Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

1 SAMUEL 17:51KJV
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1 Samuel 17:51 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:51 mean?

1 Samuel 17:51 describes how David ran to the fallen Philistine, took the Philistine’s own sword, killed him, and cut off his head. When the Philistine army saw their champion was dead, they turned and fled in fear.

This verse takes place just after David has struck Goliath with a stone. David, a young Israelite, is facing the Philistine giant in single combat. The verse shows David’s boldness as he finishes off Goliath using Goliath’s own weapon, and it marks the turning point where the Philistines lose heart and flee, showing the dramatic shift in the battle.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:51

  • "Sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): The use of Goliath’s own sword by David emphasizes the reversal of power and the humiliation of the Philistine champion.
  • "Cut off" (כָּרַת, karat): This word means to sever or cut, and here it stresses the completeness of Goliath’s defeat—David not only kills him but also removes his head as proof.
  • "Champion" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This word refers to a mighty warrior. The Philistines’ confidence was tied to Goliath as their champion, so his death signals the collapse of their morale.

Why 1 Samuel 17:51 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Goliath was not only struck down but decisively killed and beheaded, removing any doubt about the outcome.
  • The detail that David used Goliath’s own sword underlines the dramatic reversal and God’s deliverance through unexpected means.
  • The Philistines’ immediate flight shows how much they depended on Goliath, highlighting the psychological impact of his defeat on the entire army.