1 Chronicles 20:6

KJV

And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of [great] stature, whose fingers and toes [were] four and twenty, six [on each hand], and six [on each foot]: and he also was the son of the giant.

KJV (with Strong's)

And yet again there was war {H4421} at Gath {H1661}, where was a man {H376} of great stature {H4060}, whose fingers {H676} and toes {H676} were four {H702} and twenty {H6242}, six {H8337} on each hand, and six {H8337} on each foot: and he also was the son {H3205} of the giant {H7497}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was again war at Gat, where there was a very tall man whose fingers and toes numbered twenty-four, six [fingers on each hand] and six [toes on each foot]; and he too was a son of the giant.

Berean Standard Bible

And there was still another 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,

American Standard Version

And there was again war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot; and he also was born unto the giant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 20:6 details a significant engagement during Israel's ongoing conflict with the Philistines, highlighting a particularly formidable adversary encountered at Gath. This verse describes a man of extraordinary stature, uniquely characterized by twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each limb, and explicitly identifies him as a direct descendant of the ancient race of giants. This detailed depiction not only underscores the immense challenges faced by David's kingdom but also sets the stage for the demonstration of God's unwavering power and the valor of His people in overcoming seemingly insurmountable foes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 20, a chapter dedicated to recounting several key battles against the Philistines, specifically emphasizing the defeat of various giants by David's mighty men. The Chronicler's primary aim in this section is to underscore the security and divine endorsement of David's kingdom, demonstrating God's faithfulness in granting victory over formidable enemies. This particular account directly parallels the narrative found in [2 Samuel 21:20](/2_samuel/21-20 "2 Samuel 21:20 - Parallel Account of the Giant at Gath"), indicating its importance in the historical record. The repeated encounters with giants, especially in their stronghold of [Gath](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath from Gath"), serve to remind the audience of the persistent threat posed by the Philistines and the continuous need for divine intervention and human courage in establishing Israel's dominion. The chapter collectively celebrates the valor of David's army and the divine assistance that secured his reign against persistent adversaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gath was one of the five principal Philistine cities, strategically located and a known stronghold for powerful warriors, including the infamous [Goliath](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath"). The Philistines, a formidable sea people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, were Israel's perennial enemies throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Their superior iron technology and military organization posed a significant threat to the nascent Israelite kingdom. The mention of "giants" (Hebrew: *Rephaim*) connects this narrative to a broader ancient Near Eastern understanding of a powerful, often feared, ancient race of exceptionally large individuals, sometimes associated with a pre-Israelite past or even mythical origins. Their continued presence and defeat by Israelite forces, therefore, carried profound cultural and theological weight, signifying the conquest of ancient, powerful, and seemingly unconquerable forces that stood against God's people and their promised inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed account of this giant at Gath contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's active role in protecting His covenant people and fulfilling His promises to secure their land and kingdom against overwhelming odds. The defeat of such an extraordinary foe underscores that the battle belongs to the Lord, and His strength is made perfect in weakness. Secondly, the description of a "man of great stature" with unique physical anomalies emphasizes the **Overcoming of Formidable Odds**, highlighting the extraordinary challenge he presented and, by extension, the courage and divine empowerment required to defeat him. This narrative reinforces the idea that with God's help, Israel can overcome seemingly insurmountable adversaries. Finally, the persistent presence and ultimate defeat of the **Legacy of Giants** signify a crucial step in establishing Israel's dominion over the land and its ancient, powerful inhabitants, symbolizing the triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing forces, both physical and spiritual. This narrative implicitly celebrates the **Valor of David's Mighty Men**, who, though not named in this specific verse, are the instruments of God's victory in the broader context of [1 Chronicles 20](/1_chronicles/20 "1 Chronicles 20 - Battles with Giants").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **מִדָּה (Hebrew, _middah'_):** The Hebrew word translated as "[great] stature" literally means "measure" or "dimension." In this context, it refers to an extraordinary physical measurement, specifically height and size. The KJV's bracketed "great" accurately captures the implied sense of unusual or exceptional proportions. This term emphasizes the giant's imposing physical presence, setting him apart from ordinary men and highlighting the formidable challenge he represented to the Israelite forces. It is not merely that he was tall, but that his dimensions were remarkable, making him a truly unique and intimidating figure.
* **רָפָא (Hebrew, _rapha'_):** This term, translated as "giant," is a singular form of *Rephaim*, referring to an ancient race of powerful and often exceptionally large people mentioned throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:11](/deuteronomy/2-11 "Deuteronomy 2:11 - The Rephaim in Moab")). The phrase "he also was the son of the giant" explicitly links this individual to this formidable lineage, indicating not just an isolated case of unusual size but a hereditary trait from a known, feared group. The *Rephaim* were often associated with powerful, pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan, and their defeat symbolized the conquest of the land and the establishment of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And yet again there was war at Gath":** This opening phrase indicates a recurring conflict, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the Philistines and the ongoing nature of the struggle for control of the land. "Gath" is specified as the location, a significant Philistine stronghold, which was historically associated with giants, most notably Goliath. The repetition of "war" emphasizes the continuous nature of the divine deliverance Israel experienced.
* **"where was a man of [great] stature":** This introduces the central figure of the verse, an individual of extraordinary physical dimensions. The description immediately sets him apart, signaling that this was no ordinary foe but one whose very presence would inspire awe and fear. This detail prepares the reader for the subsequent, even more unusual, physical characteristics.
* **"whose fingers and toes [were] four and twenty, six [on each hand], and six [on each foot]":** This is the most striking and unique detail of the verse. It describes polydactyly, a condition of having extra digits. The specific count of "six on each hand, and six on each foot" (a total of twenty-four) is highly unusual and serves to further emphasize the giant's monstrous and abnormal nature. This detail not only adds to his intimidating presence but also makes him a truly memorable and distinct adversary, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the challenge faced by the Israelite warriors.
* **"and he also was the son of the giant":** This concluding clause reaffirms his lineage, linking him directly to the *Rephaim* or the broader family of giants. It signifies that his extraordinary size and features were not an anomaly but part of a hereditary line, reinforcing the idea that Israel was confronting a formidable, established lineage of powerful enemies. This connection elevates the significance of his defeat, as it represents a victory over a persistent and feared ancient race.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 20:6 to emphasize the formidable nature of the enemy and the significance of his defeat. **Emphasis** is achieved through the highly specific and unusual physical description of the giant, particularly the detail about his twenty-four fingers and toes. This unique characteristic serves to magnify his monstrousness, making him stand out even among other giants and underscoring the extraordinary challenge he presented. This specific detail is not merely descriptive but serves to heighten the sense of an overwhelming obstacle. Furthermore, the use of **Parallelism** with the account in [2 Samuel 21:20](/2_samuel/21-20 "2 Samuel 21:20 - Parallel Account of the Giant") reinforces the historical veracity and importance of this event within the broader narrative of David's reign. The repeated mention of "war at Gath" also functions as **Repetition**, highlighting the persistent nature of the Philistine threat and, by extension, the ongoing need for divine intervention and Israelite valor. Finally, the giant himself can be seen as a **Symbol** of the overwhelming, seemingly unconquerable forces that oppose God's people, whether physical enemies or spiritual strongholds. His defeat, therefore, symbolizes God's power to overcome any obstacle, no matter how formidable or unusual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The encounter with the giant at Gath, with his extraordinary and intimidating physical characteristics, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's sovereignty and His unfailing protection over His people. The detailed description of the giant's unique polydactyly underscores the sheer enormity and unusual nature of the threat, making his defeat an even more profound testament to divine power rather than mere human strength. This narrative reinforces the biblical truth that no foe, however monstrous or seemingly unconquerable, can stand against the Lord and those He empowers. It highlights God's faithfulness in delivering Israel from persistent enemies, demonstrating that His plans for His covenant people will prevail despite the most formidable opposition. The recurring victories over these "giants" symbolize the triumph of God's kingdom over all forces of darkness and chaos, securing the promised land for His people.

* [Deuteronomy 2:11](/deuteronomy/2-11 "Deuteronomy 2:11 - The Rephaim in Moab")
* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the giant from Gath in 1 Chronicles 20:6 offers profound encouragement for believers facing overwhelming challenges in their own lives. Just as ancient Israel confronted literal giants whose very presence was designed to instill fear and despair, we too encounter "giants" in our contemporary existence. These giants may not be physical beings but can manifest as spiritual battles against unseen forces, overwhelming circumstances that seem insurmountable, persistent personal weaknesses or sins, or even societal injustices that appear too entrenched to overcome. This verse powerfully reminds us that the detailed, even grotesque, description of the giant only serves to amplify the magnitude of God's power in overcoming such seemingly impossible odds. It calls us to embody the courage and faith of David's mighty men, not by relying on our own limited strength or ingenuity, but by actively trusting in God's limitless power and faithfulness. Facing our "giants" with faith means acknowledging their formidable nature but simultaneously declaring that our God is infinitely greater, capable of delivering us from any foe, seen or unseen. This narrative encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that divine strength is made perfect in our weakness, and that no enemy is too great for the God who fights for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" (overwhelming challenges, persistent sins, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles) are you facing in your life today?**
* **How does the detailed and unusual description of the giant in this verse amplify the power of God in overcoming what appears to be an impossible foe?**
* **In what specific ways can you rely more fully on God's strength and less on your own when confronting the "giants" in your life?**
* **How does the historical defeat of literal giants by God's people encourage you in your spiritual battles against unseen forces of darkness?**

### FAQ

**Why is this specific detail about the giant's fingers and toes included?**

Answer: The inclusion of the detail about the giant having twenty-four fingers and toes (six on each hand and foot) serves several purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the extraordinary and abnormal nature of this particular giant, making him uniquely formidable and memorable. This specific physical anomaly (polydactyly) would have been highly unusual and would have underscored his monstrous and intimidating presence, distinguishing him even among other giants. Secondly, it highlights the magnitude of the victory achieved by Israel, demonstrating that God's power can overcome even the most bizarre and seemingly unconquerable threats. It adds to the narrative's drama and underscores the divine assistance at play, as such a foe would be exceptionally difficult to defeat by ordinary means.

**Is this the same giant mentioned in 2 Samuel, and if so, why is the account repeated?**

Answer: Yes, this account of the giant at Gath directly parallels the one found in [2 Samuel 21:20](/2_samuel/21-20 "2 Samuel 21:20 - Parallel Account of the Giant at Gath"). The repetition of the narrative in both Samuel and Chronicles underscores its historical significance and theological importance. While Samuel focuses more on the establishment and challenges of the monarchy, Chronicles, written for a post-exilic audience, emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant, the legitimacy of the Davidic line, and the importance of temple worship. By including this account, the Chronicler reinforces the theme of God's continuous deliverance of Israel through the valor of David's men, securing the kingdom against its persistent enemies, and demonstrating that the Lord fights for His people.

**What is the significance of Gath in this narrative?**

Answer: Gath was one of the five principal Philistine cities and a notorious stronghold for powerful warriors. It was famously the home city of [Goliath](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath from Gath"), whom David had defeated earlier in his life, a pivotal moment in Israelite history. The repeated mention of "war at Gath" in 1 Chronicles 20 indicates that it remained a significant point of conflict and a symbol of Philistine power and resistance. For giants to continually emerge from Gath reinforced its reputation as a hub of formidable enemies. Therefore, victories at Gath, especially over such uniquely powerful individuals, carried immense symbolic weight, signifying Israel's growing dominion over its most entrenched and powerful adversaries, further validating God's faithfulness to His promises regarding the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament accounts of Israel's battles against literal giants, such as the one described in 1 Chronicles 20:6, serve as powerful foreshadowings of Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual giants that plague humanity. Just as the physical "man of great stature" with his unusual features represented an overwhelming and seemingly unconquerable foe for Israel, so too do sin, death, and the dominion of Satan stand as formidable spiritual giants that no human strength or ingenuity could ever overcome. The detailed description of the giant's physical anomaly underscores the extraordinary nature of the threat, making the victory over him a testament to divine power. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the true Son of God and the greater David, confronts and decisively defeats the ultimate "giant" – the power of sin and death, and the works of the devil. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, [Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"), triumphing over them publicly. He faced the ultimate adversary, not with human weapons, but with perfect obedience and self-giving love, securing eternal victory for all who believe. His triumph over the grave (as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death and the Sting of Sin")) assures us that no "giant" in our lives, whether spiritual oppression, overwhelming temptation, or the fear of death, can ultimately stand against the power of His resurrection. He is the one who [destroys the works of the devil](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil") and offers true freedom and victory to all who trust in Him, enabling us to overcome our own "giants" through His indwelling power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 21:20

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.