עִיט (it)

to scream; to pounce

H5860 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

H:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb it means to let out a sharp cry or shriek, but in Scripture it carries a vivid secondary sense: to swoop down like a bird of prey. This dual meaning captures both the sound and the action of sudden, aggressive movement. It is not a gentle approach, but a rapid, greedy rush toward something.

Its three occurrences in the Bible highlight this predatory imagery. In 1 Samuel 25:14, it describes the servants of Nabal acting with haste and aggression, likened to birds diving for their meal. The word evokes a visual of talons closing or beak striking, emphasizing urgency and intent rather than mere noise.

Though rare, its usage anchors the reader in a concrete physical image. Translators often render it as "scream" or "shriek," but the underlying concept involves a sudden, forceful descent. This word reminds us that biblical language often blends auditory and visual elements to convey intensity.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word it carries a vivid weight, describing both a sharp cry and the sudden swoop of a bird of prey. It is not a gentle approach but a rapid, aggressive rush toward something desired. This imagery reminds us that our desires can sometimes mimic this predatory instinct—hastily grabbing at what we want without regard for proper order or reverence.

In 1 Samuel 25:14, the term describes servants acting with urgent haste, likened to birds diving for a meal. This concrete image helps us see how quickly impatience can turn into forceful action. When we feel that same urge to seize control or demand immediate results, we might pause and consider the tone of our hearts.

God invites us to examine these moments of intensity. Rather than letting urgency drive our steps, we can look to His timing. Even when desires are strong, there is grace in slowing down. This word encourages a gentle reflection on how we pursue what matters most in our daily lives.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ it rushed1×
and/ he shouted1×
and/ did you rush?1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וַ/תַּ֙עַט֙1×
וַ/יָּ֥עַט1×
וַ/יַּ֤עַט1×

Key Verses

I Samuel 25:14
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master; and he insulted them.

This occurrence uses the verb to describe servants acting with urgent haste, likened to birds diving for a meal, highlighting the sudden and aggressive nature of their response.
I Samuel 14:32
and the people pounced on the plunder, and took sheep, cattle, and calves, and killed them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood.

Here the word describes the people pouncing on plunder, emphasizing a greedy and forceful rush to take what was available rather than waiting for proper instruction.
I Samuel 15:19
Why then didn’t you obey Yahweh’s voice, but took the plunder, and did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight?”

Samuel uses this context to question why Saul disobeyed God’s voice by taking the plunder, linking the act of seizing goods with a failure to heed divine authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word עִיט (it) mean?

It means to scream or shriek, but also carries a strong secondary sense of pouncing or swooping down like a bird of prey. The word blends auditory and visual elements to convey sudden, aggressive movement toward something desired.

How is this word different from other words for 'cry'?

While many Hebrew words simply mean to make noise, עִיט specifically implies a forceful descent or rush. It is not just about sound but about the action of grabbing or seizing with urgency, often linked to predatory behavior.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only three times, all in 1 Samuel. These occurrences describe acts of hasty plundering or aggressive response, such as when Saul’s people took plunder or when Nabal’s servants acted with urgent haste.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

I Samuel 3 verses

I Samuel 14:32

and the people pounced on the plunder, and took sheep, cattle, and calves, and killed them on the ground; and the…

I Samuel 15:19

Why then didn’t you obey Yahweh’s voice, but took the plunder, and did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight?”

I Samuel 25:14

But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to…