אִטִּי (it.ti)
it.ti
mutterer; softly
H:N-M / H:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M / H:Adv
Word Overview
The Hebrew word itti functions as both an adverb and a noun, primarily conveying the idea of gentleness or softness. When used adverbially, it describes actions performed gently, softly, or with a flowing manner. This sense of quiet ease stands in contrast to loud or forceful behavior, offering a linguistic picture of calm restraint.
As a substantive noun, itti takes on a darker shade of meaning, referring to a mutterer or someone who speaks in low tones. In Isaiah 19:3, the term describes the spirit of Egypt as one that mutters, likely pointing to necromancers or enchanters who whisper charms and secrets rather than speaking openly. This usage highlights how soft speech can mask hidden intentions.
The word appears only six times in the Hebrew Bible, with significant occurrences in Isaiah and Job. Its rarity suggests a specific literary purpose: to evoke either delicate care or secretive murmuring depending on context. Translators often render it as "gently" or "softly," though the noun form requires more careful handling to capture the nuance of whispering or enchantment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word itti paints a picture of quiet strength. It describes moving gently or speaking softly, avoiding loud force. In Genesis 33:14, Jacob asks to lead his family gently, matching the pace of the weak children and tired livestock. This shows that true care often means slowing down for others.
Yet the word carries a shadow too. In Isaiah 19:3, it describes muttering spirits or charmers who whisper secrets. Soft speech can hide hidden agendas. The Bible warns us against using quiet tones to manipulate or deceive.
We are invited to use gentleness as a tool of love, not control. When we speak softly or act with restraint, we reflect God’s patience. Let your words and actions build trust, not suspicion. Quiet care is a powerful witness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ gentleness2×
- to/ gentleness/ my1×
- to <the>/ gentleness1×
- the/ mutterer1×
- dejectedly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/אַ֥ט1×
- לְ/אַט\־1×
- לְ/אַ֑ט1×
- לְ/אִטִּ֗/י1×
- הָ֣/אִטִּ֔ים1×
- אַֽט\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 33:14
Please let my lord pass over before his servant, and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the livestock that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord to Seir.”
Jacob uses this term to describe leading his family at the slow pace of the weak, showing gentleness as protective care.
-
II Samuel 18:5
The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” All the people heard when the king commanded all the captains concerning Absalom.
David commands his generals to deal gently with Absalom, highlighting how authority can be exercised with mercy rather than harshness.
-
Isaiah 19:3
The spirit of the Egyptians will fail within them. I will destroy their counsel. They will seek the idols, the charmers, those who have familiar spirits, and the wizards.
The term describes the muttering spirit of Egypt, linking soft speech to secretive and deceptive practices like necromancy.