1 Samuel 17:6

KJV

And [he had] greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he had greaves {H4697} of brass {H5178} upon his legs {H7272}, and a target {H3591} of brass {H5178} between his shoulders {H3802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He had bronze armor protecting his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders.

Berean Standard Bible

and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders.

American Standard Version

And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a javelin of brass between his shoulders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:6 provides a meticulous description of Goliath, the Philistine champion, detailing his formidable defensive gear. This verse specifically highlights his bronze greaves, protecting his legs, and a bronze javelin (mistranslated as "target" in KJV) slung between his shoulders. These details, alongside others in the chapter, serve to underscore Goliath's overwhelming physical presence, his professional military readiness, and the immense challenge he posed to the Israelite army, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the detailed portrait of Goliath presented in [1 Samuel 17:4-7](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4-7 - Description of Goliath's Armor"). Immediately preceding it, [1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath's Height") introduces Goliath's extraordinary height, and [1 Samuel 17:5](/1_samuel/17-5 "1 Samuel 17:5 - Goliath's Coat of Mail") describes his heavy coat of mail. Verse 6 continues this comprehensive inventory of his armor, focusing on his leg protection and a secondary weapon. This elaborate description builds a powerful image of an invincible warrior, designed to instill fear and highlight the human impossibility of defeating him, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of David's eventual victory. The subsequent verses will complete the picture with his primary spear and shield-bearer, solidifying his image as the ultimate human adversary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Valley of Elah, a strategic border region between Philistine and Israelite territories, where the two armies are encamped for battle. Champion combat, as proposed by Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:8-9](/1_samuel/17-8 "1 Samuel 17:8-9 - Goliath's Challenge"), was a known, though not common, practice in ancient warfare, intended to resolve conflicts with minimal casualties. Goliath's armor, described as "brass" (bronze), reflects the advanced military technology of the Philistines, who had access to superior metalworking, particularly iron, though bronze was still widely used for heavy armor. Greaves (shin guards) were essential for protecting the vulnerable lower legs of heavily armored infantry, while a javelin provided both a ranged attack option and a secondary weapon for close combat. This detailed description paints a picture of a warrior equipped according to the highest standards of the time, representing the pinnacle of Philistine military might.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detailing of Goliath's armor in this verse contributes significantly to the overarching themes of the chapter. Firstly, it emphasizes **Imposing Strength and Intimidation**, showcasing Goliath as an almost superhuman figure whose physical prowess and extensive protection are meant to psychologically break the Israelite army. Every piece of his gear, including the greaves and javelin, speaks to his invulnerability and professional readiness. Secondly, this overwhelming display of human might sets up a profound **Contrast Between Human Reliance and Divine Power**. Goliath's reliance on his physical stature and sophisticated weaponry stands in stark opposition to David's later, seemingly inadequate, approach with only a sling and stones, as described in [1 Samuel 17:40](/1_samuel/17-40 "1 Samuel 17:40 - David's Chosen Weapons"). This narrative highlights the biblical principle that God often chooses the weak and unconventional to overcome the strong, demonstrating that true victory comes not from human strength or military might, but from divine intervention and faith, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Small Army").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **greaves (Hebrew, _mitzchah'_):** This term refers specifically to shin guards, protective armor worn on the lower legs. The fact that Goliath wore greaves of bronze indicates he was fully armored, covering even the more vulnerable parts of the body. This detail emphasizes his professional military bearing and the thoroughness of his defensive equipment, suggesting an unassailable warrior.
* **target (Hebrew, _kiydown'_):** The KJV translation "target" is archaic and somewhat misleading here. The Hebrew word more accurately means a "javelin" or "lance," a lighter throwing spear typically carried in addition to a primary spear. Its placement "between his shoulders" suggests it was slung on his back, ready for quick deployment. This detail reveals Goliath's versatility in combat, equipped for both ranged attacks and close-quarters engagement, further cementing his image as a complete and formidable warrior.
* **brass (Hebrew, _nechoshet'_):** While translated as "brass," the Hebrew term generally refers to bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. Bronze was a prevalent material for armor and weapons in the ancient Near East, known for its hardness and durability. Its use signifies strength, protection, and the high quality of Goliath's military equipment, underscoring his elite status and the significant resources invested in his outfitting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [he had] greaves of brass upon his legs":** This clause describes the protection for Goliath's lower limbs. The presence of bronze greaves indicates that Goliath was armored from head to toe, leaving no part of his body exposed. This detail serves to enhance his image as an impregnable warrior, physically prepared for any engagement and seemingly invulnerable to conventional attacks.
* **"and a target of brass between his shoulders":** This second clause, clarified by linguistic analysis, describes a bronze javelin carried by Goliath, likely slung on his back or in a scabbard, ready for use. The javelin represents a secondary weapon, providing him with a ranged attack option in addition to his primary spear (mentioned in the following verse). Its position "between his shoulders" suggests ease of access for a quick throw, further highlighting his combat readiness and the comprehensive nature of his arsenal.

#### Literary Devices
The description in 1 Samuel 17:6, along with the surrounding verses, employs several potent literary devices. **Detailed Description** is paramount, as every piece of Goliath's armor and weaponry is meticulously cataloged, building a vivid and intimidating mental image of the giant. This extensive detailing functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating Goliath's formidable nature to emphasize the seemingly insurmountable odds facing Israel. The sheer scale and completeness of his equipment create a powerful **Symbolism** of human might, self-reliance, and the world's intimidating challenges. Crucially, this detailed portrayal serves as a dramatic **Contrast** to the unarmored, seemingly ill-equipped David, thereby **Foreshadowing** the central theological message that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and that victory comes not by human strength or impressive armaments, but by divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed description of Goliath's armor, including his greaves and javelin, serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of human strength versus divine power. Goliath represents the epitome of human reliance on physical might, military technology, and intimidating appearance. His extensive armor symbolizes the world's formidable obstacles, often appearing insurmountable when viewed through human eyes. However, the narrative implicitly critiques this reliance, showing that even the most advanced human preparations are ultimately insufficient against the sovereign will of God. This passage invites believers to consider where their true security lies—not in their own resources, defenses, or perceived strengths, but in the power and faithfulness of God, who delights in using the weak to confound the strong.

* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous cataloging of Goliath's armor in 1 Samuel 17:6 invites us to reflect on the "giants" we face in our own lives—whether they are overwhelming challenges, persistent fears, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Just as Goliath's impressive array of defenses was designed to intimidate and paralyze the Israelite army, our contemporary "giants" often appear invincible, leading us to despair or rely solely on our own limited resources. This verse reminds us that outward appearances can be deceptive, and that the true measure of a challenge is not its physical manifestation or the resources arrayed against us, but the power of God available to those who trust in Him. It encourages us to shift our focus from the daunting nature of the problem to the limitless power of our God, fostering a faith that looks beyond the visible armor of our adversaries to the invisible hand of divine deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "greaves of brass" or other forms of "armor" do we tend to rely on in our own strength when facing challenges?**
* **How does the detailed description of Goliath's intimidating appearance affect our own perception of the challenges we face?**
* **In what ways might our focus on the strength or resources of our adversaries distract us from trusting in God's power?**

### FAQ
**What are "greaves" and why were they important in ancient warfare?**

Answer: "Greaves" (Hebrew: *mitzchah*) were protective shin guards, typically made of bronze, worn by warriors to shield their lower legs from blows in combat. They were an essential part of a heavily armored soldier's defensive equipment, as the legs were vulnerable targets for swords, spears, and arrows. Their presence on Goliath signifies that he was a fully equipped, elite warrior, leaving no part of his body unprotected.

**What does the KJV phrase "a target of brass between his shoulders" actually mean in modern translations?**

Answer: The KJV's "target of brass" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word *kiydown*, which more accurately means a "javelin" or "lance." Modern translations often render this as "a bronze javelin" or "a bronze spear." This indicates that Goliath carried a secondary, lighter throwing spear, likely slung on his back ("between his shoulders") for quick access. This detail emphasizes his versatility in combat, equipped for both ranged and close-quarters engagement, in addition to his primary spear mentioned in [1 Samuel 17:7](/1_samuel/17-7 "1 Samuel 17:7 - Goliath's Spear and Shield-Bearer").

**Why is Goliath's armor described in such meticulous detail in 1 Samuel 17?**

Answer: The detailed description of Goliath's armor, including his greaves and javelin, serves several critical narrative and theological purposes. Firstly, it vividly portrays his formidable and intimidating presence, underscoring the immense physical challenge he posed to the Israelite army and explaining their fear. Secondly, it highlights the Philistines' advanced military technology and their reliance on human strength and impressive armaments. Most importantly, this elaborate portrayal sets up a stark contrast with David's seemingly inadequate, unarmored appearance and simple weapons, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's intervention and demonstrating that victory comes not by human might or impressive equipment, but by the power of God working through humble faith, as ultimately proven in [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Declaration of Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elaborate description of Goliath's armor in 1 Samuel 17:6, symbolizing human strength and self-reliance, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate champion, Jesus Christ. Goliath, with his impenetrable bronze greaves and ready javelin, represents the world's reliance on physical might and outward show, a stark contrast to the true victory achieved through apparent weakness. Christ, the greater David, faced the ultimate "giant"—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—not with a formidable array of armor or weaponry, but through self-emptying love and sacrificial obedience. His victory was won on a cross, a symbol of weakness and defeat in human eyes, yet it was there that He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by His sacrifice ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Just as Goliath's armor proved useless against God's power working through David, so too the powers of sin and death were utterly defeated by Christ's resurrection, demonstrating that God's "foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength" ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness Wiser Than Human Wisdom")). Christ, by His death, destroyed "the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Destroying the One Who Has the Power of Death")), fulfilling the promise of a champion who would conquer not by might or armor, but by divine love and 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

1 Samuel 17:45

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

2 Chronicles 9:15

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of beaten gold went to one target.

1 Kings 10:16

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of gold went to one target.