1 Chronicles 20:5

Translation
King James Version
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And there was war H4421 again with the Philistines H6430; and Elhanan H445 the son H1121 of Jair H3265 slew H5221 Lahmi H3902 the brother H251 of Goliath H1555 the Gittite H1663, whose spear H2595 staff H6086 was like a weaver's H707 beam H4500.
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Complete Jewish Bible
There was more war with the P'lishtim; and Elchanan the son of Ya'ir killed Lachmi the brother of Golyat the Gitti, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver's beam.
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Berean Standard Bible
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.
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American Standard Version
And there was again war with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
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World English Bible Messianic
There was again war with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And there was yet another battell with the Philistims: and Elhanan the sonne of Iair slewe Lahmi, the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spearestaffe was like a weauers beame.
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Young's Literal Translation
And there is again war with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair smiteth Lahmi, brother of Goliath the Gittite, the wood of whose spear is like a beam of weavers.
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See also
2 Samuel 21:191 Samuel 22:101 Samuel 17:41 Samuel 17:71 Samuel 21:9
See on the biblical-era map
The Conquest of Rabbah
The Conquest of Rabbah View full PDF
Wars with the Philistines
Wars with the Philistines View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 10,932 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 20:5 records a significant battle during King David's reign where Elhanan, one of David's mighty men, defeats Lahmi, explicitly identified as the brother of Goliath the Gittite. The verse vividly describes Lahmi's formidable spear, likening its staff to a weaver's beam, thereby underscoring the immense stature and strength of this Philistine foe. This account serves as a crucial clarification of parallel biblical texts and highlights God's ongoing faithfulness in granting victory to Israel over persistent and seemingly insurmountable enemies.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within a section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 11-29) that meticulously chronicles the reign of King David. The Chronicler's primary focus in this broader narrative is to emphasize David's military successes, the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital, and the detailed preparations for the future temple. More specifically, 1 Chronicles 20 details several decisive victories against Israel's long-standing adversaries, particularly the Philistines, following the successful siege of Rabbah (1 Chronicles 20:1-3). Verses 4-8 form a distinct pericope dedicated to recounting the slaying of four Philistine giants by David's elite warriors. The Chronicler's inclusion of these specific accounts serves a dual purpose: to underscore God's unwavering faithfulness in granting victory to His chosen people and to legitimize David's kingship by showcasing the divine favor and strength that characterized his reign. This particular verse is of paramount importance due to its complementary relationship with 2 Samuel 21:19, providing a vital clarification that resolves a potential textual ambiguity.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Philistines represented a formidable and enduring adversary for ancient Israel. Originating from the Aegean Sea region, they had settled in the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, establishing a powerful confederation known as the "Philistine Pentapolis" (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath). Their military superiority, largely attributed to their advanced iron technology and organized military structure, posed a continuous threat to Israelite sovereignty throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The explicit mention of "Goliath the Gittite" and his brother Lahmi points directly to Gath, one of the primary Philistine cities, which was renowned as a stronghold for the Rephaim, a race of giants frequently referenced in ancient Near Eastern texts and biblical accounts (e.g., Deuteronomy 2:10-11). The vivid description of Lahmi's spear staff as "like a weaver's beam" is a significant cultural reference. An ancient weaver's beam was a substantial, heavy wooden roller, often several feet long and thick, used in looms to wind up the finished cloth. This simile powerfully conveys the extraordinary size and strength of these giant warriors and the immense challenge they presented to Israel.

  • Key Themes: Several profound themes emerge from 1 Chronicles 20:5. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates the theme of Continued Conflict and Divine Victory. Despite the established kingdom under David, the Philistine threat persisted, highlighting the ongoing nature of both physical and spiritual battles. Yet, the narrative consistently demonstrates God's active and decisive involvement in granting victory to His people, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. Secondly, the verse underscores the Prowess of Israel's Warriors, particularly David's esteemed "mighty men." Elhanan, though perhaps less renowned than David himself, is presented as a capable and divinely empowered instrument, showcasing that God uses diverse individuals to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Thirdly, the Defeat of Giant Foes serves as a potent symbol for overcoming overwhelming obstacles through divine strength. The repeated accounts of giant-slaying within this chapter reinforce God's absolute ability to subdue any enemy, echoing the iconic victory of David over Goliath. Finally, and critically, this verse contributes to the theme of Biblical Accuracy and Complementary Accounts. It exemplifies how different biblical texts can illuminate and clarify one another, providing a more complete and precise understanding of historical events, particularly in its crucial clarification of the account found in 2 Samuel 21:19.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Lahmi (Hebrew, Lachmî', H3902): This proper name is of immense importance for harmonizing the biblical accounts. While the Masoretic Text of 2 Samuel 21:19 states that Elhanan slew "Goliath the Gittite," 1 Chronicles 20:5 explicitly clarifies that he slew "Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite." Scholarly consensus, supported by ancient versions like the Septuagint of 2 Samuel, suggests that "Lahmi" or "the brother of" was likely omitted or corrupted in some manuscripts of the 2 Samuel text. The Chronicler, known for his meticulous record-keeping and theological precision, provides the fuller and more accurate detail, ensuring that David's unique and iconic victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17) remains distinct, while still acknowledging Elhanan's significant feat against Goliath's brother.
  • Gittite (Hebrew, Gittîy', H1663): This gentilic adjective identifies Lahmi as originating from Gath, one of the five principal Philistine city-states. Gath was notoriously known as a stronghold for individuals of unusual stature, including Goliath himself. This geographical descriptor not only reinforces the formidable nature of the Philistine giants but also directly links Lahmi to the lineage and origin of his more famous brother, Goliath, thereby further emphasizing the immense challenge Elhanan faced in battle.
  • Beam (Hebrew, mânôwr', H4500): This word, used in the phrase "weaver's beam," describes the massive size and weight of Lahmi's spear staff. A "weaver's beam" (with "weaver" from H707, ʼârag) in ancient times was a substantial, heavy wooden cylinder, often many feet long and thick, used in a loom to roll up the finished cloth. Comparing a spear staff to such an object immediately conveys the extraordinary scale of the weapon and, by extension, the immense stature and strength of its wielder. This striking detail is also used to describe Goliath's spear in 1 Samuel 17:7, creating a direct and intentional parallel between the two giant brothers and their formidable weaponry.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And there was war again with the Philistines": This opening clause immediately establishes the persistent and recurring nature of the conflict between Israel and its primary adversary, the Philistines. It signals that despite previous victories and the establishment of David's kingdom, the struggle for dominance, security, and the fulfillment of God's promises was ongoing, underscoring the constant need for vigilance and divine intervention.
  • "and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite": This is the central action of the verse, identifying the victorious Israelite warrior, Elhanan, and precisely naming his formidable opponent, Lahmi. The crucial detail "the brother of Goliath the Gittite" serves to distinguish this giant from the more famous Goliath slain by David, providing essential clarity and preventing confusion with the parallel account in 2 Samuel. It highlights the continued presence of giant warriors among the Philistines and the ongoing, formidable threat they posed to Israel.
  • "whose spear staff [was] like a weaver's beam": This descriptive clause provides a powerful and vivid visual image of Lahmi's weapon. The simile "like a weaver's beam" emphasizes the extraordinary size and weight of the spear, indicating that Lahmi, much like his brother Goliath, was a giant of immense physical prowess. This detail not only underscores the formidable nature of the foe Elhanan defeated but also implicitly magnifies the achievement of Elhanan, who, empowered by God, overcame such a powerful adversary.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several effective literary devices to enhance its impact and clarity. The most prominent is Simile, as powerfully demonstrated in the phrase "whose spear staff [was] like a weaver's beam." This direct comparison vividly conveys the immense size and formidable nature of Lahmi's weapon and, by extension, his own extraordinary physical stature. It allows the reader to immediately grasp the overwhelming challenge Elhanan confronted. There is also a subtle yet significant use of Allusion or Parallelism in the description of Lahmi's spear, which intentionally echoes the description of Goliath's spear in 1 Samuel 17:7. This literary echo links the two brothers, reinforcing the idea of a lineage of formidable giants and emphasizing the recurring nature of the Philistine threat. Furthermore, the Chronicler's specific inclusion of "Lahmi the brother of Goliath" serves as a form of Clarification or Harmonization, meticulously addressing a potential ambiguity or textual variant found in the parallel account in 2 Samuel. This demonstrates the careful and complementary nature of the biblical record, where one passage sheds light on another to provide a more complete truth.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The account of Elhanan's victory over Lahmi, Goliath's formidable brother, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His people and His ability to grant victory against overwhelming odds. It serves as a potent reminder that God's power is not limited to the most famous heroes; rather, He actively uses and empowers a diversity of individuals, even those less prominent in the grand narrative, to accomplish His sovereign purposes. This victory, alongside other triumphs recorded in 1 Chronicles 20, contributes to the larger theological narrative of God establishing and securing His kingdom through David's reign, thereby demonstrating His faithfulness to the covenant promises made to Israel. It profoundly teaches that while human enemies may be formidable and seemingly insurmountable, God's strength working through His chosen instruments is always sufficient to overcome them, ultimately ensuring the safety, prosperity, and divine purposes for His people.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The narrative of Elhanan conquering Lahmi offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. Just as ancient Israel faced persistent "giants" in the form of the Philistines, we too encounter formidable challenges in our lives—be they spiritual battles, overwhelming circumstances, societal pressures, or deeply personal struggles that seem insurmountable. This verse powerfully reminds us that God equips and empowers His people to confront these "giants," not through our own inherent strength or capabilities, but through His divine enabling and indwelling Spirit. Elhanan, though not as universally renowned as King David, was nonetheless a vital instrument in God's overarching plan, teaching us that every believer, regardless of their perceived prominence or position, has a crucial role to play in God's kingdom and is divinely empowered for their specific calling. Furthermore, the textual clarification provided by 1 Chronicles 20:5, which harmonizes with 2 Samuel 21:19, encourages a deeper trust in the meticulous nature of Scripture and its internal consistency, assuring us that God's Word is reliable, coherent, and illuminates itself. We are therefore called to step out in faith, trusting that the same God who empowered Elhanan to slay a giant will equip and enable us for the unique battles we face in our lives today, granting us victory through His strength.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "giants" are you currently facing in your life—be they spiritual, emotional, relational, or circumstantial—and how might God be calling you to confront them in His strength rather than your own?
  • How does the clarity provided by 1 Chronicles 20:5, in relation to 2 Samuel 21:19, deepen your trust in the complementary and self-interpreting nature of the inspired Scriptures?
  • In what specific ways can you, like Elhanan, be a faithful instrument of God's victory and purpose within your sphere of influence, even if your contributions seem less prominent than others?

FAQ

How does 1 Chronicles 20:5 relate to 2 Samuel 21:19, and why is the Chronicler's account considered more accurate?

Answer: The relationship between 1 Chronicles 20:5 and 2 Samuel 21:19 is a classic example of biblical harmonization and textual criticism. In the King James Version, 2 Samuel 21:19 reads, "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." However, the Masoretic Text (the traditional Hebrew text from which most Old Testament translations are derived) of 2 Samuel 21:19 actually states that Elhanan "slew Goliath the Gittite." The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 20:5 explicitly clarifies this by stating Elhanan slew "Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite."

Scholars widely agree that the Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles is the more precise and accurate version for several compelling reasons:

  1. Textual Variants: The Septuagint (LXX), an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, for 2 Samuel 21:19 also includes the phrase "the brother of" before Goliath. This suggests that this phrase was present in older Hebrew manuscripts of Samuel but was either lost or corrupted in the Masoretic Text of Samuel over time.
  2. Chronicler's Purpose: The Chronicler often provides additional details or clarifies ambiguities found in the books of Samuel and Kings, likely drawing on other historical records or traditions available to him. His aim was to present a clear, consistent, and theologically coherent history for the post-exilic community.
  3. Preserving David's Unique Victory: If Elhanan had slain Goliath, it would directly contradict the iconic and foundational narrative of David's unique victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. The Chronicler's account preserves the distinctness and significance of David's triumph while still honoring Elhanan's very real and significant achievement. Therefore, 1 Chronicles 20:5 is crucial for understanding that Elhanan defeated Goliath's brother, Lahmi, not Goliath himself.

Who was Elhanan, and why is his victory significant?

Answer: Elhanan was one of King David's renowned "mighty men," a select group of elite warriors known for their extraordinary courage, strength, and military prowess (he is mentioned in lists such as 2 Samuel 23:24 and 1 Chronicles 11:26). While not as famous as David or some of the "Three" or "Thirty" mighty men, his inclusion in these esteemed lists and the specific mention of his victory over Lahmi underscore his importance and the divine favor upon his actions.

His victory is significant for several reasons:

  1. Divine Empowerment of Many: It powerfully demonstrates that God's power and ability to grant victory are not limited to one individual (like David) but actively work through many of His faithful servants. Elhanan's triumph is a clear testament to God empowering His people to overcome seemingly impossible odds, regardless of their individual fame.
  2. Continued Threat of Giants: The defeat of Lahmi, Goliath's brother, clearly shows that the Philistine threat, particularly from their formidable giant warriors, persisted even after David's famous victory. This highlights the ongoing nature of spiritual and physical warfare that Israel continually faced, requiring sustained faith and divine intervention.
  3. Security of the Kingdom: Each victory over these formidable Philistine foes contributed directly to the security and stability of David's nascent kingdom, allowing for the consolidation of Israelite power and the eventual establishment of the centralized temple worship, which was a central theological concern for the Chronicler. Elhanan's act was a crucial component in securing God's people in the promised land and advancing His kingdom purposes.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The defeat of Lahmi, Goliath's formidable brother, by Elhanan serves as a powerful and profound foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate and decisive victory over the spiritual "giants" that plague humanity. Just as Lahmi's immense spear, described as "like a weaver's beam," symbolized an overwhelming physical threat to Israel, so too do sin, death, and Satan represent spiritual adversaries of insurmountable power for fallen humanity. The Old Testament accounts of giant-slaying, from David's iconic triumph over Goliath to Elhanan's victory over Lahmi, all point forward to the one true and ultimate "Giant-Slayer," Jesus Christ. He did not merely defeat a physical foe but triumphed over the cosmic powers of darkness, spoiling principalities and powers and making a public spectacle of them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). By His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ conquered death itself and utterly disarmed the one who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, thereby setting free those who were held in slavery throughout their lives by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Elhanan's victory was a partial, temporal deliverance for the nation of Israel; Christ's victory is a complete, eternal deliverance for all who believe, fulfilling the promise of ultimate triumph over every enemy, culminating in death being swallowed up in victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). He is the true and greater David, whose victory ensures our eternal freedom and security.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20 verses 4–8

The Philistines were nearly subdued (Ch1 18:1); but, as in the destruction of the Canaanites by Joshua the sons of Anak were last subdued (Jos 11:21), so here in the conquest of the Philistines the giants of Gath were last brought down. In the conflicts between grace and corruption there are some sins which, like these giants, keep their ground a great while and are not mastered without much difficulty and a long struggle: but judgment will be brought forth unto victory at last. Observe, 1. We never read of giants among the Israelites as we do of the giants among the Philistines - giants of Gath, but not giants of Jerusalem. The growth of God's plants is in usefulness, not in bulk. Those who covet to have cubits added to their stature do not consider that it will but make then more unwieldy. In the balance of the sanctuary David far outweighs Goliath. 2. The servants of David, though men of ordinary stature, were too hard for the giants of Gath in every encounter, because they had God on their side, who takes pleasure in abasing lofty looks, and mortifying the giants that are in the earth, as he did of old by the deluge, though they were men of renown. Never let the church's friends be disheartened by the power and pride of the church's enemies. We need not fear great men against us while we have the great God for us. What will a finger more on each hand do, or a toe more on each foot, in contest with Omnipotence? 3. These giants defied Israel (Ch1 20:7) and were thus made to pay for their insolence. None are more visibly marked for ruin that those who reproach God and his Israel. God will do great things rather than suffer the enemy to behave themselves proudly, Deu 32:27. The victories of the Son of David, like those of David himself, are gradual. We see not yet all things put under him; but it will be seen shortly: and death itself, the last enemy, like these giants, will be triumphed over.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 4–8. Public domain.
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Richard ChallonerAD 1781
2 Samuel 21:19 reads "the son of the Forrest," so it is rendered in the Latin Vulgate, by giving the interpretation of the Hebrew names, which are Elhanan the son of Jaare.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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