The meaning of “כְּרֵתִי”
Understanding Kᵉrêthîy reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
probably from כָּרַת in the sense of executioner; (compare טַבָּח) (only collectively in the singular as plural) Chereth...
כְּרֵתִי
probably from כָּרַת in the sense of executioner; (compare טַבָּח) (only collectively in the singular as plural) Cherethims, Cherethites. - § Cherethites = "executioners" - a Kerethite or life-guardsman 1) a group of foreign mercenary soldiers serving as a bodyguard for king David; also executioners 2) either Cretans or proto-Philistines (in general)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Samuel 30:14 | “We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.” Word: כְּרֵתִי (Kᵉrêthîy) | |
| 2 Samuel 20:7 | “And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.” Word: כְּרֵתִי (Kᵉrêthîy) | |
| 1 Kings 1:44 | “And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king’s mule:” Word: כְּרֵתִי (Kᵉrêthîy) | |
| 1 Chronicles 18:17 | “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king. ” Word: כְּרֵתִי (Kᵉrêthîy) | |
| Ezekiel 25:16 | “Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.” Word: כְּרֵתִי (Kᵉrêthîy) |