1 Samuel 17 4

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.

1 Samuel 17:4 nkjv

And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

1 Samuel 17:4 niv

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

1 Samuel 17:4 esv

And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

1 Samuel 17:4 nlt

Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall!

1 Samuel 17 verses

1 Samuel 17 4 Meaning

This verse introduces the central figure opposing Israel: Goliath. It details his origin, name, and formidable stature. He emerged as a champion, an individual chosen to represent the Philistine army in a duel against Israel, intended to decide the outcome of the conflict without a full-scale battle. His description emphasizes his immense height, instilling fear and setting the stage for a seemingly impossible challenge for Israel.

1 Samuel 17 4 Context

This verse initiates a pivotal narrative within the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. Leading up to this, Israel, under King Saul, and the Philistines are encamped on opposing hills, separated by a valley. This military stalemate highlights a period of Israel's weakness and lack of decisive leadership against its powerful adversaries. The introduction of Goliath here is not just descriptive but dramatic; it underscores the Philistine challenge and the overwhelming fear gripping the Israelite army, setting the stage for the narrative's resolution through God's miraculous intervention via the unlikely figure of David. The Philistines, at this point, held technological superiority in iron and posed a persistent military and religious threat to Israel's nascent kingdom.

1 Samuel 17 4 Word analysis

• And: This simple conjunction introduces a significant turning point in the narrative, signifying the advent of a formidable character and the critical development of the standoff.
• there came out: Implies a deliberate and intimidating emergence. Goliath steps forth boldly from his camp, indicating his designated role and confidence.
• from the camp of the Philistines: Specifies his origin within the enemy's military ranks, emphasizing that he is their official representative and a product of their military might.
• a champion: (Hebrew: אִישׁ הַבֵּינַיִם, 'ish habbênaim) Literally "man of the two intermediates" or "man of the spaces/intervening spaces." This refers to a duel warrior, a single combatant who represents his army in a challenge, intending to decide the outcome of the battle and avert full-scale war. His presence implies a custom of representative warfare. It elevates the conflict from a clash of armies to a personal, yet proxy, confrontation.
• named Goliath: (Hebrew: גָּלְיָת, Golyat) This identifies him personally, not just generically. While the name's etymology is debated (possibly linked to "exile" or "splendor"), his specific identification sets him apart as the singular, unprecedented threat.
• from Gath: Gath was one of the five principal Philistine cities (the Pentapolis). It was notably a place where remnants of the Anakim, ancient giants, were said to have resided (Josh 11:22). This detail implicitly links Goliath to a lineage of feared, imposing figures known for their massive stature, reinforcing his terrifying presence.
• whose height was: Emphasizes his defining physical attribute, fundamental to his intimidating effect.
• six cubits and a span: This exact measurement provides striking detail. A cubit (אמָּה, ammah) typically measures from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18 inches or 45 cm). A span (זֶרֶת, zeret) is half a cubit (approximately 9 inches or 22.5 cm). Therefore, Goliath's height calculates to about 9 feet 9 inches (2.97 meters). This extreme height (though some ancient textual traditions like the Septuagint and some Dead Sea Scrolls texts suggest "four cubits and a span" (approx. 6'9" or 2.06m)) signifies an unprecedented and awe-inspiring physical challenge, intended to paralyze Israel with fear and demonstrate their helplessness without divine intervention. It magnifies the magnitude of God's later victory through David.

1 Samuel 17 4 Bonus section

The Philistines' use of a single champion (like Goliath) for battle was not unique in the ancient world, as such "representative warfare" could sometimes avert the massive casualties of full-scale conflict. Goliath's elaborate description, including his specific equipment in subsequent verses, paints a vivid picture designed to convey absolute terror and highlight the perceived invincibility of the Philistine forces. From a spiritual perspective, Goliath represents not just a physical foe, but a symbol of the intimidating forces or challenges that oppose God's people and stand in defiance of His sovereignty. His challenge was implicitly directed against Israel's God, for no earthly power was seen as capable of resisting him. The dramatic introduction in this verse underscores the immense faith required to face such an adversary.

1 Samuel 17 4 Commentary

1 Samuel 17:4 powerfully introduces Goliath, not just as a large warrior, but as a deliberate challenge embodying the Philistine threat. His towering stature of nearly ten feet and his origin from Gath, known for giants, signify an adversary seemingly insurmountable by human strength alone. He emerges as the ultimate human champion, whose purpose is to terrify and intimidate. This detailed description is critical to the narrative's theological core: the true power lies not in physical might, human lineage, or military tradition, but solely in the Living God, who empowers the weakest to overcome the strongest, as will be demonstrably seen through David. The verse thus sets up the stark contrast between worldly power and God's divine supremacy.