lived in Levitical towns bearing the same root (such as Gath-rimmon), reminding the reader that geography, not ethnicity alone, defines the word’s biblical usage. Occurrences in Scripture The word appears ten times, distributed as follows: Joshua 13:3; 2 Samuel 6:10, 11; 2 Samuel 15:18, 19, 22; 2 Samuel 18:2; 2 Samuel 21:19; 1 Chronicles 13:13; 1 Chronicles 20:5. These references cluster around three main settings: the conquest allotments under Joshua, the transfer of the Ark to Jerusalem, and David’s reign. Gittites in Israel’s History 1. Five Lords of the Philistines Joshua 13:3 names “the Gazite, the Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, and the Ekronite”, establishing “Gittite” as one of the recognized Philistine city-states whose land remained to be fully subdued. The verse frames Israel’s unfinished task and underscores the tension that will characterize Israel-Philistine relations until the monarchy. 2. Obed-Edom the Gittite and the Ark When David’s first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem ended in Uzzah’s death, “he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite” (2 Samuel 6:10). For three months “the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household” (2 Samuel 6:11). Chronicles repeats the account (1 Chronicles 13:13). Though styled “Gittite,” Obed-Edom is elsewhere identified as a Levite descendant of Korah (1 Chronicles 26:4), likely residing in the Levitical town Gath-rimmon in Benjamin or Dan. The narrative highlights: 3. Ittai the Gittite: Loyal Exile and Commander During Absalom’s revolt, six hundred men from Gath accompanied David. Their leader, Ittai, is three times called “the Gittite” (2 Samuel 15:19, 22; 18:2). His pledge, “wherever my lord the king may be—whether life or death—there your servant will be” (2 Samuel 15:21), models covenant loyalty transcending national borders. David entrusts Ittai with a third of his army, showing that faithfulness, not pedigree, qualifies one for leadership in the kingdom. 4. Goliath the Gittite and His Kin Long before Ittai, another Gittite dominated the battlefield: Goliath. Although the word “Gittite” in 1 Samuel 17 is a different lexeme, Elhanan’s later victory “over the brother of Goliath the Gittite” (2 Samuel 21:19; 1 Chronicles 20:5) echoes the earlier triumph. These passages: Theological and Ministry Insights • God Welcomes Outsiders Who Embrace His King. Obed-Edom and Ittai, though tagged “Gittite,” enjoy intimate roles in Israel’s worship and governance. Their accounts anticipate Gentile inclusion in the messianic reign (Isaiah 56:6-7; Acts 10). • Holiness Cannot Be Approached Casually. The contrast between Uzzah’s irreverence and Obed-Edom’s blessing warns believers to revere God’s holiness while taking refuge in His mercy. • Loyalty Is Rewarded, Not Lineage. Ittai’s rise from foreign exile to trusted general under David illustrates kingdom ethics: “Many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30). • Persistent Giants Require Persistent Faith. The repeated mention of Gittite warriors slain by David’s men reminds communities of faith that spiritual battles recur, yet victory is assured when fought in the Lord’s strength. Redemptive Thread From Joshua’s unfinished conquest to David’s inclusive army, the Gittites trace a line of conflict, covenant, and ultimately communion. What begins as a mark of hostility in Joshua culminates in Gentile devotion under David, foreshadowing the reign of the Son of David, under whom every barrier is broken down and “all nations shall be blessed” (Galatians 3:8). Summary The term “Gittite” moves through Scripture from enemy designation to affectionate title for trusted allies and blessed households. Its trajectory magnifies the Lord’s sovereignty over nations, His zeal for holiness, and His gracious invitation to all who align themselves with His chosen King. Forms and Transliterations הַגִּתִּ֑י הַגִּתִּ֔י הַגִּתִּ֖י הַגִּתִּ֞ים הַגִּתִּֽי׃ הַגִּתִּי֙ הגתי הגתי׃ הגתים hag·git·tî hag·git·tîm haggitTi haggittî haggitTim haggittîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 13:3 HEB: וְהָאַשְׁדּוֹדִי֙ הָאֶשְׁקְלוֹנִ֣י הַגִּתִּ֔י וְהָעֶקְרוֹנִ֖י וְהָעַוִּֽים׃ NAS: the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite; KJV: the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; INT: the Ashdodite the Ashkelonite the Gittite the Ekronite Avims 2 Samuel 6:10 2 Samuel 6:11 2 Samuel 15:18 2 Samuel 15:19 2 Samuel 15:22 2 Samuel 18:2 2 Samuel 21:19 1 Chronicles 13:13 1 Chronicles 20:5 10 Occurrences |
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