Lexical Definition
אִתַּי ʼIttay (it-tah'ee) Ittai N:N-M-P
or אִיתַי ʼÎythay (ee-thah'ee); from אֵת; near
Ithai, Ittai.
- § Ittai or Ithai = "with me"
- Ittai or Ithai, the name of a Gittite and of an Israelite
1) a Gittite commander from Gath in David's army
2) one of David's 30 mighty warriors, a Benjamite
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| אִתַּי֙ | Ittai | 2Sam.18.5 • 2Sam.18.12 |
| אִתַּ֤י | Ittai | 2Sam.15.22 |
| אִתַּ֣י | Ittai | 2Sam.15.19 • 2Sam.18.2 |
| אִתַּ֛י | Ittai | 2Sam.15.21 |
| אִתַּ֖י | Ittai | 2Sam.15.22 |
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.19
Brown-Driver-Briggs
אִתַּי proper name, masculine (perhaps from אֵת with = companionable) —
1. one of David's captains, a native of Gath 2Sam 15:19; 2Sam 15:21; 2Sam 15:22 (twice in verse); 2Sam 18:2; 2Sam 18:5; 2Sam 18:12.
2. one of David's 30 mighty men, a Benjamite 2Sam 23:29 (in 1Chr 11:31 אִתַי).
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 2 Samuel | 15:19 · 15:21 · 15:22 · 18:2 · 18:5 · 18:12 · 23:29 |
| 1 Chronicles | 11:31 |
Profile
Male • David's compatriot • Gittite commander who remained loyal to David.
David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy
Ittai the Gittite was a commander who remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion (2Sa.15.19-22; 18.2,5,12).
- David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.19;
- only referred to as Ittai אִתַּי.
Ittai the Gittite was a commander of six hundred men who remained loyal to King David during the rebellion of his son Absalom (2Sa.15.19-22). Ittai was from Gath, a Philistine city, and had only recently come to join David's forces (2Sa.15.20).
When David was fleeing from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion, he urged Ittai to return to the city with his blessing, as he was a foreigner and exile (2Sa.15.19-20). However, Ittai pledged his unwavering loyalty to David, vowing to follow him whether it meant life or death (2Sa.15.21). Moved by Ittai's devotion, David allowed him and his men to accompany him (2Sa.15.22).
During the battle against Absalom's forces, David appointed Ittai as one of the three commanders of his army, alongside Joab and Abishai (2Sa.18.2). David specifically ordered these commanders to deal gently with Absalom for his sake (2Sa.18.5). After Absalom's death, Ittai was among those who heard David's lament for his son (2Sa.18.12).
Ittai's loyalty to David, despite being a foreigner and newcomer, showcases the king's ability to inspire devotion among his followers. It also highlights the importance of faithfulness and commitment in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by Ittai's willingness to stand by David during a time of crisis.
All entries for Ittai: אִתַּי