Original Word: כְּרֵתִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Krethiy
Pronunciation: keh-reh-TEE
Phonetic Spelling: (ker-ay-thee')
Definition: Kerethites
Meaning: a Kerethite, life-guardsman

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to excise or to cut off.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for "Kerethi" in the Strong's Greek Dictionary, as it is a specific term related to a group within the Hebrew context.

Usage: The term "Kerethi" refers to a group of people known as the Kerethites. They are often mentioned alongside the Pelethites and are recognized as part of King David's elite guard. The Kerethites were likely a foreign group, possibly of Philistine origin, who served as mercenaries or royal bodyguards in Israel.

Cultural and Historical Background: The Kerethites, along with the Pelethites, were integral to the military and security apparatus of King David's reign. Their presence highlights the practice of employing foreign mercenaries in ancient Near Eastern royal courts. This practice was not uncommon, as foreign troops were often seen as more loyal to the king, having no local allegiances. The Kerethites' possible Philistine origin suggests a complex relationship between Israel and its neighbors, where former enemies could become trusted allies.

Word Origin
from karath
Definition
the foreign bodyguard of King David
NASB Translation
Cherethites (10).

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 Zephaniah 2:5; Ezekiel 25:15; on Crete as original home of Philistines, see כַּפְתֹּר, מְּלִשְׁתִּי); — הַכְּרֵתִי = substantive collective; — ׳נֶגֶב הַכּ 1 Samuel 30:14 (compare Dr; ᵐ5 B Ξολθει, ᵐ5^L Ξορρι A Ξερηθει); of soldiers of David's guard, וְהַמְּלֵתִי ׳הַכּ 2 Samuel 8:18 (read ׳עַלהַֿכּ Th We Dr and others) = 1 Chronicles 18:17; 2 Samuel 15:18; 2 Samuel 20:7 + 2 Samuel 20:23 Qr ( > Kt הכרי), 1 Kings 1:38,44 (ᵐ5 Ξελεθθει, Ξερεθθει, etc.); plural כְּרֵתִים Ezekiel 25:16 ("" מְּלִשְׁתִּים; ᵐ5. Κρῆτας); גּוֺי כְּרֵתִים Zephaniah 2:5 (ᵐ5 Κρητῶν; "" ארץ פלשׁתים): in Zephaniah 2:6 We reads כֶּרֶת = Philistia (see [כָרָה], below I. כרה).

כֶּשֶׂב, כִּשְׂבָּה see כֶבֶשׂ etc.

Cherethims, Cherethites

Probably from karath in the sense of executioner; a Kerethite or life-guardsman (compare tabbach) (only collectively in the singular as plural) -- Cherethims, Cherethites.

see HEBREW karath

see HEBREW tabbach

הַכְּרֵתִ֖י הַכְּרֵתִ֛י הכרתי וְהַכְּרֵתִ֖י וְהַכְּרֵתִ֥י והכרתי כְּרֵתִ֑ים כרתים hak·kə·rê·ṯî hakkereTi hakkərêṯî kə·rê·ṯîm kereTim kərêṯîm vehakkereTi wə·hak·kə·rê·ṯî wəhakkərêṯîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts