Boy Old Testament Known
Ittai
Ittai
אִתַּי it.tay
Ittai (Hebrew: אִתַּי, it.tay) is a biblical name; its Hebrew etymology is not securely established. Two men in scripture bear the name; the best attested is a warrior. In 2025 it was given to 7 children in the United States. Use is rising. Appears with Abishai in 2 Samuel 18.
Which Ittai?
Two men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
-
Ittai
-
Ittai
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 8 across 2 books
- Bearers
- 2 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Old
- Era
- United Monarchy
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 7 | Rising |
| All-time total | 35 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 8 in 2009 | Its highest year on record |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 2 Samuel 15:19 |
| Last appears | 1 Chronicles 11:31 |
| Cross-references | 75 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Ribai co-occurrence Appears with Ribai in 2 Samuel 23.
- Baanah co-occurrence Appears with Baanah in 2 Samuel 23.
- Abishai co-occurrence Appears with Abishai in 2 Samuel 18.
- Heleb co-occurrence Appears with Heleb in 2 Samuel 23.
- Benaiah co-occurrence Appears with Benaiah in 1 Chronicles 11.
- Joab co-occurrence Appears with Joab in 2 Samuel 18.
- Absalom co-occurrence Appears with Absalom in 2 Samuel 18.
- Zeruiah co-occurrence Appears with Zeruiah in 2 Samuel 18.
Origin & meaning
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.19
§ Ittai or Ithai = "with me"
1) a Gittite commander from Gath in David's army
2) one of David's 30 mighty warriors, a Benjamite
Ittai the Gittite was a commander who remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion.
The biblical story
Ittai the Gittite was a commander of six hundred men who remained loyal to King David during the rebellion of his son Absalom (2Sa.15.19-22). Ittai was from Gath, a Philistine city, and had only recently come to join David's forces (2Sa.15.20).
When David was fleeing from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion, he urged Ittai to return to the city with his blessing, as he was a foreigner and exile (2Sa.15.19-20). However, Ittai pledged his unwavering loyalty to David, vowing to follow him whether it meant life or death (2Sa.15.21). Moved by Ittai's devotion, David allowed him and his men to accompany him (2Sa.15.22).
During the battle against Absalom's forces, David appointed Ittai as one of the three commanders of his army, alongside Joab and Abishai (2Sa.18.2). David specifically ordered these commanders to deal gently with Absalom for his sake (2Sa.18.5). After Absalom's death, Ittai was among those who heard David's lament for his son (2Sa.18.12).
Ittai's loyalty to David, despite being a foreigner and newcomer, showcases the king's ability to inspire devotion among his followers. It also highlights the importance of faithfulness and commitment in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by Ittai's willingness to stand by David during a time of crisis.
Key verses
Ittai appears in 6 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.
2 Samuel 15:19 -
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.
2 Samuel 15:21 -
And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.
2 Samuel 15:22 -
And David sent forth a third part of the people 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. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
2 Samuel 18:2 -
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
2 Samuel 18:5
Show all 6 references
2 Samuel (6)
- 2 Samuel 15:19
- 2 Samuel 15:21
- 2 Samuel 15:22
- 2 Samuel 18:2
- 2 Samuel 18:5
- 2 Samuel 18:12