אִתַּי (it.tay)
it.tay
Ittai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Ittai is a proper name appearing eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the narratives of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. The name itself carries the meaning "with me," a semantic detail that resonates deeply with the character’s actions in the biblical text.
The most significant figure bearing this name was a Gittite commander from Gath who served in King David’s army. During Absalom’s rebellion, Ittai demonstrated extraordinary loyalty by refusing to leave David’s side despite being offered the chance to return home (2 Samuel 15:19-22). His steadfastness marked him as one of David’s trusted warriors, illustrating personal fidelity in a time of political chaos.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ittai was a foreigner from Gath who chose to stand with King David during his darkest hour of rebellion. His name means 'with me,' and he lived up to that promise by refusing to leave the king, even when David offered him safe passage back home. This story shows us that true loyalty is not about convenience or status, but about choosing to stay close to those we love when things get hard.
For your own life, this word reminds you that you are never truly alone in your struggles. Just as Ittai walked with David through exile and war, God walks with you through your own seasons of uncertainty. You do not need to have a perfect track record or belong to the 'right' group to be valued; simply staying faithful and present is what matters most.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ittai9×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אִתַּי֙3×
- אִתַּ֣י2×
- אִתַּ֤י1×
- אִתַּ֛י1×
- אִתַּ֖י1×
- אִיתַ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 15:21
Ittai answered the king and said, “As Yahweh lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king is, whether for death or for life, your servant will be there also.”
Ittai uses this vow to declare his unconditional commitment to David, linking his fate directly to the king's whether in death or life.
-
II Samuel 15:19
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Return, and stay with the king; for you are a foreigner and also an exile. Return to your own place.
David’s offer for Ittai to return home highlights the Gittite’s status as an outsider, making his choice to stay even more significant.
-
II Samuel 18:2
David sent the people out, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the people, “I will also surely go out with you myself.”
Ittai is given command of a third of David’s army, showing that his loyalty earned him high military trust and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ittai mean?
Was Ittai an Israelite?
Why is Ittai mentioned in the list of David's mighty men?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)
II Samuel 7 verses
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Return, and stay with the king; for you are a…
II Samuel 15:21Ittai answered the king and said, “As Yahweh lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the…
II Samuel 15:22David said to Ittai, “Go and pass over.” Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones who…
II Samuel 18:2David sent the people out, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of…
II Samuel 18:5The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” All the…
II Samuel 18:12The man said to Joab, “Though I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I still wouldn’t stretch out my…
II Samuel 23:29Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,