Bible Dictionary
CARITES
The Carites were a body of troops or royal guards mentioned in connection with the overthrow of Athaliah and the coronation of Joash. A related reading appears in 2 Samuel 20:23.
Definition
The Carites were a body of troops or royal guards. They are mentioned in connection with the political events surrounding Athaliah and Joash.
Biblical Usage
The Carites appear in 2 Kings 11:4,19, where the King James Version reads “captains.” A related reading occurs in the Hebrew text of 2 Samuel 20:23, where it is offered instead of Cherethites.
Historical Background
The name is connected with a term meaning “one ready” or “life-guardsman,” indicating a military or palace-guard function.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kar'-i-tez (kari) , ("one ready," "life-guardsman"): A body of troops mentioned in 2Ki 11:4,19 (the King James Version "captains"). Instead of CHERETHITES (which see), the Kethibh of 2Sa 20:23 offers the reading Carites.</p>