TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
There was again war at Gat, where there was a belligerent man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot - twenty-four in all - 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, 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.
World English Bible Messianic
There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who 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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Afterward there was also a battel in Gath, where was a man of a great stature, and had on euerie hand sixe fingers, and on euerie foote sixe toes, foure and twentie in nomber: who was also the sonne of Haraphah.
Young's Literal Translation
And the battle is again in Gath, and there is a man of stature, and the fingers of his hands are six, and the toes of his feet are six, twenty and four in number, and he also hath been born to the giant,
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In the KJVVerse 8,601 of 31,102
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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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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 21:20 vividly describes a singular battle encounter in Gath, featuring a Philistine warrior of astonishing physical characteristics: he possessed six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, totaling twenty-four digits. This individual, explicitly identified as a descendant of the giants (Rephaim), represents the persistent and extraordinary challenges faced by Israel during David's reign. The verse underscores the continued need for divine intervention and the valor of David's mighty men in securing God's people from formidable and unusual threats.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The text in 2 Samuel 21:20 effectively employs several literary devices to heighten its narrative impact and theological significance. Emphasis is achieved through the meticulous and specific description of the giant's physical anomaly, particularly the precise enumeration of his twenty-four digits. This unique detail draws the reader's attention to his extraordinary and formidable nature, making him stand out even among other giants and underscoring the magnitude of the challenge. The detailed portrayal of such an exceptionally unusual foe also borders on hyperbole, serving to magnify the daunting nature of the adversary and, by extension, the valor required to overcome him. Furthermore, the giant himself functions as a powerful symbolism, representing the persistent, often overwhelming, and sometimes bizarre challenges that confront God's people. Just as Goliath symbolized the initial, seemingly insurmountable obstacle to Israel's security, this unnamed giant symbolizes the ongoing nature of spiritual and physical warfare, where new and strange adversaries continually emerge, demanding renewed faith, courage, and divine intervention.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of the giant with six fingers and toes in 2 Samuel 21:20 serves as a profound theological reminder that God's people will consistently face formidable adversaries, even after experiencing significant victories. These "giants" may manifest in various forms—be they spiritual strongholds, personal struggles, or external opposition—and often appear uniquely daunting or unusual in their nature. However, the consistent theme woven throughout these encounters in 2 Samuel is God's unwavering faithfulness to deliver His people, frequently through the courage and strength of His chosen instruments. This narrative powerfully reinforces the truth that no foe is too great or too strange for God, and His power is made manifest even in the face of the most unusual and intimidating challenges, calling believers to persistent faith and resolute reliance on His might.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of the giant in 2 Samuel 21:20 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as Israel faced a persistent and evolving threat from the Philistine giants, we too encounter "giants" in our lives—challenges that seem insurmountable, uniquely daunting, or even bizarre in their nature. These can manifest as spiritual attacks, deeply entrenched sinful patterns, overwhelming anxieties, complex relational conflicts, or immense societal pressures. The specific mention of the giant's unusual number of digits reminds us that some challenges are truly extraordinary, demanding not just human strength, but perhaps a unique and absolute reliance on God's power. This passage encourages us to recognize that God's deliverance is not a one-time event but an ongoing reality in the life of a believer. We are called to confront our "giants" with the same faith and courage displayed by David's mighty men, knowing that our ultimate strength comes from God, who equips us for every battle. It is a powerful call to perseverance, trusting that even the most unusual and intimidating obstacles can be overcome through His enabling grace and unwavering presence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the detail about six fingers and six toes included in the biblical account?
Answer: This specific detail (polydactyly) is included for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it serves to emphasize the extraordinary and intimidating nature of this particular Philistine warrior. In ancient cultures, such physical anomalies could be perceived as signs of monstrousness, unique power, or even divine disfavor, making the opponent even more formidable and terrifying. Secondly, it highlights the divine hand in Israel's victories; God empowers His people to overcome not just ordinary foes, but even those who are uniquely terrifying or seemingly invincible. The unusual description underscores the exceptional nature of the challenge and, by extension, the greatness of the God who grants victory. It also adds a layer of historical authenticity, describing a distinct individual rather than a generic giant, making the narrative more vivid and memorable.
What is the significance of the phrase "born to the giant"?
Answer: The phrase "born to the giant" (Hebrew: yalad hārāphâ') is crucial because it explicitly identifies this warrior as a descendant of the Rephaim, an ancient race of exceptionally large people often referred to as giants in the Old Testament. This lineage is mentioned in various books, such as Deuteronomy 2:11 and Joshua 12:4. By stating his parentage, the text connects him to a known formidable lineage, reinforcing the idea that the Philistines continued to harbor these powerful adversaries. It signifies that the struggle against these "giants" was not just against isolated individuals but against a persistent, formidable race that had long challenged God's people.
Is this giant the same as Goliath, or related to him?
Answer: No, this giant is not Goliath himself. Goliath was famously killed by David earlier in Israel's history, as recounted in 1 Samuel 17. However, this giant is indeed related to Goliath in two significant ways: he hails from the same city, Gath, which was a prominent Philistine stronghold and known as a home for giants, and he is also identified as a descendant of "the giant" or the Rephaim, the same lineage to which Goliath likely belonged. The passage in 2 Samuel 21:22 explicitly states that all four of the giants mentioned in this chapter, including this one, "were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 21:20 describes a physical battle against a literal giant, its deeper theological resonance points to the ultimate victory achieved by Jesus Christ. The persistence of these formidable foes, even after Goliath's defeat, foreshadows the ongoing spiritual warfare that humanity faces, a battle against powers far greater than any physical giant (Ephesians 6:12). Just as David's mighty men, empowered by God, faced and overcame these unusual and terrifying adversaries, Christ is the ultimate Giant-Slayer who confronted and triumphed over the greatest "giants" of all: sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross (Colossians 2:15). He has delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). Therefore, believers, united with Christ, are empowered to face their own "giants"—whether they be spiritual strongholds, personal failings, overwhelming anxieties, or external opposition—knowing that the decisive victory has already been secured by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His strength is perfected in our weakness, enabling us to overcome through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).