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) |
|---|---|---|
| וְהַכְּרֵתִי֙ | and the Kerethite | 1Kgs.1.38 |
| וְהַכְּרֵתִ֥י | and the Kerethite | 2Sam.20.7 |
| וְהַכְּרֵתִ֖י | and the Kerethite | 2Sam.8.18 • 1Kgs.1.44 |
| הַכְּרֵתִ֖י | the Kerethite | 2Sam.15.18 • 2Sam.20.23 • 1Chr.18.17 |
Extended Information
- A group, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.18 also called Carite at 2Ki.11.4, 19
- Also named: ka.ri (כָּרִי "Carite" כָּרִי)
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 warrior • Member of Philistine tribe serving as royal guard
A group in the Old Testament
The Cherethites were a Philistine tribe that served as royal guards for Israelite kings. (2Sa.8.18; 15.18; 20.7; 1Ki.1.38,44; 1Ch.18.17; Ki.11.4; 2Ki.11.19; 2Sa.20.23)
- A group, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.18;
- referred to as Cherethite כְּרֵתִי, or Carite or Cherethite (=Qere. Ketiv= Carian, NIV= Kerethite) כָּרִי.
The Cherethites, along with the Pelethites, were a group of Philistine warriors who served as loyal guards and soldiers for Israelite kings, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon. They are mentioned multiple times in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.
During David's reign, the Cherethites and Pelethites were part of his royal bodyguard and army (2 Samuel 8:18; 15:18; 20:7, 23). They remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:18) and helped suppress the revolt led by Sheba (2 Samuel 20:7).
When Solomon ascended to the throne, the Cherethites and Pelethites supported him and played a role in securing his kingship against Adonijah's attempted coup (1 Kings 1:38, 44). They continued to serve in the royal guard during Solomon's reign (1 Kings 11:4; 2 Kings 11:19).
The Cherethites' consistent loyalty and military support for the Davidic kings suggest that they were a trusted and elite group of warriors, likely drawn from the Philistine tribe of the same name.