גִּבְעָתִי (giv.a.ti)
giv.a.ti
Gibeathite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The Hebrew term givati, appearing only once in the Old Testament, identifies a person as a Gibeathite, or inhabitant of Gibeah. This gentilic adjective is derived from the noun gibeah (H1390), which literally means "hill" or "height." Consequently, the word describes someone whose origin lies in that specific elevated settlement.
Its sole biblical occurrence is found in 1 Chronicles 12:3. The text lists these individuals among the warriors who joined David at Ziklag before he became king over all Israel. By identifying them specifically as Gibeathites, the chronicler connects this group to the tribe of Benjamin and the town of Gibeah, a place with significant history in the early narratives of Israel.
Understanding this word requires looking at its root. Gibeah was not just any hill; it was a prominent location associated with the Benjaminites. The term givati serves as a simple geographic marker, distinguishing these fighters by their hometown while linking them to the broader tribal identity recorded in the genealogies and military rolls of the Davidic era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word givati appears only once in Scripture, identifying a man as a Gibeathite from the town of Gibeah. This simple label connects an individual to his family roots and tribal heritage within Benjamin. It reminds us that God knows each person by name and origin.
In 1 Chronicles 12:3, these men are listed among the warriors who joined David at Ziklag. Their loyalty during a difficult time shows how personal faithfulness strengthens the community. Your own background and history are part of God's larger story for your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Gibeathite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/גִּבְעָתִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 12:3
The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite;
This verse uses givati to identify Ahiezer and Joash by their hometown, linking them to Benjamin's military tradition as they support David.