1 Samuel 17:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there went out {H3318} a champion {H376}{H1143} out of the camp {H4264} of the Philistines {H6430}, named {H8034} Goliath {H1555}, of Gath {H1661}, whose height {H1363} was six {H8337} cubits {H520} and a span {H2239}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There came out a champion from the camp of the P'lishtim named Golyat, from Gat, who was nine feet nine inches tall.

Berean Standard Bible

Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height,

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse introduces Goliath, the formidable Philistine champion from Gath, whose extraordinary height of "six cubits and a span" immediately establishes him as a colossal and intimidating figure. His emergence sets the stage for the epic confrontation with Israel, highlighting the seemingly insurmountable human odds against God's people and preparing the reader for a dramatic display of divine power through an unexpected hero.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Samuel 17:4 immediately follows the description of the two opposing armies—Israel and the Philistines—encamped on opposite sides of the Valley of Elah, poised for battle ([1 Samuel 17:1-3](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1-3 - Armies Arrayed for Battle")). The introduction of Goliath shifts the narrative focus from a general military standoff to a specific, high-stakes challenge. His description as a "champion" (Hebrew: _ish habbenayim_, "man of the two-between") signals the Philistine intent to resolve the conflict through single combat, a practice designed to minimize casualties for the main armies. This verse, therefore, serves as the dramatic entry point for the central antagonist, establishing the overwhelming threat that will paralyze the Israelite forces and set the stage for David's unexpected intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful and perennial enemy of Israel during the period of the Judges and early monarchy, often clashing over territory and dominance in the coastal plain and Shephelah regions. Their military prowess, including superior iron weaponry, posed a significant challenge to Israel. The practice of single combat, where a designated warrior from each side would fight to determine the outcome of a larger conflict, was known in the ancient Near East as a way to avoid full-scale, bloody battles. Goliath's origin from Gath is significant; Gath was one of the five principal Philistine city-states and was historically associated with the Anakim, a race of giants mentioned in various Old Testament texts ([Deuteronomy 2:10-11](/deuteronomy/2-10 "Deuteronomy 2:10-11 - The Anakim in Moab")). His immense height, measured in cubits and spans (ancient units of measurement, with a cubit roughly 18-21 inches and a span about 9 inches), would have made him a truly terrifying sight, emphasizing the cultural and physical intimidation he was designed to inflict.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative of 1 Samuel and the Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Human Weakness Versus Divine Strength**. Goliath's colossal stature and formidable presence highlight the seemingly insurmountable odds facing Israel, implicitly setting up the need for divine intervention since no ordinary human could overcome such a foe. Secondly, it emphasizes **The Imposing Threat of the Enemy**, personified by Goliath, whose very description is designed to instill fear and demoralize the opposing army, as evidenced by Israel's reaction in [1 Samuel 17:11](/1_samuel/17-11 "1 Samuel 17:11 - Saul and Israel Dismayed"). Thirdly, the specific mention of his origin from **Gath and the Anakim** reinforces his extraordinary, almost mythical, nature, further cementing his role as a symbol of the overwhelming challenges God's people often face. The narrative then pivots to demonstrate that God's power is not limited by human strength or stature, often choosing the weak and unexpected to accomplish His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Champion (Hebrew, _ish habbenayim'_):** This term literally translates to "man of the two-between" or "man of the interspace." It specifically refers to a designated warrior who steps out between two opposing armies to engage in single combat, acting as a representative whose victory or defeat would decide the larger battle. This highlights Goliath's specific role as a duelist, not just a general warrior, and underscores the high stakes of his challenge.
* **Gath (Hebrew, _Gath'_):** One of the five major Philistine city-states (along with Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron). Gath was a significant Philistine stronghold and is notably mentioned in connection with the Anakim, a race of giants, in other biblical texts (e.g., [Joshua 11:22](/joshua/11-22 "Joshua 11:22 - Remnants of the Anakim")). Goliath's origin from Gath thus reinforces his extraordinary, almost legendary, stature and strength, connecting him to a lineage of formidable adversaries.
* **Six cubits and a span (Hebrew, _shesh 'ammot wazaret'_):** This precise measurement denotes Goliath's immense height. While the exact modern equivalent varies slightly based on the length of a cubit (typically 18-21 inches) and a span (half a cubit or about 9 inches), this would place his height between approximately 9 feet 9 inches (using an 18-inch cubit) and 11 feet 4 inches (using a 21-inch cubit). The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) records his height as "four cubits and a span," which would be closer to 6 feet 9 inches. Regardless of the precise measurement, the text intends to convey an exceptionally tall and intimidating figure, far beyond the average height of men in that era, making him a truly formidable opponent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there went out a champion":** This phrase immediately establishes the narrative's focus on a singular, pivotal figure. The verb "went out" (Hebrew: _yatza'_) implies a deliberate, confident emergence, setting the stage for his challenge.
* **"out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath":** This clause provides crucial identifying details. It specifies his allegiance (Philistine), his name (Goliath), and his origin (Gath). The mention of Gath is particularly significant, linking him to a city known for its association with giants and reinforcing his formidable nature.
* **"whose height [was] six cubits and a span":** This final, impactful detail is the most striking. It quantifies Goliath's physical enormity, immediately conveying the scale of the threat he represents. This measurement is not merely descriptive; it serves to emphasize the overwhelming odds facing Israel and to magnify the eventual, divinely-empowered victory.

#### Literary Devices
The description of Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:4 employs several powerful literary devices to achieve its dramatic effect. **Hyperbole** is evident in the exaggerated portrayal of Goliath's height, which, regardless of the exact translation of cubits and spans, is clearly intended to convey an almost superhuman stature, far exceeding that of ordinary men. This extreme description serves to magnify the threat and the seemingly insurmountable odds facing Israel. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Goliath's immense size and intimidating presence implicitly foreshadow the magnitude of the victory that is to come, a victory that will clearly demonstrate God's power rather than human might. Furthermore, Goliath functions as a powerful **Symbol** of overwhelming, humanly insurmountable obstacles, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. His introduction sets up a stark **Contrast** with the eventual hero, David, who is described as young and small, thereby highlighting the divine nature of the triumph that will follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The introduction of Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:4 is not merely a historical detail; it is a profound theological statement. Goliath embodies the overwhelming spiritual and physical challenges that confront God's people, serving as a tangible representation of the forces arrayed against them. His immense stature and intimidating presence are designed to instill fear and demonstrate the futility of human strength in the face of such an adversary. This sets the stage for a crucial theological truth: true victory does not come through human might, military prowess, or impressive stature, but through reliance on God's power. The narrative implicitly asks, "Who can stand against such a foe?" and the answer, revealed through David, is "Only one empowered by the Lord." Goliath's introduction thus highlights the necessity of divine intervention and faith over fear, preparing the reader for a demonstration of God's ability to use the humble and the weak to overcome the seemingly invincible.

* [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Declaration of Faith")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Goliath's introduction serves as a powerful reminder that in life, we often encounter "giants"—challenges, fears, or adversaries that appear overwhelmingly large, intimidating, and insurmountable. These "Goliaths" can manifest as chronic illness, financial ruin, relational conflict, spiritual oppression, or deep-seated anxieties that paralyze us with fear, much like Goliath paralyzed the Israelite army. This verse compels us to acknowledge the sheer magnitude of these obstacles, recognizing that some battles are indeed too great for our own strength, wisdom, or resources to overcome. However, the subsequent narrative, set in motion by Goliath's challenge, teaches us that the very purpose of such overwhelming odds is often to reveal the surpassing power of God. Our "Goliaths" are not meant to defeat us, but to drive us to a deeper reliance on the Lord, who delights in using the weak and the unexpected to confound the strong and demonstrate His glory. This verse invites us to confront our own giants, not with despair, but with the understanding that their very size magnifies the power of the God who fights for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Goliaths" are you facing today that seem insurmountable in your own strength?**
* **How does Goliath's physical stature parallel the spiritual or emotional weight of your current challenges?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to rely on His strength rather than your own in confronting these challenges?**
* **What fears or anxieties prevent you from stepping out in faith against the "giants" in your life?**

### FAQ
**How tall was Goliath really?**

Answer: The King James Version states Goliath's height as "six cubits and a span." The exact modern equivalent of this measurement is debated due to variations in the length of a "cubit" in ancient times. An average cubit was typically between 18 and 21 inches, and a span was about half a cubit (roughly 9 inches). Using an 18-inch cubit, Goliath's height would be approximately 9 feet 9 inches (6 * 18 + 9). If a longer cubit (e.g., 21 inches) is used, he would be even taller, around 11 feet 4 inches. However, the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament) records his height as "four cubits and a span," which would be closer to 6 feet 9 inches. While the precise measurement is uncertain and may have been exaggerated for dramatic effect, the consistent message across all traditions is that Goliath was exceptionally tall and a truly formidable individual, far exceeding the average height of men in that era, making him an incredibly intimidating opponent for the Israelite army ([1 Samuel 17:11](/1_samuel/17-11 "1 Samuel 17:11 - Saul and All Israel Dismayed")).

**Why is Goliath's origin from Gath important?**

Answer: Goliath's origin from Gath is significant for several reasons. Gath was one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, a powerful and often hostile people group to Israel. More importantly, Gath was historically associated with the Anakim, a race of giants mentioned in various Old Testament texts (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:10-11](/deuteronomy/2-10 "Deuteronomy 2:10-11 - The Anakim in Moab") and [Joshua 11:21-22](/joshua/11-21 "Joshua 11:21-22 - Joshua Destroys the Anakim")). This connection to the Anakim lineage further emphasizes Goliath's extraordinary, almost mythical, stature and strength. It reinforces the idea that he was not just a large man, but a descendant of a renowned race of giants, making him an even more terrifying and seemingly unconquerable foe in the eyes of the Israelites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Goliath, the formidable champion of the Philistines, stands as a powerful Old Testament type of the ultimate enemy of God's people: sin, death, and the demonic powers that hold humanity captive. His overwhelming stature and the paralyzing fear he instilled in Israel perfectly illustrate the human inability to overcome these spiritual "giants" through natural strength or military might. Just as Goliath challenged Israel to single combat, so too did the forces of evil present an insurmountable challenge to humanity, demanding a champion who could decisively defeat them. This champion is Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate "man of the interspace," who stepped out between God and humanity, not to engage in a duel of physical prowess, but to confront and defeat the powers of darkness through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Unlike Goliath, who relied on armor and human strength, Christ conquered through humility, obedience, and the power of God, disarming the spiritual rulers and authorities and triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one who, through His own death, destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). David's victory over Goliath, achieved not by sword or spear but by faith and a simple stone, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the grave, securing eternal triumph for all who believe, declaring that death is swallowed up in victory ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")).

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

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 17:23

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].

2 Samuel 21:16

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.

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.

1 Chronicles 20:4

¶ And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, [that was] of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

1 Chronicles 20:8

These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

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.