And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.

2 SAMUEL 21:16KJV
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2 Samuel 21:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 21:16 mean?

2 Samuel 21:16 describes a moment when Ishbibenob, a descendant of the giants, tried to kill David during a battle. The verse highlights the threat Ishbibenob posed by mentioning the heavy weight of his spear and his new sword, showing he was a formidable opponent.

This scene takes place during a period of ongoing conflict between the Philistines and Israel. David, now older, is still leading his people in battle. Ishbibenob, identified as one of the "sons of the giant," targets David specifically, suggesting David's life was in real danger. The verse sets up the seriousness of the situation and the need for David's men to protect him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 21:16

  • גִּבּוֹן (Ishbibenob, transliterated "Yishbivnov"): This name marks the attacker as a unique individual, and the text links him to the giants, connecting back to earlier stories of formidable enemies in Israel's history.
  • רָפָא (giant, transliterated "rapha’"): This word refers to a group of ancient giants, often called the Rephaim, emphasizing that Ishbibenob was not just any warrior but descended from a legendary line.
  • נְחֹשֶׁת (brass, transliterated "nechoshet"): The mention of a spear weighing "three hundred shekels of brass" underlines the extraordinary strength required to wield such a weapon, making Ishbibenob's threat to David even more serious.
  • חָדָשׁ (new, transliterated "chadash"): The detail that Ishbibenob was "girded with a new sword" suggests he was well-equipped and possibly eager to prove himself in battle.

Why 2 Samuel 21:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David faced real, physical threats even late in his reign, countering any idea that his later years were free from danger.
  • The mention of Ishbibenob's lineage and weaponry connects this battle to earlier stories of giants like Goliath, reminding readers of ongoing challenges Israel faced.
  • The verse sets up the following narrative, where David's men step in to protect him, marking a turning point where David is no longer able to fight alone and needs the support of his warriors.

Where else these words appear

“sons” Hebrew H3211 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Genesis 17:27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
  • Joshua 15:14 And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

“giant” Hebrew H7497 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 14:5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
  • 2 Samuel 21:22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

“girded” Hebrew H2296 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • 2 Samuel 3:31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
  • Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

“weight” Hebrew H4948 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
  • Numbers 7:67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 28:14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service: