1 Samuel 17:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:6 mean?

1 Samuel 17:6 describes part of Goliath’s armor, saying he wore bronze coverings on his legs and carried a bronze shield or javelin slung between his shoulders. The verse emphasizes how heavily armored and well-equipped Goliath was as he faced the Israelites.

This verse is part of the story where the Philistine champion Goliath is introduced, and the details come from a narrator describing Goliath’s appearance to the reader. By listing the impressive armor, the verse highlights the intimidating presence of Goliath, setting the stage for the dramatic encounter between him and David.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:6

• "Greaves" (מִצְחָה, mitsḥah, H4697) refers to protective armor for the legs, which was not common for ordinary soldiers, showing Goliath’s elite status.
• "Brass" (נְחֹשֶׁת, neḥoshet, H5178) means bronze or copper, a strong metal in ancient times, underlining the quality and weight of Goliath’s gear.
• "Legs" (רֶגֶל, regel, H7272) simply means feet or legs, clarifying that the armor covered from the knee down.
• "Target" (כִּידוֹן, kidon, H3591) is often understood as a javelin or spear, but here it may refer to a curved shield or a weapon slung over Goliath’s back.
• "Shoulders" (כָּתֵף, katef, H3802) means shoulders, indicating the position where the shield or weapon was carried.

Why 1 Samuel 17:6 matters

• This verse helps the reader understand why Goliath was so intimidating—his armor was not only heavy but also unusually complete, even covering his legs.
• The detailed description sets up a sharp contrast with David, who later faces Goliath with no armor at all, highlighting the difference in their approaches and resources.
• By focusing on Goliath’s equipment, the verse builds suspense and emphasizes the apparent mismatch between the two opponents, making David’s victory even more striking.