Overview
The Bible addresses goliath across 13 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Armies, Philistines, Rephaim, or Giants, the and Rapha. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David, Goliath, Abishai and Jonathan.
Key Bible verses about goliath
Old Testament
2 Samuel
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.
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. the giant: or, Rapha spear: Heb. the staff, or, the head
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. light: Heb. candle, or, lamp
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. the giant: or, Rapha Saph: or, Sippai
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. Jaareoregim: or, Jair
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. the giant: or, Rapha
And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. defied: or, reproached
These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.
1 Chronicles
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. arose: or, continued: Heb. stood Gezer: or, Gob the giant: or, Rapha
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. Jair: called also, Iaare-ore-gim.2.Sam.21.19
And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant. great: Heb. a man of measure the son: Heb. born to the giants, or, Rapha
But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him. defied: or, reproached Shimea: called Shammah
These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.
People in the Bible and goliath
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying goliath for yourself
- Begin with 2 Samuel 21:15, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of David, Goliath and Abishai and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Armies, Philistines, Rephaim, or Giants, the and Rapha.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about goliath?
The Bible addresses goliath across 13 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Armies, Philistines, Rephaim, or Giants, the and Rapha. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David, Goliath, Abishai and Jonathan.
How many Bible verses are about goliath?
The Bible references goliath in 13 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention goliath?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Samuel 21:15: “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.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with goliath?
David, Goliath, Abishai and Jonathan.
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