TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
And there was again a battle H4421 in Gob H1359 with the Philistines H6430, where Elhanan H445 the son H1121 of Jaareoregim H3296, a Bethlehemite H1022, slew H5221 the brother of Goliath H1555 the Gittite H1663, the staff H6086 of whose spear H2595 was like a weaver's H707 beam H4500.
Complete Jewish Bible
There was more war with the P'lishtim at Gov; and Elchanan the son of Ya'arei-Orgim, the Beit-Lachmi, killed Golyat the Gitti, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver's beam.
Berean Standard Bible
Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
American Standard Version
And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Beth-lehemite slew Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
World English Bible Messianic
There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite’s brother, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And there was yet another battel in Gob with the Philistims, where Elhanah the sonne of Iaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite slewe Goliath the Gittite: the staffe of whose speare was like a weauers beame.
Young's Literal Translation
And the battle is again in Gob with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim, the Beth-Lehemite, smiteth a brother of Goliath the Gittite, and the wood of his spear is like a beam of weavers.
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In the KJVVerse 8,600 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Samuel 21 verses 15–22
15 ¶ Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.
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.
17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.
18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.
19 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.
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.
21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.
22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.
We have here the story of some conflicts with the Philistines, which happened, as it should seem, in the latter end of David's reign. Though he had so subdued them that they could not bring any great numbers into the field, yet as long as they had any giants among them to be their champions, they would never be quiet, but took all occasions to disturb the peace of Israel, to challenge them, or make incursions upon them.
I. David himself was engaged with one of the giants. The Philistines began the war yet again, Sa2 21:15. The enemies of God's Israel are restless in their attempts against them. David, though old, desired not a writ of ease from the public service, but he went down in person to fight against the Philistines (Senescit, non segnescit - He grows old, but not indolent), a sign that he fought not for his own glory (at this age he was loaded with glory, and needed no more), but for the good of his kingdom. But in this engagement we find him, 1. In distress and danger. He thought he could bear the fatigues of war as well as he had done formerly; his will was good, and he hoped he could do as at other times. But he found himself deceived; age had cut his hair, and, after a little toil, he waxed faint. His body could not keep pace with his mind. The champion of the Philistines was soon aware of his advantage, perceived that David's strength failed him, and, being himself strong and well-armed, he thought to slay David; but God was not in his thoughts, and therefore in that very day they all perished. The enemies of God's people are often very strong, very subtle, and very sure of success, like Isbi-benob, but there is no strength, nor counsel, nor confidence against the Lord. 2. Wonderfully rescued by Abishai, who came seasonably in to his relief, Sa2 21:17. Herein we must own Abishai's courage and fidelity to his prince (to save whose life he bravely ventured his own), but much more the good providence of God, which brought him in to David's succour in the moment of his extremity. Such a cause and such a champion, though distressed, shall not be deserted. When Abishai succoured him, gave him a cordial, it may be, to relieve his fainting spirits, or appeared as his second, he (namely, David, so I understand it) smote the Philistine and killed him; for it is said (Sa2 21:22) that David had himself a hand in slaying the giants. David fainted, but he did not flee; though his strength failed him, he bravely kept his ground, and then God sent him this help in the time of need, which, though brought him by his junior and inferior, he thankfully accepted, and, with a little recruiting, gained his point, and came off a conqueror. Christ, in his agonies, was strengthened by an angel. In spiritual conflicts, even strong saints sometimes wax faint; then Satan attacks them furiously; but those that stand their ground and resist him shall be relieved, and made more than conquerors. 3. David's servants hereupon resolved that he should never expose himself thus any more. They had easily persuaded him not to fight against Absalom (Sa2 18:3), but against the Philistines he would go, till, having had this narrow escape, it was resolved in council, and confirmed with an oath, that the light of Israel (its guide and glory, so David was) should never be put again into such hazard of being blown out. The lives of those who are as valuable to their country as David was ought to be preserved with a double care, both by themselves and others.
II. The rest of the giants fell by the hand of David's servants. 1. Saph was slain by Sibbechai, one of David's worthies, Sa2 21:18; Ch1 11:29. 2. Another, who was brother to Goliath, was slain by Elhanan, who is mentioned Sa2 23:24. 3. Another, who was of very unusual bulk, who had more fingers and toes than other people (Sa2 21:20), and such an unparalleled insolence that, though he had seen the fall of other giants, yet he defied Israel, was slain by Jonathan the son of Shimea. Shimea had one son named Jonadab (Sa2 13:3), whom I should have taken for the same with this Jonathan, but that the former was noted for subtlety, the latter for bravery. These giants were probably the remains of the sons of Anak, who, though long feared, fell at last. Now observe, (1.) It is folly for the strong man to glory in his strength. David's servants were no bigger nor stronger than other men; yet thus, by divine assistance, they mastered one giant after another. God chooses by the weak things to confound the mighty. (2.) It is common for those to go down slain to the pit who have been the terror of the mighty in the land of the living, Eze 32:27. (3.) The most powerful enemies are often reserved for the last conflict. David began his glory with the conquest of one giant, and here concludes it with the conquest of four. Death is a Christian's last enemy, and a son of Anak; but, through him that triumphed for us, we hope to be more than conquerors at last, even over that enemy.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–22. Public domain.
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Richard ChallonerAD 1781
Adeodatus 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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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 21:19 narrates a significant battle in Gob where Elhanan, a valiant Israelite warrior from Bethlehem, achieved a notable victory by slaying a formidable Philistine champion whose spear was exceptionally large. This verse is particularly significant for its textual complexity concerning the identity of the slain Philistine, often understood in light of the parallel account in 1 Chronicles to refer to Goliath's brother, thereby affirming David's unique triumph while highlighting the broader valor of Israel's less-celebrated heroes and God's consistent deliverance.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel (chapters 21-24), which serves as a collection of supplementary narratives about King David's reign, focusing on his mighty men and their heroic exploits. Specifically, 2 Samuel 21:15-22 details four distinct encounters between Israel and Philistine giants, immediately following David's psalm of deliverance (2 Samuel 22) and his last words (2 Samuel 23:1-7), and preceding the comprehensive list of David's elite warriors (2 Samuel 23:8ff). This section functions to emphasize God's continued deliverance of Israel through His chosen servants, even as David himself ages and becomes less active in direct combat. The battles underscore the persistent threat posed by the Philistines and the valor of Israel's champions, setting the stage for the subsequent enumeration of David's elite fighting force. The specific battle in 2 Samuel 21:19 is one of these four encounters, each showcasing a different Philistine giant being defeated, reinforcing the theme of divine protection and human courage.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Philistines were a powerful, technologically advanced people, particularly noted for their mastery of iron metallurgy, who had established themselves in the coastal plain of Canaan. They formed a confederacy of five major cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Ekron) and posed a continuous military threat to Israel throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The battles described in 2 Samuel 21 occur during David's reign, a period when Israel was actively consolidating its control over the land and establishing its borders, often through military conflict. The mention of "Gittite" identifies the Philistine champion's origin as Gath, a major Philistine city renowned for its powerful warriors, including the famous Goliath. The "weaver's beam" simile for a spear staff was a common ancient Near Eastern description for exceptionally large and heavy weaponry, indicative of a giant warrior and emphasizing the formidable nature of the Philistine threat, highlighting the extraordinary challenge faced by the Israelite champion.
Key Themes:
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in this verse is Simile, vividly demonstrated in the phrase "the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam." This comparison immediately conveys the enormous size and formidable nature of the Philistine champion's weapon, painting a clear picture of a giant and a truly daunting opponent. The use of this specific simile, which is also applied to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:7, creates a powerful Intertextual Allusion or Echo. This literary connection links Elhanan's victory to David's more famous triumph, underscoring the consistent nature of the Philistine giant threat and the extraordinary valor required to defeat these champions. Furthermore, the broader narrative context of 2 Samuel 21-24, detailing the exploits of David's mighty men, employs Foreshadowing as these individual acts of heroism anticipate the full enumeration of their achievements and their collective significance in establishing and defending God's kingdom, building a comprehensive picture of a divinely protected realm sustained by courageous warriors.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, along with the surrounding accounts of giant-slayers, powerfully illustrates God's ongoing commitment to deliver His people, not always exclusively through the most famous figures, but often through faithful, courageous individuals like Elhanan. It reinforces the theological truth that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, and He empowers His servants for His purposes, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. The apparent textual discrepancy concerning Goliath's identity serves as a valuable lesson in biblical hermeneutics, encouraging readers to engage in careful intertextual comparison, trusting in the overall coherence and divine inspiration of Scripture. This pursuit of understanding across different biblical accounts deepens our appreciation for the meticulous nature of God's Word and its internal harmony, demonstrating that God's truth is consistent and reliable, even when requiring diligent study to fully grasp.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 21:19 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of heroism and the diverse ways God uses His people to accomplish His purposes. While David's triumph over Goliath is rightly celebrated as a pivotal moment, this verse reminds us that countless other acts of faithfulness and courage, often by lesser-known individuals, are equally vital to God's unfolding plan. It challenges us to value every contribution within the body of Christ, recognizing that every member, regardless of their public profile or perceived significance, plays a crucial role in advancing God's kingdom. We are called to celebrate the "Elhanans" among us—those who faithfully serve behind the scenes, whose quiet acts of bravery and dedication uphold the community and advance the mission. Furthermore, the textual nuance regarding Elhanan's victory over Goliath's brother encourages intellectual humility and diligent study of Scripture. When faced with apparent contradictions or difficulties in the biblical text, we are called not to dismiss or be troubled, but to delve deeper, compare Scripture with Scripture, and seek a fuller, harmonized understanding. This process of careful inquiry strengthens our faith, deepens our appreciation for the richness and integrity of God's Word, and teaches us that truth is often found in the diligent pursuit of clarity, trusting that God's revelation is ultimately harmonious and purposeful.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Did Elhanan really slay Goliath, or was it David?
Answer: This is a common and important question arising from the apparent contradiction between 2 Samuel 21:19 and 1 Samuel 17. The most widely accepted scholarly and theological resolution is that Elhanan slew Lahmi, the brother of Goliath. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 20:5 explicitly states, "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." It is believed that the original Hebrew text of 2 Samuel 21:19 either suffered a scribal error where "Lahmi the brother of" was dropped, or that the Chronicler, writing at a later time, provided the necessary clarification to distinguish Elhanan's feat from David's famous and unique victory over the original Goliath. The KJV's bracketed "the brother of" in 2 Samuel 21:19 reflects this ancient understanding and harmonization. Therefore, David slew the famous Goliath of Gath, while Elhanan slew Goliath's brother, Lahmi, who was also a formidable giant.
Why is the spear staff described as "like a weaver's beam"?
Answer: The description "the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam" is a powerful and vivid simile used to emphasize the immense size and formidable nature of the Philistine champion Elhanan defeated. A weaver's beam (Hebrew: מְנוֹר אֹרְגִים, menor 'oregim) was a thick, heavy wooden roller used in ancient looms, known for its substantial girth and weight. By comparing the spear staff to such an object, the biblical author vividly conveys that Elhanan's opponent was a giant, possessing a weapon of extraordinary proportions, far beyond that of an ordinary warrior. This same striking imagery is famously used to describe the spear of the more renowned Goliath whom David slew in 1 Samuel 17:7, highlighting that these Philistine giants were consistently equipped with massive weaponry. This detail not only underscores the formidable threat they posed but also magnifies the valor of the Israelite warrior who overcame such an adversary, serving as a testament to God's empowering presence and the extraordinary nature of the victory.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 21:19 describes a specific military victory in the Old Testament, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The ongoing battle against the Philistines, representing a persistent and formidable enemy of God's people, foreshadows the spiritual warfare that believers face against the forces of darkness, a struggle ultimately and decisively overcome by Christ. Just as Elhanan, a "Bethlehemite," delivered Israel from a formidable giant, so too did Jesus, born in Bethlehem, come to conquer the ultimate giants of sin and death. He is the true and greater "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" as powerfully proclaimed in John 1:29. The reliance on God's strength for victory, evident in Elhanan's feat, points to Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial triumph on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it (as described in Colossians 2:15). Furthermore, the valor of David's mighty men, including Elhanan, serves as a type for the Church, Christ's body, which is called to participate in His ongoing mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome spiritual adversaries, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-12. Ultimately, every victory over an enemy in the Old Testament points to the decisive and final victory achieved by Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer and Champion, who secures eternal peace and salvation for His people through His finished work.