Original Word: עִיט
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: `iyt
Pronunciation: eet
Phonetic Spelling: (eet)
Definition: Bird of prey, vulture
Meaning: to swoop down upon

fly, rail

A primitive root; to swoop down upon (literally or figuratively) -- fly, rail.

[עִיט] verb scream, shriek (Arabic , II. scream, scold, screaming, scolding, Frey Dozy^{ii. 195}; Syriac anger, reviling); — only

Qal Imperfect3masculine singular וַיָּ֫עַט בָּהֶם 1 Samuel 25:14 and he screamed at them (of Nabal).

[עִיט] verb denominative dart greedily (like a bird of prey); —

Qal Imperfect3masculine singular וַיַּ֫עַט Qr (Kt:erroneous ויעשׂ) 1 Samuel 14:32 and the people darted greedily upon the spoil (אֶלהַֿשָּׁלָל, so 2 masculine singular וַתַּ֫עַט 1 Samuel 15:19 (on forms see Ges^{§ 72} f f.).

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G2827 (κραιπαλάω, kraipaláō): This Greek term is not a direct equivalent but shares the concept of being overwhelmed or overtaken, often used in the context of drunkenness or dissipation.
• G3729 (ὀρμάω, hormáō): This Greek verb means to rush or to set in rapid motion, similar to the swift action described by עִיט. It conveys the idea of a sudden and forceful movement, akin to the swooping action of a bird of prey.

These Greek terms, while not direct translations, capture the essence of rapid and decisive action, paralleling the Hebrew concept of עִיט in their respective contexts.

Usage: This verb is used in the context of birds of prey or other entities that swoop down quickly and with intent, often to seize or attack.

Context: The Hebrew verb עִיט (ʿîṭ) is a vivid term that conveys the action of swooping down, akin to the behavior of birds of prey such as eagles or hawks. This action is characterized by a rapid and decisive movement, often with the purpose of capturing or attacking. The term is used metaphorically in the Hebrew Bible to describe not only the literal action of birds but also the swift and aggressive actions of individuals or nations.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the term is used to illustrate the sudden and forceful nature of certain actions. For example, in Job 9:26, the swiftness of life is compared to the speed of a swooping eagle: "They skim by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey." This imagery underscores the fleeting and often uncontrollable nature of life, much like the unpredictable and rapid descent of a bird of prey.

The use of עִיט in the Hebrew Bible often carries connotations of urgency and inevitability, reflecting the natural instincts of predatory birds. This term enriches the biblical narrative by providing a powerful visual metaphor for speed, aggression, and the inevitability of certain events or actions.

וַיָּ֥עַט וַתַּ֙עַט֙ ויעט ותעט vaiYaat vatTaat wat·ta·‘aṭ watta‘aṭ way·yā·‘aṭ wayyā‘aṭInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts