And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

1 SAMUEL 17:4KJV
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1 Samuel 17:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:4 mean?

1 Samuel 17:4 introduces Goliath, a champion from the Philistine army, describing him as coming out from their camp and giving his height as six cubits and a span. This verse sets up Goliath as a formidable opponent by highlighting both his role and his extraordinary size.

This moment takes place as the Philistine and Israelite armies face each other in battle. The verse singles out Goliath by name and origin (from Gath), emphasizing his status and physical presence. By calling him a "champion" and specifying his height—likely over nine feet tall—it prepares the reader for the dramatic confrontation that follows.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:4

  • The word for "champion" combines two Hebrew words: אִישׁ (ish, meaning "man") and הַבֵּנַיִם (habbenayim, meaning "between the two"), together often understood as "the man between," or one who fights as a representative between two sides. This highlights that Goliath is not just any warrior but a designated challenger.
  • The measurement "six cubits and a span" uses אַמָּה (ammah, "cubit") and זֶרֶת (zeret, "span"). A cubit is roughly the length from elbow to fingertip, and a span is the width of an outstretched hand. This detail underscores Goliath’s extraordinary height in concrete, everyday terms for ancient readers.

Why 1 Samuel 17:4 matters

  • This verse clears up that Goliath was not just a large man but officially chosen to represent the Philistines in single combat, which was a recognized practice in ancient warfare.
  • The specific mention of Goliath’s height emphasizes the overwhelming odds faced by anyone who would challenge him, setting the stage for the significance of David’s later actions.
  • Naming Goliath’s hometown, Gath, connects him to one of the Philistine cities known for producing giants, adding historical and narrative weight to his introduction.

Where else these words appear

“champion” Hebrew H1143 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.

“span” Hebrew H2239 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 28:16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
  • Exodus 39:9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.
  • Isaiah 40:12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

“Goliath” Hebrew H1555 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.
  • 1 Samuel 21:9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
  • 2 Samuel 21:19 And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

“height” Hebrew H1363 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 3:4 And the porch that was in the front of the house, the length of it was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.
  • Psalms 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
  • Ezekiel 31:10 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;