And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

1 SAMUEL 17:7KJV
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1 Samuel 17:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:7 mean?

1 Samuel 17:7 describes the massive size and weight of Goliath’s spear, saying its shaft was as thick as a weaver’s beam and its iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels. The verse also notes that a man carrying Goliath’s shield walked ahead of him.

This verse is part of the story where the Philistine warrior Goliath is being introduced before his battle with David. The details about Goliath’s weapons and armor are meant to highlight his intimidating strength and the overwhelming challenge he posed to the Israelites. The mention of the shield-bearer shows Goliath’s status as a champion who was well-equipped and protected.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:7

  • "staff" (עֵץ, ʿets; קָנֶה, qāneh): The word used here refers to the shaft or handle of Goliath’s spear, emphasizing its unusual thickness and sturdiness.
  • "weaver's" (אֹרֵג, ʾōrēg) and "beam" (מַנּוֹר, mannōr): These words together compare the spear’s shaft to the heavy wooden bar used in a loom, suggesting it was much thicker than a normal spear.
  • "six hundred shekels" (שֵׁשׁ־מֵאוֹת שֶׁקֶל, shesh-me’ot sheqel): This is a very large weight, often estimated at about 15–17 pounds (7–8 kg), showing just how heavy and formidable the spearhead was.
  • "shield" (צִנָּה, tsinnāh): This word refers to a large, body-length shield, not a small round one, making it clear that Goliath had significant protection in addition to his offensive weapons.

Why 1 Samuel 17:7 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that Goliath was just a tall man; the description of his weapons shows he was equipped far beyond ordinary soldiers, making the challenge to David even more dramatic.
  • By mentioning the shield-bearer, the verse highlights Goliath’s status and the seriousness with which the Philistines treated this confrontation.
  • This detailed description sets up the contrast between Goliath’s physical might and David’s faith, which is a central theme in the wider story.

Where else these words appear

“beam” Hebrew H4500 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.
  • 1 Chronicles 20:5 And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam.

“weaver's” Hebrew H707 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 28:32 And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.
  • Judges 16:13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.
  • 1 Chronicles 20:5 And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam.

“head” Hebrew H3852 · used in 19 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Isaiah 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

“shield” Hebrew H6793 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:12 And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.
  • Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.