Lexical Summary Gittith: Gittith Original Word: גִּתִּית Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gittith Feminine of Gittiy; a Gittite harp -- Gittith. see HEBREW Gittiy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of Gitti Definition a musical term of unc. meaning. Brown-Driver-Briggs גִּתִּית feminine of foregoing (si vera lectio) only in phrase עַלהַֿגִּתִּית in three Psalm titles: Psalm 8:1; Psalm 81:1; Psalm 84:1; upon the Gittite (lyre) so ᵑ7,to the Gittite (melody) Ew Ol De, or either of these Hup Pe; ᵐ5 ᵑ9 הַגִּתֹּת wine-presses, whence Bae and others at the wine-presses, i.e. (Bae) a song for the feast of booths. Topical Lexicon Origin and Possible Meanings The term gittiṯ appears only in the musical superscriptions of Psalms 8, 81, and 84. While certainty eludes modern scholarship, two main proposals have been advanced: (1) a reference to a particular melody or musical style originating in Gath (from the root “Gittite”), and (2) an instrument or tune associated with vintage work at the winepress (from the root related to “winepress”). Both ideas need not be mutually exclusive, for the valley-floor winepress was often a place of festal singing, and Gath itself was famed for its viticulture. Either way, the heading directs temple musicians to employ a joyful, vigorous strain suitable for public celebration. Appearances in Psalm Superscriptions Each superscription tells the Levites how the psalm is to be led in corporate worship. Placing the same musical tag on three distinct compositions binds them together in purpose: a call to exuberant praise grounded in covenant faithfulness. Liturgical and Musical Significance In the tabernacle-temple era, the Levitical choir required precise direction. “According to gittiṯ” functioned like a modern notation cue: “Use the Gath-winepress tune.” Given that Psalm 81 is explicitly tied to the new moon and the feast day (Psalm 81:3), the heading likely signaled a melody already associated with harvest festivals—further confirmed by the joyous longing of Psalm 84 and the majestic praise of Psalm 8. Thus, gittiṯ may indicate a celebratory, possibly antiphonal, melody where brass and strings echoed the rhythmic stomping of grapes, drawing worshipers into embodied rejoicing. Thematic Links among the Three Psalms 1. Majesty and Dominion (Psalm 8) – The psalm marvels at humanity’s place in creation: “You have made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5). The tune’s vigor underscores God’s transcendent glory displayed even through frail mankind. Historical Context: From Gath to Zion If the term points to Gath, David’s sojourn among the Philistines (1 Samuel 27) may have brought a regional melody into Israelite worship, redeemed and set apart for Yahweh. The transformation of a foreign cultural artifact into a consecrated vehicle of praise exemplifies God’s sovereignty over all nations. Alternatively, a winepress interpretation situates the tune in Israel’s agrarian life, where the ingathering of grapes became a living parable of divine blessing (Isaiah 63:3; Joel 3:13). Ministry Application 1. Sanctified Culture – Just as gittiṯ (whether Philistine or rustic) was harnessed for temple praise, contemporary believers may consecrate musical styles from diverse backgrounds, provided the lyrics uphold biblical truth (Colossians 3:16). Messianic Overtones Psalm 8 is applied to Jesus Christ in Hebrews 2:6-9, revealing humanity’s destiny fulfilled in the exalted Son. The triumphant strain of gittiṯ thus foreshadows the victory of the Second Adam. Psalm 81’s covenant offer finds its ultimate “Yes” in Christ, and Psalm 84’s longing is satisfied in the incarnate tabernacle of God (John 1:14). The shared heading subtly weaves a musical thread toward the gospel. Summary Gittiṯ denotes a lively, possibly harvest-related tune or instrument adopted into Israel’s worship. Its use in Psalms 8, 81, and 84 unites themes of divine majesty, covenant celebration, and pilgrim hope. The heading reminds believers that God delights in transforming cultural forms for His glory, calling His people to jubilant, embodied praise centered on His redemptive acts and culminating in Christ. Forms and Transliterations הַגִּתִּ֑ית הַגִּתִּ֗ית הַגִּתִּ֬ית הגתית hag·git·tîṯ haggitTit haggittîṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 8:1 HEB: לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ עַֽל־ הַגִּתִּ֗ית מִזְמ֥וֹר לְדָוִֽד׃ KJV: < INT: Musician above Gittith A Psalm of David Psalm 81:1 Psalm 84:1 3 Occurrences |
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