חַגִּית

Chaggith, a wife of David

Definition

Chaggith is the name of a wife of King David, specifically the mother of his son Adonijah. As a proper noun, it refers solely to this individual in the biblical text. She is mentioned in the genealogical lists of David's sons born in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:4, 1 Chronicles 3:2) and plays a significant role in the narrative of the succession crisis, as her son Adonijah later attempts to claim the throne (1 Kings 1:5, 1:11, 2:13). The name itself carries a meaning, but it is not used with different senses across the passages.

Biblical Usage

The name Chaggith is used exclusively in the context of King David's family and the royal succession. It appears five times in the Old Testament: twice in historical lists of David's sons (2 Samuel 3:4, 1 Chronicles 3:2) and three times in the narrative of 1 Kings, where her son Adonijah's failed bid for the throne is detailed (1 Kings 1:5, 1:11, 2:13). Its usage is consistently as a proper name identifying this specific person within the royal household.

Etymology

The name Chaggith (חַגִּית) is the feminine form of the Hebrew word Chaggi (חַגִּי, H2291), which means 'festive' or 'pertaining to a feast.' It is derived from the root חָגַג (chagag, H2287), meaning 'to hold a festival, to celebrate.' Therefore, the name likely carries the sense of 'festive one' or 'celebrant,' possibly indicating she was born during a festival or that her parents wished for a celebratory character.

Semantic Range

While the name Chaggith itself is not theologically loaded, her role is significant within the biblical narrative of God's covenant with David. As the mother of Adonijah, she is part of the complex family dynamics that test God's promise that Solomon would inherit the throne (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). Her story illustrates the human intrigue and conflict surrounding the Davidic line, against which God's sovereign choice and fulfillment of His word are clearly demonstrated. Understanding her identity enriches the reading of the succession narrative, highlighting the contrast between human ambition and divine election.

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. A name like Chaggith ('festive') may reflect the circumstances of her birth, her parents' hopes, or her perceived character. As a wife of David, she held a position within the royal harem, which conferred status but also placed her and her children in the politically volatile environment of court succession. Her son's claim to the throne was a serious political maneuver, reflecting the common ancient Near Eastern practice where sons of royal wives vied for power.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Related are other names of David's wives, such as: Abigail (אֲבִיגַיִל, H26) — another wife of David, known for her wisdom. Maacah (מַעֲכָה, H4601) — a wife of David and mother of Absalom.

Word Details

Scripture References