And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but 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.

2 SAMUEL 23:21KJV
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2 Samuel 23:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:21 mean?

2 Samuel 23:21 describes how one of David’s mighty warriors killed a notable Egyptian man who was armed with a spear, even though the warrior himself only had a staff at first. The warrior managed to take the spear from the Egyptian and then killed him with his own weapon.

This verse is part of a list highlighting the extraordinary deeds of David’s elite fighters. The story shows the courage and skill of the warrior, who faced a powerful opponent and turned the enemy’s strength against him. The verse is meant to illustrate the bravery and resourcefulness that set David’s men apart.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:21

  • The word "goodly" is from the Hebrew טוֹאַר (to'ar), which means "appearance" or "form." Here, it suggests the Egyptian was impressive or striking in appearance, possibly large or imposing, not just physically attractive.
  • The word "staff" is from שֵׁבֶט (shevet), which usually means a rod or staff, often a simple wooden stick, emphasizing the contrast between the warrior’s humble weapon and the Egyptian’s spear.
  • The verb "plucked" comes from גָּזַל (gazal), which means to seize or snatch away by force. This highlights the boldness and quick action of the warrior in taking the spear from the Egyptian.

Why 2 Samuel 23:21 matters

  • This verse clears up that the victory was not just about strength but about courage and quick thinking, as the warrior started with only a staff and still overcame a better-armed foe.
  • The story emphasizes the extraordinary nature of David’s mighty men, showing that their reputation came from real, daring acts, not just battlefield numbers.
  • By mentioning the Egyptian’s impressive appearance and weapon, the verse underlines the odds the warrior faced, making his victory stand out even more in the context of David’s legendary warriors.

Where else these words appear

“Egyptian” Hebrew H4713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 12:12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
  • Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
  • Deuteronomy 23:7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

“plucked” Hebrew H1497 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
  • Job 20:19 Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;
  • Jeremiah 21:12 O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

“spear” Hebrew H2595 · used in 40 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
  • 1 Samuel 26:8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
  • 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.

“goodly” Hebrew H4758 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Deuteronomy 28:34 So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
  • Ezekiel 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.