Lexical Definition
כְּרֵתִי Kᵉrêthîy (ker-ay-thee') Cherethite N:N--TG
probably from כָּרַת in the sense of executioner; (compare טַבָּח) (only collectively in the singular as plural)
Cherethims, Cherethites.
- § Cherethites = "executioners"
- a Kerethite or life-guardsman
1) a group of foreign mercenary soldiers serving as a bodyguard for king David; also executioners
2) either Cretans or proto-Philistines (in general)
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| כְּרֵתִ֑ים | Kerethites | Ezek.25.16 • Zeph.2.5 |
| הַכְּרֵתִ֛י | the Kerethite | 1Sam.30.14 |
Extended Information
- Someone descended from Chereth, first mentioned at 1Sa.30.14
Brown-Driver-Briggs
כְרֵתִי adjective, of a people, always with article, or plural, as substantive, Kerethites, a name for Philistines or a part of them (perhaps = Cretans, compare ᵐ5 Zeph 2:5; Ezek 25:15 on Crete as original home of Philistines, see כַּפְתֹּר, פְּלִשְׁתִּי); — הַכְּרֵתִי = substantive collective; — ׳נֶגֶב הַכּ 1Sam 30:14 (compare Dr; ᵐ5 B Ξολθει, ᵐ5L Ξορρι A Ξερηθει); of soldiers of David's guard, וְהַפְּלֵתִי ׳הַכּ 2Sam 8:18 (read ׳עַלהַֿכּ Th We Dr and others) = 1Chr 18:17; 2Sam 15:18; 2Sam 20:7 + v2Sam 20:23 Qr ( > Kt הכרי), 1Kgs 1:38; 1Kgs 1:44 (ᵐ5 Ξελεθθει, Ξερεθθει, etc.); plural כְּרֵתִים Ezek 25:16 (|| פְּלִשְׁתִּים; ᵐ5. Κρῆτας); גּוֺי כְּרֵתִים Zeph 2:5 (ᵐ5 Κρητῶν; || ארץ פלשׁתים): in vZeph 2:6 We reads כֶּרֶת = Philistia (see [כָרָה], below I. כרה). כֶּשֶׂב, כִּשְׂבָּה see כֶבֶשׂ etc.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 1 Samuel | 30:14 |
| 2 Samuel | 8:18 · 15:18 · 20:7 · 20:23 |
| 1 Kings | 1:38 · 1:44 |
| 1 Chronicles | 18:17 |
| Ezekiel | 25:15 · 25:16 |
| Zephaniah | 2:5 · 2:6 |
Profile
Group • Philistine tribe, often serving as royal guard
People from Chereth(?)
The Cherethites were a Philistine tribe that often served as royal guards. (1Sa.30.14; Ezk.25.16; Zep.2.5)
The Cherethites were a Philistine tribe mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel 30:14, they are described as living in the Negev region, and their territory was raided by the Amalekites. The Cherethites, along with the Pelethites, often served as royal guards and soldiers for Israelite kings, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:18; 15:18; 20:7; 1 Kings 1:38,44). In prophetic oracles, Ezekiel 25:16 and Zephaniah 2:5 mention the Cherethites as one of the Philistine groups facing God's judgment for their hostility towards Israel. The Cherethites are closely associated with the Philistines and were likely one of the major Philistine tribes settled in Canaan.
All entries for Cherethites: כְּרֵתִי