How Tall Was Goliath in the Bible?
I’ve heard the story of David and Goliath since I was a kid, but one detail always stuck with me: just how tall was Goliath, really? Some say over 9 feet, others say closer to 6. So what does the Bible actually say?
When I finally took the time to read 1 Samuel 17:4 for myself, it laid it out plainly:
“And there went out a champion… named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.”
At first glance, that measurement doesn’t mean much in modern terms—but once you break it down, it’s shocking.
What Is a Cubit and a Span?
Let’s break it into our measurement system:
- A cubit = roughly 18 inches (from elbow to fingertip)
- A span = about 9 inches (tip of thumb to tip of pinky with fingers spread)
So:
6 cubits = 108 inches
+ 1 span = 9 inches
Total = 117 inches, or 9 feet 9 inches tall
Yes—you read that right. The Goliath described in your average Bible translation stood nearly 10 feet tall. That’s taller than most doorways, basketball hoops, or even some ceilings.
And it wasn’t just his height—his armor alone weighed over 100 pounds, and his spear’s head was like a bowling ball. This man was a walking fortress.
Did All Bibles Say Goliath Was 9 Feet Tall?
Not exactly. Here’s where it gets really interesting—and why it’s so important to read different Bible versions and study the original manuscripts.
The Masoretic Text, which is the basis for most modern English Bibles (like the KJV and NKJV), says Goliath was six cubits and a span—that 9-foot-9 estimate.
But some Septuagint manuscripts and the Dead Sea Scrolls give a different reading: four cubits and a span—about 6 feet 9 inches. That’s a huge difference.
So what’s going on?
The shorter height may reflect earlier scribes trying to give a more realistic measurement. Or it may simply be a transmission issue from copy to copy. Either way, both versions are ancient, respected, and studied heavily by scholars today.
But I’ll say this: regardless of which version is right, Goliath was massive and intimidating—tall enough to terrify an entire army.
👉 For more on comparing Bible versions, don’t miss this one:
KJV vs. NKJV vs. NIV – Why Bible Translation Matters
What Else Does the Bible Say About Goliath?
Goliath wasn’t just tall—he was fully loaded for battle. In 1 Samuel 17:5–7, we get even more detailed clues about his size:
- He wore a bronze helmet and a coat of mail that weighed 5,000 shekels of bronze (that’s roughly 125 pounds).
- His spear’s shaft was described like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point alone weighed 600 shekels (about 15 pounds).
- He also carried a bronze javelin and had a shield-bearer walk ahead of him.
That paints a picture of a man not just freakishly tall, but brutally strong—a physical monster by any standard. But even with all that size and armor, he was still no match for a young man filled with faith.
You can feel the tension in the chapter—Goliath taunted Israel every day for 40 days. Nobody dared step forward… until David.
Was Goliath the Only Giant in the Bible?
Not even close.
Goliath was a Philistine from Gath, and according to 2 Samuel 21:22, he wasn’t the only one:
“These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.”
That means Goliath had giant relatives—also known as the Rephaim or descendants of Anak (see Deuteronomy 2:10-11). These weren’t myths—they were real people the Israelites encountered and even feared.
If you’re curious about how they all connect biblically, it’s worth checking out this breakdown:
What Does the Bible Say About Nephilim, Giants, and Ancient Warriors? (👈 Link this once we have the article live)
Why Does Goliath’s Height Even Matter?
This might surprise you: the story isn’t really about Goliath’s size. It’s about God’s power in our weakness.
David didn’t stand a chance against Goliath—at least not in human terms. But David’s faith was bigger than Goliath’s shadow.
In 1 Samuel 17:45, David tells Goliath:
“You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…”
That’s the heart of it. No matter how big the enemy looks, God is bigger.
👉 This article dives deeper into trusting God when things feel impossible:
How to Trust God in Hard Times
What’s the Controversy About Goliath’s Height?
Here’s where it gets interesting—and a little debated.
Most English Bibles (like the KJV, NKJV, and ESV) say Goliath was “six cubits and a span,” which translates to about 9 feet 9 inches tall. That’s the figure many of us grew up hearing.
But in some older manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament used in Jesus’ time), it actually says “four cubits and a span,” which is closer to 6 feet 9 inches.
So which one is correct?
Truth is, the Bible we hold today comes from thousands of manuscripts copied over time. I personally believe the 9-foot-9 measurement is most likely accurate—not only because it’s found in the majority of trusted Bible translations, but because it fits with the rest of the description. A man that size wearing 125 pounds of armor makes a lot more sense.
Still, I always remind folks: read your Bible, compare Scripture, and seek God’s truth with an open heart.
How Old Was David When He Fought Goliath?
David wasn’t a grown man yet. The Bible paints the picture of him as a young shepherd boy, not old enough to join the army with his brothers. He was likely a teenager—some scholars estimate around 15 years old.
He wasn’t trained in war. He didn’t wear Saul’s armor. He walked onto that battlefield with nothing but faith, a sling, and five smooth stones.
And that’s what I love most about this story: God doesn’t need us to be strong—He needs us to be faithful.
Want to explore this more?
👉 Read What Did Jesus Do at Age 12? — another story where God used youth in a mighty way.
What Happened to Goliath After David Struck Him?
This moment in Scripture gives me chills every time I read it.
David ran toward Goliath—not away—and struck him in the forehead with a stone from his sling. The Bible says the stone sank into his head and he fell on his face to the earth (1 Samuel 17:49).
But David didn’t stop there.
He then took Goliath’s own sword and cut off his head. The Israelite army, inspired by David’s boldness and God’s deliverance, chased down the Philistines and claimed victory.
It’s a reminder that when we step out in faith, God moves mountains—or giants.
Curious how we should respond when we feel weak or unequipped?
👉 Check out God Is Not Afraid of Your Mess – Come As You Are for encouragement straight from the Word.
Why Goliath’s Height Still Matters Today
This wasn’t just a trivia fact stuck in Scripture for fun—Goliath’s height symbolized the impossible. He was a walking, breathing wall of fear. That’s why Saul and the Israelites trembled (1 Samuel 17:11).
But here’s the lesson I take away from it: the size of the giant doesn’t matter when your faith is in the Lord.
Even if Goliath had been 12 feet tall, it wouldn’t have changed a thing. David didn’t defeat him because he was brave or skilled—he defeated him because the Spirit of God was with him (1 Samuel 17:37).
If you’ve ever faced something that felt impossible—an illness, heartbreak, addiction—this story is for you.
Need a prayer to hold onto when life gets heavy?
👉 Read End of Day Prayer to Thank God Just One Powerful Minute.
Was Goliath the Only Giant in the Bible?
Nope—he wasn’t the only one!
Goliath had brothers. Scripture references them in 2 Samuel 21:15-22. These were warriors from Gath like Goliath, also described as giants. In fact, David’s mighty men eventually killed all of them.
That’s why David picked up five smooth stones—not because he thought he’d miss, but possibly because he expected to face more than one giant that day.
It’s an amazing picture of being prepared with faith. He was ready for the full battle, not just the first obstacle.
Want to dive deeper into biblical accuracy and trustworthy translations?
👉 Read Why KJV and NKJV Are Considered More Accurate (a must-read if you’re serious about truth).
Where Did the Battle Happen?
The showdown took place in the Valley of Elah, a real location southwest of Jerusalem.
It was a narrow valley—strategically important—and both the Philistines and Israelites were camped on opposite hills, staring each other down.
This wasn’t just a private duel. This was public, humiliating, and high-stakes. Whoever won would dominate the other nation. But thanks to a faithful teen with a sling, God got the glory—not David.
If you’re wrestling with fear about your own battles, you’ll want to read:
👉 How to Trust God in Hard Times When Everything Feels Broken.
Goliath in the Bible: Common Questions People Ask
Was Goliath’s height really meant to be taken literally?
Yes—Scripture presents Goliath’s height as a literal measurement. 1 Samuel 17:4 says he was “six cubits and a span.” There’s no symbolic language here. The historical account emphasizes his size to contrast it with David’s youth and weakness—highlighting that the battle was God’s, not man’s.
If you’re curious about trusting the Word even when it’s hard to understand, check out
👉 God Is Not Afraid of Your Mess – Come As You Are.
Why didn’t anyone else challenge Goliath?
Because they were terrified. Even King Saul, the tallest Israelite (1 Samuel 10:23), wouldn’t step forward. It reminds me that even leaders can fall short when fear outweighs faith.
David had something the others didn’t: a heart grounded in God’s promises, not circumstances.
Need courage in your own spiritual battle?
👉 Reflect on Jesus Died for Me – What That Means for You and Me.
What armor did Goliath wear?
Goliath was decked out in intimidating armor:
- Bronze helmet
- Coat of mail weighing 5,000 shekels of bronze (around 125–150 pounds!)
- Bronze shin guards
- Spear with an iron point weighing 600 shekels (15–20 pounds)
But none of it protected him from the power of a single stone guided by God.
This is such a good reminder: God’s strength is perfected in weakness. You don’t need worldly weapons when the Lord fights for you.
Want to encourage someone else with truth like this? Grab one of our Christian wall art pieces or mugs to surround yourself with faith-filled reminders daily.
Is there proof outside the Bible about Goliath?
The Tell es-Safi (Gath) archaeological site—where Goliath was said to be from—has yielded ancient inscriptions and artifacts, including a shard with names similar to “Goliath.” While it doesn’t prove his existence directly, it confirms that names like Goliath were in use during that era and in that location.
History backs Scripture more than critics like to admit.
No matter how big your giant is, it will never be bigger than God. Goliath was over 9 feet tall, fully armored, loud, and arrogant. But David’s quiet trust in the Lord brought him down with a stone and a sling.
👉 When you’re facing a battle, say this One-Minute Prayer to remind yourself who’s really in control.
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