גִּתַּיִם
𐤂𐤕𐤉𐤌
Gitayim
H1664 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A place name meaning 'two winepresses' or 'double winepress'; Gittayim refers to a locality identified by its characteristic of having two winepresses or being associated with wine production. In biblical narratives, it is presented as a settlement, with the form reflecting the dual construction common to Hebrew toponymy.
Semantic Range
place with two winepresses; settlement/locale distinguished by winepresses; dual form of 'gat' (winepress); name of a locality in Benjaminite territory
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root גת (gat), which means 'winepress,' with the dual ending -ַיִם (-ayim), indicating two or a pair; thus, 'the two winepresses.' This place name is a dual form, signifying a location distinguished by the presence of more than one winepress or an emphasis on abundant wine production. The dual ending is often used for places with features in pairs.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Gittayim appears as a settlement in biblical lists (e.g., Nehemiah 11:33, 2 Samuel 4:3) and is referenced in the context of population movements. The location is not certainly identified but was historically situated in the territory of Benjamin. The use of the dual form suggests either a geographic or economic feature—perhaps a site with two notable winepresses or a locality comprising two adjacent settlements associated with wine production. The English translation as 'Gittaim' or 'Gittayim' preserves the name but sometimes obscures its meaning. The description of this site as being in 'Palestine' or 'Philistine territory' in some older lexica reflects a generic gloss rather than specific historical-geographical accuracy. Gittayim should not be confused with the Philistine city of Gath (גַּת); while both share the root meaning 'winepress,' they are distinct locations. The interpretation of inhabitants as 'Gittites' or associated with Gath is mistaken in this case. The place name persists only in certain lists and does not become prominent in later Judean or post-exilic traditions. The translation tradition sometimes reflects late Second Temple or Christian usages by rendering all such toponyms as abstract or irrelevant, missing the agricultural implication. No evidence connects this name to broader religious or tribal identity beyond its local function.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
dual of גַּת; double winepress; Gittajim, a place in Palestine; Gittaim.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גת (g-t) — to press, to tread, to extract juice
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1660 | גַּת | in the grape-press |
| H1661 | גַּת | in Gath |
| H1663 | גִּתִּי | the man of Gath |
| H1665 | גִּתִּית | the Gath-melody |
| H1897 | הָגָה | the man from Gath |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1664-01 |
גִּתָּ֑יְמָ/ה | gitayemah | HNp/Sd |
to Gittaim | toward Two-Winepresses | 1 |
H1664-02 |
גִּתָּֽיִם | gitayim | HNp |
Gittaim | Two Winepresses | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1664-01 |
2 Samuel 4:3 | גִּתָּ֑יְמָ/ה | gitayemah | HNp/Sd |
to Gittaim | toward Two-Winepresses |
H1664-02 |
Nehemiah 11:33 | גִּתָּֽיִם | gitayim | HNp |
Gittaim | Two Winepresses |