Original Word: תִּיצִי
Part of Speech: adjective, of a people
Transliteration: Tiytsiy
Pronunciation: tsee-tsee
Phonetic Spelling: (tee-tsee')
KJV: Tizite
NASB: Tizite
Word Origin: [patrial or patronymically from an unused noun of uncertain meaning]

1. a Titsite or descendant or inhabitant of an unknown Tits

Tizite

Patrial or patronymically from an unused noun of uncertain meaning; a Titsite or descendant or inhabitant of an unknown Tits -- Tizite.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
descriptive title of one of David's heroes
NASB Translation
Tizite (1).

תִּיצִי adjective, of a people (?): ׳הַתּ 1 Chronicles 11:45, unknown.

תִּירשׁ תִּירוֺשׁ see ירשׁ.

Biblical Context

The only occurrence of the designation appears in the Chronicler’s roster of David’s warriors: “Jediael son of Shimri and Joha his brother, the Tizite” (1 Chronicles 11:45). The Chronicler inserts this pair among the thirty-plus champions who rallied to David at various points during his rise and reign (1 Chronicles 11:10-47). Although the parallel catalogue in 2 Samuel 23 omits the Tizite, the addition in Chronicles underscores the breadth of support the king enjoyed, highlighting figures otherwise unrecorded in Samuel.

Placement among David’s Mighty Men

The Chronicler orders the names after the initial triad (verses 11-14) and the secondary trio (verses 15-19), then presents an expanded “thirty.” Joha the Tizite stands in the latter section, indicating that while he was not of the elite three, he was nevertheless counted among David’s most trusted fighters. By naming his brother Jediael alongside him, the text stresses family commitment to the king—two siblings who together pledged their prowess to the anointed leader of Israel.

Possible Geographic Origin

“Tizite” (Hebrew gentilic) points to an otherwise unknown locality, “Tiz” or “Tizi.” No firm archaeological or textual data identify its site. Suggestions range from a small Judean clan-settlement to a now-lost hamlet in the central highlands. The obscurity itself is instructive: Scripture records even the seemingly insignificant hometown so that no servant of God is forgotten before Him.

Historical and Military Significance

1. Loyalty during Turmoil: Those listed in 1 Chronicles 11 had joined David while Saul still ruled or during subsequent conflicts. Their allegiance entailed risk, marking them as men of conviction rather than opportunists.
2. Contribution to Consolidation: The military effectiveness of such men—seasoned, courageous, skilled in diverse weaponry—enabled David to secure borders (2 Samuel 5:17-25) and subdue hostile neighbors (2 Samuel 8). Though Joha’s specific exploits are unrecorded, his inclusion signals meaningful participation.
3. Brotherhood in Arms: Being named immediately after his brother Jediael hints at a family unit serving together, reflecting the Old Testament theme of households united in covenant loyalty (Joshua 24:15).

Theological Reflections

• God Honors the Faithful Unknown: Joha’s single biblical mention exemplifies how Scripture esteems faithfulness more than fame. In the divine record, obscurity on earth does not preclude eternal recognition (Hebrews 6:10).
• Unity Around God’s Anointed: The mighty men prefigure the church gathered around Christ, the greater Son of David (Matthew 22:41-45). Diverse backgrounds—Tekoites, Anathothites, Hushathites, and the lone Tizite—coalesced in service to one king, foreshadowing believers “from every tribe and tongue” united in Christ (Revelation 7:9).
• Nicknames of Grace: Gentilics like “the Tizite” remind readers that identity in God’s narrative is not erased but transformed. Ethnic and regional markers are acknowledged yet subordinated to covenant purpose (Galatians 3:28).

Application for Ministry

1. Valuing Unsung Servants: Leaders should recognize quiet contributors whose steadfastness buttresses the mission, following David’s acknowledgment of all his warriors.
2. Encouraging Family Participation: The pairing of Joha and Jediael encourages ministries to cultivate whole-household involvement, reinforcing generational faithfulness (2 Timothy 1:5).
3. Faithfulness Over Visibility: Modern servants called to obscure places can draw comfort from Joha’s legacy; significance flows from service to God’s King, not from human notice (Colossians 3:23-24).

Related Biblical Themes

• Lists of the Faithful: Nehemiah 3; Romans 16.
• Covenant Loyalty to the Anointed: 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 2 Samuel 15:18-22.
• God’s Record of Individuals: Malachi 3:16; Revelation 20:12.

In sum, the brief reference to the Tizite enlarges our appreciation for the varied, often concealed, instruments God employs to advance His kingdom.

הַתִּיצִֽי׃ התיצי׃ hat·tî·ṣî hattîṣî hattiTziInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts