How Tall Was Goliath Really?

The height of Goliath, the famed giant from the biblical story of David and Goliath, is a topic of much debate and interest among Bible scholars and Christians. The biblical narrative provides different measurements for Goliath's height, leading to various interpretations and theories.

Biblical Descriptions of Goliath's Height

The most commonly cited source is the Masoretic Text, the Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible, which describes Goliath's height as "six cubits and a span." Translating these ancient measurements, a cubit is approximately 18 inches, and a span is about 9 inches. This would place Goliath's height at roughly 9 feet 9 inches (2.97 meters), an extraordinary stature even by today's standards.

Several English translations of 1 Samuel 17:4 report that Goliath stood six cubits and a span, about nine feet nine inches tall.

"A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span."

However, other ancient texts provide different measurements. The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament and some Dead Sea Scrolls manuscripts, record Goliath's height as "four cubits and a span," which translates to about 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters). This discrepancy suggests that Goliath was still taller than the average man of his time, who was approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, but not necessarily a giant by today's definition.

What Does Six Cubits and a Span Mean?

The phrase "six cubits and a span" is a biblical measurement used to describe the height of Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior defeated by David. In ancient measurements, a cubit is approximately the length of a man's forearm, around 18 inches (45 cm), and a span is the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended, about 9 inches (23 cm). Therefore, "six cubits and a span" translates to about 9 feet 9 inches (2.97 meters). This description in the Masoretic Text emphasizes Goliath's extraordinary stature, making him an imposing figure in the biblical narrative.

However, there are variations in ancient texts regarding Goliath's height. The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament, and some Dead Sea Scrolls manuscripts, as well as the writings of the historian Josephus, state Goliath's height as "four cubits and a span," which is approximately 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters). This discrepancy suggests that, over time, different traditions may have altered the original measurements, possibly to emphasize the dramatic nature of David's victory. Despite these variations, the phrase "six cubits and a span" has traditionally been used to underscore the formidable challenge posed by Goliath and the remarkable nature of David's triumph.

Bible Story of Goliath

Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.

A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels ; on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.

Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.”

Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified... (1 Samuel 17:1-11)

Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

Meanwhile, the Philistine (Goliath), with his shield-bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!”

David said to the Philistine (Goliath), “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

As the Philistine (Goliath) moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. (1 Samuel 17:38-50)

Historical and Textual Analysis

The variation in Goliath's height could be attributed to several factors, including scribal errors or intentional changes made during the text's transmission over centuries. Some scholars believe that the original measurement might have been the shorter one and was later altered to emphasize David's victory over a seemingly more formidable foe.

Additionally, there is a symbolic interpretation of Goliath's height. Some scholars argue that the numbers describing Goliath's height may have symbolic meanings. In biblical numerology, six often represents imperfection, while nine symbolizes completeness or finality. Therefore, Goliath's height could metaphorically represent the overwhelming challenges David faced, emphasizing the moral of the story rather than providing a literal measurement.

Goliath's Possible Medical Condition

Modern interpretations have also explored the possibility that Goliath's great height could have been due to a medical condition known as gigantism or acromegaly. These conditions result from an overproduction of growth hormone, often caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland. Individuals with these conditions exhibit abnormal growth of bones and tissues, leading to extraordinary height and distinctive physical features. Symptoms such as a deep voice, enlarged hands and feet, and a protruding forehead align with descriptions of Goliath's intimidating presence on the battlefield (Crosswalk).

Archaeological Evidence and Historical Context

Archaeological discoveries have unearthed remains and artifacts suggesting that unusually tall individuals did exist in ancient times. Skeletons measuring over 7 feet have been found, and ancient texts, including those by the historian Josephus, mention figures comparable in height to Goliath. These findings lend some credibility to the biblical accounts of giants, though they remain subjects of ongoing research and debate.

The question of Goliath's exact height remains unresolved due to the differing ancient texts and the symbolic nature of biblical storytelling. Whether Goliath stood at an impressive 9 feet 9 inches or a still formidable 6 feet 9 inches, the essence of the story lies in the dramatic and inspiring triumph of the underdog, David, over a seemingly insurmountable opponent. This narrative continues to captivate and inspire, highlighting themes of faith, courage, and the power of belief.

Sources
Crosswalk.com
Wikipedia
Crossway

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/rudall30

This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul.

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