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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 17:4 Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/17-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/09_1Sa_17_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath's Challenge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/17-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/17-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:3">◄</a> 1 Samuel 17:4 <a href="/1_samuel/17-5.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17.htm">New International Version</a> A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! <a href="/esv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a> And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a> And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then a champion came forward from the army encampment of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath. His height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then a champion came out from the camps of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then a champion came out from the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then a champion named Goliath, from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was nine feet, nine inches tall <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then a champion named Goliath, from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was nine feet, nine inches tall <a href="/asv/1_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Philistine army had a hero named Goliath who was from the town of Gath and was about three meters tall. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Philistine army's champion came out of their camp. His name was Goliath from Gath. He was ten feet tall. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> A man named Goliath, from the city of Gath, came out from the Philistine camp to challenge the Israelites. He was over nine feet tall <a href="/isv/1_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> A champion named Goliath from Gath came out from the Philistine camp. He was four cubits and a span tall, <a href="/msb/1_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, <a href="/net/1_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a> Then a champion came out from the camp of the Philistines. His name was Goliath; he was from Gath. He was close to seven feet tall. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> There went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six feet eight inches. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And there went out a champion from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose hight was six cubits and a span. <a href="/web/1_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a> A champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span went out. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And a man goes out, the champion from the camps of the Philistines, his name [is] Goliath, from Gath; his height [is] six cubits and a span [[or four cubits and a span]], <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And there goeth out a man of the duellists from the camps of the Philistines, Goliath is his name, from Gath; his height is six cubits and a span, <a href="/slt/1_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And there went forth a man of the sons of the camp of the rovers, Goliah his name, from Gath; his height six cubits and a span.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And there went out a man baseborn from the camp of the Philistines named Goliath, of Geth, whose height was six cubits and a span: <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And there went out from the camp of the Philistines, a man of illegitimate birth, named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a palm. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a> A champion named Goliath of Gath came out from the Philistine camp; he was six cubits and a span tall. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And there went out a mighty man from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And a giant man went out from the camp of the Philistines, Gulyath was his name, from Gath, his height was six cubits and a half cubit<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And there went out a champion from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And there went forth a mighty man out of the army of the Philistines, Goliath, by name, out of Geth, his height was four cubits and a span. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/17-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4651" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/17.htm">Goliath's Challenge</a> …3The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them. 4<a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">Then a champion</a> <a href="/hebrew/1143.htm" title="1143: hab·bê·na·yim (Art:: N-md) -- A double interval, the space between two armies. Dual of beyn; a double interval, i.e. The space between two armies."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">named</a> <a href="/hebrew/1555.htm" title="1555: gā·lə·yāṯ (N-proper-ms) -- A Philistine giant. Perhaps from galah; exile; Goljath, a Philistine.">Goliath,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1661.htm" title="1661: mig·gaṯ (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- Wine press, a Philistine city. The same as gath; Gath, a Philistine city.">who was from Gath,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">came out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">from the Philistine</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: mim·ma·ḥă·nō·wṯ (Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">camp.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8337.htm" title="8337: šêš (Number-fs) -- Masculine shishshah; a primitive number; six (see suws) beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. Sixth.">He was six</a> <a href="/hebrew/520.htm" title="520: ’am·mō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Prolonged from 'em; properly, a mother (below the elbow), i.e. A cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance).">cubits</a> <a href="/hebrew/2239.htm" title="2239: wā·zā·reṯ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A span. From zarah; the spread of the fingers, i.e. A span.">and a span</a> <a href="/hebrew/1363.htm" title="1363: gā·ḇə·hōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Height. From gabahh; elation, grandeur, arrogance.">in height,</a> 5and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/11-22.htm">Joshua 11:22</a> No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. <a href="/numbers/13-33.htm">Numbers 13:33</a> We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” <a href="/deuteronomy/2-10.htm">Deuteronomy 2:10-11</a> (The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. / Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites. <a href="/deuteronomy/3-11.htm">Deuteronomy 3:11</a> (For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.) <a href="/2_samuel/21-16.htm">2 Samuel 21:16-22</a> Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” / Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha. ... <a href="/1_chronicles/20-4.htm">1 Chronicles 20:4-8</a> Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, ... <a href="/judges/1-20.htm">Judges 1:20</a> Just as Moses had promised, Judah gave Hebron to Caleb, who drove out the descendants of the three sons of Anak. <a href="/amos/2-9.htm">Amos 2:9</a> Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below. <a href="/genesis/6-4.htm">Genesis 6:4</a> The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown. <a href="/deuteronomy/9-2.htm">Deuteronomy 9:2</a> The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?” <a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32-34</a> And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Revelation 21:8</a> But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29</a> Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a> The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.Goliath<a href="/1_samuel/17-23.htm">1 Samuel 17:23</a> And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.<a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">1 Samuel 21:9,10</a> And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me… <a href="/2_samuel/21-19.htm">2 Samuel 21:19</a> 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.of Gath<a href="/1_samuel/27-4.htm">1 Samuel 27:4</a> And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.<a href="/joshua/11-22.htm">Joshua 11:22</a> 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.<a href="/2_samuel/21-16.htm">2 Samuel 21:16-22</a> 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… whose height<a href="/deuteronomy/3-11.htm">Deuteronomy 3:11</a> For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.<a href="/1_chronicles/11-23.htm">1 Chronicles 11:23</a> 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.<a href="/amos/2-9.htm">Amos 2:9</a> Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.six cubits According to Bp.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Camps</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-11.htm">Champion</a> <a href="/joshua/3-4.htm">Cubits</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-23.htm">Duellists</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">Height</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">Hight</a> <a href="/judges/4-13.htm">Nine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-19.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-2.htm">Six</a> <a href="/exodus/39-9.htm">Span</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">Tall</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">Tents</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-17.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-53.htm">Camps</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-23.htm">Champion</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-2.htm">Cubits</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-23.htm">Duellists</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Height</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-2.htm">Hight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-8.htm">Nine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-19.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-7.htm">Six</a> <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Span</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Tall</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-17.htm">Tents</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 17</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">Goliath challenges a combat</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge</a> 28. <a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">Eliab chides him</a> 30. <a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">He is brought to Saul</a> 32. <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">shows the reason of his confidence</a> 38. <a href="/1_samuel/17-38.htm">and slays the giant</a> 55. <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">Saul takes notice of David</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then a champion named Goliath The term "champion" refers to a warrior who represents his people in combat. Goliath's role as a champion highlights the Philistine strategy of single combat to decide the outcome of the battle, a practice seen in ancient warfare. Goliath's name, meaning "exile" or "soothsayer," may reflect his role as a formidable opponent and a figure of intimidation. His presence sets the stage for a confrontation that emphasizes God's power over human strength.who was from Gath Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities, located in the coastal region of Canaan. Archaeological evidence suggests Gath was a significant and fortified city during this period. The Philistines were known for their advanced military technology, including iron weaponry, which gave them an advantage over the Israelites. Gath's association with giants is noted in other biblical passages, such as <a href="/2_samuel/21-20.htm">2 Samuel 21:20-22</a>, where other descendants of giants are mentioned.came out from the Philistine camp The Philistines were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal plains of Canaan. Their camp was likely positioned strategically to challenge Israelite forces. The act of Goliath coming out from the camp signifies a direct challenge to Israel, emphasizing the Philistines' confidence in their champion. This scene sets the stage for the dramatic encounter between David and Goliath, highlighting the tension between the two nations.He was six cubits and a span in height A cubit is generally considered to be about 18 inches, and a span is approximately 9 inches, making Goliath's height around 9 feet 9 inches. This extraordinary height would have made Goliath an imposing figure, contributing to the fear he instilled in the Israelite army. The description of Goliath's size underscores the seemingly insurmountable challenge he posed, setting the stage for a demonstration of God's power through David. This account foreshadows the New Testament theme of God using the weak to confound the strong, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/goliath.htm">Goliath</a> A giant warrior from Gath, representing the Philistine army. His physical stature and armor symbolize the formidable challenges and opposition faced by the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/g/gath.htm">Gath</a> One of the five Philistine city-states, known for producing formidable warriors like Goliath. It represents the stronghold of the enemy against God's people. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philistine_camp.htm">Philistine Camp</a> The encampment of the Philistine army, which was in opposition to Israel. It signifies the worldly powers and forces that stand against God's purposes. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of God, who were challenged by Goliath and the Philistines. They represent believers who face spiritual battles and trials. 5. <a href="/topical/v/valley_of_elah.htm">Valley of Elah</a> The location where the battle between David and Goliath took place. It serves as a backdrop for God's deliverance and victory through faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/facing_giants_with_faith.htm">Facing Giants with Faith</a> Just as David faced Goliath with faith in God, believers are called to confront their own "giants"—challenges and fears—by trusting in God's power and promises. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_enemy.htm">Understanding the Enemy</a> Recognizing the nature and tactics of our spiritual adversaries helps us prepare and stand firm in our faith, much like understanding Goliath's threat was crucial for Israel. <a href="/topical/g/god's_deliverance.htm">God's Deliverance</a> The account of Goliath underscores God's ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds, encouraging believers to rely on His strength rather than their own. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_armor.htm">Spiritual Armor</a> Just as Goliath was physically armored, believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand against spiritual challenges, as outlined in <a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">Ephesians 6</a>. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_obedience.htm">Courage in Obedience</a> David's courage to face Goliath was rooted in his obedience and relationship with God, reminding us that true courage comes from aligning our actions with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17</a> <a href="/q/was_goliath_truly_'six_cubits_and_a_span'.htm">How could Goliath realistically be “six cubits and a span” tall (1 Samuel 17:4)? </a> <a href="/q/what_was_goliath's_height.htm">What was Goliath's height?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_beat_goliath.htm">How did David defeat the giant Goliath?</a> <a href="/q/what's_gath's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is Gath's significance in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 4-7. - A champion. Literally, "a man of the two middles," i.e. one who enters the space between the two armies in order to decide the contest by a single combat. Of Gath. In <a href="/joshua/11-21.htm">Joshua 11:21</a> this town is mentioned, together with Gaza and Ashdod, as still having among its inhabitants men of the race of Anak. Whose height was six cubits and a span. In our measure his height was eight feet five and one-third inches; for the cubit is sixteen inches, and the span (really the hand-breadth) is five and one-third inches. A span, sit, is eight inches, but the word used here is zereth. See on these measures, Conder, 'Handbook,' p. 79. This height, though very great, has been attained to in modern times. Armed with a coat of mail. Literally, "clothed in a shirt of scales," i.e. a corselet made of metal scales sewn on cloth so as to overlap one another. It was flexible, and protected the back and sides as well as the kent. Five thousand shekels of brass. Really copper, as brass was then unknown. Conder gives the shekel as equal to two-thirds of an ounce. This would make the corselet weigh at least two hundred weight, an enormous load to carry even for a short time. Goliath's other equipments correspond in heaviness, and largely exceed the weight of medieval suits of armour. Greaves of brass upon his legs. The thighs were protected by the corselet, so that only the legs required defensive armour. This would account for the weight of the corselet, as it was much longer than the cuirass, as worn by the Greeks and Romans. A target. Really, "a javelin." It was carried at the back, ready to be taken in the hand and thrown at the enemy when required. The versions have a different reading - magan, shield, for chidon, javelin. The shield was carried before him by an armour bearer. The staff. The written text has a word which usually signifies shaft, arrow, for which the Kri substitutes wood, the noun actually found in <a href="/2_samuel/21-19.htm">2 Samuel 21:19</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/20-5.htm">1 Chronicles 20:5</a>; but most probably the word used here is an archaic name for the handle or staff of a spear. Six hundred shekels. The weight of the iron head of the spear would be about twenty-five pounds. However tall and strong Goliath may have been, yet with all this vast weight of metal his movements must have been slow and unready. He was got up, in bet, more to tell upon the imagination than for real fighting, and though, like a castle, he might have been invincible if attacked with sword and spear, he was much too encumbered with defensive armour to be capable of assuming the offensive against a light armed enemy. To David belongs the credit of seeing that the Philistine champion was a huge imposition. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/17-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then a champion אִֽישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person named שְׁמ֖וֹ (šə·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name Goliath, גָּלְיָ֥ת (gā·lə·yāṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1555.htm">Strong's 1555: </a> Goliath -- a Philistine giant who was from Gath, מִגַּ֑ת (mig·gaṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1661.htm">Strong's 1661: </a> Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city came out וַיֵּצֵ֤א (way·yê·ṣê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim from the Philistine פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia camp. מִמַּחֲנ֣וֹת (mim·ma·ḥă·nō·wṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> An encampment, an army He was six שֵׁ֥שׁ (šêš) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8337.htm">Strong's 8337: </a> Six (a cardinal number) cubits אַמּ֖וֹת (’am·mō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_520.htm">Strong's 520: </a> A mother, a cubit, a door-base and a span וָזָֽרֶת׃ (wā·zā·reṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2239.htm">Strong's 2239: </a> The spread of the fingers, a span in height, גָּבְה֕וֹ (gā·ḇə·hōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1363.htm">Strong's 1363: </a> Elation, grandeur, arrogance <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 17:4 There went out a champion out (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/17-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>