Kittim

Kittim (Hebrew: כִּתִּים‎, Kittîm) is a biblical term, generally understood to refer to a people or a region associated with the island of Cyprus. The term appears several times in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), notably in the books of Genesis, Numbers, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, as well as in 1 Chronicles.

Historically, Kittim is believed to be derived from the ancient city of Kition (Citium), a Phoenician colony located on the southeastern coast of Cyprus, near modern-day Larnaca. The Phoenicians, who controlled much of the island at various times, are thought to have spread the name Kittim throughout the region.

In biblical prophecy, the term Kittim often carries connotations of maritime power and distant lands. In some passages, it's understood to represent a broader range of Mediterranean peoples, particularly those associated with seafaring activities and trade. Later Jewish tradition sometimes interpreted Kittim more broadly, associating them with the Roman Empire and, by extension, other Western powers.

The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, often translates Kittim as "Kittieis" or "Romans" depending on the context. This reflects the evolving understanding of the term over time, shifting from a specific geographic location to a more generalized designation for Western peoples and empires.

The exact meaning and scope of Kittim in the Hebrew Bible remains a subject of scholarly debate. Interpretations range from a specific reference to Cypriots or Phoenicians on Cyprus to a more symbolic representation of maritime or Western power.