Pelethites. [Pel'ethites]
These formed a part of David's guard. They are always grouped with the Cherethites. It is uncertain from whence they came or what the name signifies. 2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 1:15; 2 Samuel 1:20, 2 Samuel 1:20; 1 Kings 1:1, 1 Kings 1:1; 1 Chronicles 1:18. Gesenius calls them 'public couriers,' doubtless because peleth means 'swiftness.' The LXX and Vulgate leave the name untranslated. Some trace the word to the Philistines.