And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.

2 SAMUEL 21:20KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 21:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 21:20 mean?

2 Samuel 21:20 describes a battle in the Philistine city of Gath, where an unusually large man fought against Israel. This man is noted for having six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four digits in total—and is identified as a descendant of the giants.

The verse is part of a section recounting Israel’s ongoing conflicts with the Philistines. The writer highlights the extraordinary physical traits of this warrior to emphasize his connection to the "giants" (descendants of Rapha) who were known for their size and strength. The mention of Gath, a Philistine stronghold, and the detailed description of the man’s hands and feet, underline the unusual and intimidating nature of Israel’s enemies during this period.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 21:20

  • גַּת (Gath, H1661): This is the name of a major Philistine city, often associated with giants like Goliath. Its mention roots the story in a real, historically significant location.
  • רָפָה (giant, H7497): This word refers to the "giants" or descendants of Rapha, a group known for their great size. Identifying the man as "born to the giant" connects him to a legendary lineage of formidable opponents.
  • שֵׁשׁ (six, H8337) and עֶשְׂרִים (twenty, H6242): The specific numbers highlight the abnormality of the man’s physical features, making his appearance even more remarkable to the original audience.

Why 2 Samuel 21:20 matters

  • This verse clears up that the "giants" faced by Israel were not just legendary figures but had real, physical characteristics that set them apart, such as extra fingers and toes.
  • The detail about the man’s lineage and physical traits connects this battle to earlier stories of giants in the land, showing a continued struggle against these foes.
  • By naming Gath and emphasizing the man’s stature, the verse ties this event to the broader narrative of Israel’s conflicts with the Philistines and their most famous giant, Goliath.

Where else these words appear

“stature” Hebrew H4055 · used in 12 verses

  • Leviticus 6:10 And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.
  • 1 Samuel 4:12 And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.
  • 2 Samuel 20:8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.

“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.

“fingers” Hebrew H676 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
  • Leviticus 9:9 And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:
  • Psalms 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

“Gath” Hebrew H1661 · used in 31 verses

  • Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
  • 1 Samuel 27:3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:21 And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.