Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 20:6 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 20:6 describes another battle at Gath, where a man of unusual size fought against Israel; this man had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, totaling twenty-four, and he was also a descendant of the giant. The verse highlights the extraordinary physical traits of this enemy warrior and his connection to a line of giants. This verse is part of a section where the chronicler recounts Israel’s conflicts with the Philistines, specifically mentioning notable opponents from Gath. The description of the man’s extra fingers and toes sets him apart as remarkable and intimidating, emphasizing the challenges Israel faced. The mention that he was the “son of the giant” links him to earlier figures like Goliath, showing that Israel continued to face formidable foes even after Goliath’s defeat.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 20:6

Accepted Answer

The word for “war” is מִלְחָמָה (milchamah, H4421), which often refers to organized conflict or battle; its use here situates the story within the ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Philistines. “Gath” is גַּת (Gath, H1661), a Philistine city known as the home of giants like Goliath; mentioning Gath signals to the reader that this was a place associated with formidable enemies. “Stature” is מִדָּה (middah, H4060), meaning size or measure; the verse uses it to stress the man’s extraordinary physical presence. The word for “giant” is רָפָא (rapha, H7497), which refers to a group of ancient giants called the Rephaim; this connects the man to a legendary lineage of unusually large warriors.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 20:6 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that Israel’s battles with giants did not end with Goliath; there were other descendants of giants who continued to threaten Israel. The detail about the man’s six fingers and toes underlines his unusual nature, making the victory over him more significant and memorable for the original audience. By linking this enemy to the giants of Gath, the chronicler connects the story to earlier events and reinforces the theme of God’s help in overcoming even the most intimidating foes.

1 Chronicles 20:6 (KJV)