CERETEOS
(prob. Cretans). Nation or tribe that dwelt in Philistia or its southern region (1 Sam. 30:14; Ez. 25:16; Zeph. 2:5, 6). It is possible that they could be identified with the Philistines who came from Caphtor, or that they were a group that emigrated directly from Crete.
Ceretheans were the constituents of King David’s “body guard” (2 Sam. 8:18; 15:18; 23:23). In three places the Hebrew text mentions, instead of the Cherethites, the Carians (2 Sam. 20:23; 2 Kings 11:4,19).