New International Version His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him. New Living Translation The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield. English Standard Version The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him. Berean Standard Bible The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him. Berean Literal Bible And the staff of his spear was like a beam of weavers, and the flame of his spear was six hundred shekels of iron. And the bearer of the buckler went before his face. King James Bible And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. New King James Version Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him. New American Standard Bible The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-carrier walked in front of him. NASB 1995 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. NASB 1977 And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. Legacy Standard Bible And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. Amplified Bible The [wooden] shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; the blade-head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And a shield-bearer walked in front of him. Berean Annotated Bible The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels <15.1 lb / 6.8 kg>. In addition, his shield bearer went before him. Christian Standard Bible His spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed fifteen pounds. In addition, a shield-bearer was walking in front of him. Holman Christian Standard Bible His spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed 15 pounds. In addition, a shield-bearer was walking in front of him. American Standard Version And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went before him. Contemporary English Version and his spear was so big that the iron spearhead alone weighed about seven kilograms. A soldier always walked in front of Goliath to carry his shield. English Revised Version And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went before him. GOD'S WORD® Translation The shaft of his spear was like the beam used by weavers. The head of his spear was made of 15 pounds of iron. The man who carried his shield walked ahead of him. Good News Translation His spear was as thick as the bar on a weaver's loom, and its iron head weighed about fifteen pounds. A soldier walked in front of him carrying his shield. International Standard Version The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam and the iron point of his spear weighed 600 shekels. A man carrying his shield walked in front of him. NET Bible The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer was walking before him. New Heart English Bible Now the shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and its blade weighed six hundred iron shekels, and his shield bearer went in front of him. Webster's Bible Translation And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him. World English Bible The staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. His shield bearer went before him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the wood of his spear [is] like a weavers’ beam, and the flame of his spear [is] six hundred shekels of iron, and the bearer of the buckler is going before him. Berean Literal Bible And the staff of his spear was like a beam of weavers, and the flame of his spear was six hundred shekels of iron. And the bearer of the buckler went before his face. Young's Literal Translation and the wood of his spear is like a beam of weavers', and the flame of his spear is six hundred shekels of iron, and the bearer of the buckler is going before him. Smith's Literal Translation And the arrow of his spear as the beam of weavers, and the flame of his spear, six hundred shekels of iron. And he lifting up a shield went before him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred sicles of iron: and his armourbearer went before him. Catholic Public Domain Version Now the shaft of his spear was like the beam used by a weaver. And the iron of his spear held six hundred shekels of iron. And his armor bearer went before him. New American Bible The shaft of his javelin was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron head weighed six hundred shekels. His shield-bearer went ahead of him. New Revised Standard Version The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shieldbearer went before him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the wood of his spear was like the beam of a weaver, and the point of his spear of six hundred shekels of iron, and a bearer of a round shield went in front of him OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the spear's head was formed of six hundred shekels of iron; and his armour-bearer went before him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Goliath's Challenge…6and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him. 8And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me.… Cross References The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, 2 Samuel 21:19 Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 1 Chronicles 20:5 Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 1 Chronicles 11:23 He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear. and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. 2 Samuel 21:16 Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. 1 Kings 10:16 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. 2 Chronicles 9:15 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield. In addition, his shield bearer went before him. 1 Samuel 14:7 His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” Judges 9:54 He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died. 2 Samuel 18:15 And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 1 Chronicles 11:12-14 Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. / He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory. Joshua 11:4 So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. Deuteronomy 3:11 (For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.) Job 41:26-29 The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or dart or arrow. / He regards iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood. / No arrow can make him flee; slingstones become like chaff to him. … Isaiah 14:9 Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you—all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones. Ezekiel 39:9 Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel. Revelation 19:15 And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. Treasury of Scripture And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. the staff 2 Samuel 21:19 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. 1 Chronicles 11:23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. 1 Chronicles 20:5 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. Jump to Previous Beam Bearer Bearing Cloth-Worker's Head Hundred Iron Point Rod Shaft Shekels Shield Shield-Bearer Six Spear Staff Stem Walked Weaver's Weighed WoodJump to Next Beam Bearer Bearing Cloth-Worker's Head Hundred Iron Point Rod Shaft Shekels Shield Shield-Bearer Six Spear Staff Stem Walked Weaver's Weighed Wood1 Samuel 17 1. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle4. Goliath challenges a combat 12. David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge 28. Eliab chides him 30. He is brought to Saul 32. shows the reason of his confidence 38. and slays the giant 55. Saul takes notice of David The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, Goliath carried a spear with a shaft as thick and solid as the beam used on a loom. Its size matched his imposing stature and made the weapon far beyond the ordinary equipment of an Israelite soldier. 2Sa 21:19 Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob… and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. The spearhead weighed about fifteen pounds, making it a deadly weapon in the hands of a trained warrior. Goliath’s armor and weapons displayed the Philistines’ military strength and intensified the fear surrounding his challenge. 2Sa 21:16 Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear… In addition, his shield bearer went before him. A shield bearer accompanied Goliath to protect him and to mark his rank as the Philistine champion. Even with this protection and heavy armament, Goliath would be defeated by David, who came in the name of the LORD rather than trusting in weapons or armor. 1Sa 14:7 His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart.… Persons / Places / Events 1. GoliathA Philistine giant from Gath, known for his immense size and strength, who challenged the Israelites and defied their God. 2. David A young shepherd who later becomes the king of Israel, known for his faith in God and his victory over Goliath. 3. Philistines An ancient people who were enemies of Israel, often at war with them during the time of the judges and early monarchy. 4. Israelites The people of God, led by King Saul at this time, who were challenged by Goliath and the Philistines. 5. Valley of Elah The location where the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines took place, and where David confronted Goliath. Teaching Points The Power of God vs. Human StrengthGoliath's impressive weaponry and armor symbolize human strength and intimidation. However, the account of David and Goliath teaches that true power comes from God, not from physical might or weaponry. Faith Over Fear Despite Goliath's formidable appearance and weaponry, David's faith in God allowed him to overcome fear. This encourages believers to trust in God's power over any intimidating circumstances they face. Spiritual Preparation Just as Goliath was physically prepared for battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared by putting on the full armor of God. This preparation involves prayer, faith, and the Word of God. God's Sovereignty in Battles The battle between David and Goliath illustrates that God is sovereign over all battles, whether physical or spiritual. Believers can trust that God is in control and will fight for them. The Role of Humility and Obedience David's humility and obedience to God's calling contrast with Goliath's pride. This teaches the importance of humility and obedience in the life of a believer. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 17:7?2. How does Goliath's spear size in 1 Samuel 17:7 symbolize overwhelming challenges today? 3. What does Goliath's armor reveal about reliance on worldly strength versus God's power? 4. Compare Goliath's weaponry in 1 Samuel 17:7 with Ephesians 6:10-18's spiritual armor. 5. How can we trust God when facing "giants" like Goliath in our lives? 6. What lessons from David's faith can we apply when confronting modern-day "Goliaths"? 7. How does 1 Samuel 17:7 illustrate the physical might of Goliath? 8. What is the significance of the spear's weight in 1 Samuel 17:7? 9. How does Goliath's armor in 1 Samuel 17:7 reflect ancient warfare practices? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 17? 1 Samuel 17:7 piles detail upon detail so readers grasp the physical dominance of Goliath: a spear as thick as a loom’s beam, a spearhead heavier than most modern bowling balls, and an attendant shielding his every move. The verse is literal, historical fact, and its purpose is theological: to contrast human might with God’s might. In the face of overwhelming weaponry and manpower, God used a shepherd boy’s faith to deliver Israel, proving once again that “the LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD’s” (17:47). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The shaftוְעֵ֣ץ (wə·‘êṣ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2671: A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear of his spear חֲנִית֗וֹ (ḥă·nî·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2595: A lance was like a weaver's אֹֽרְגִ֔ים (’ō·rə·ḡîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 707: To plait, weave rod, כִּמְנוֹר֙ (kim·nō·wr) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4500: A yoke, the frame of a, loom and its iron בַּרְזֶ֑ל (bar·zel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement point וְלַהֶ֣בֶת (wə·la·he·ḇeṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3852: A flash, a sharply polished blade, point of a, weapon [weighed] six שֵׁשׁ־ (šêš-) Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number) hundred מֵא֥וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ) Number - feminine plural Strong's 3967: A hundred shekels. שְׁקָלִ֖ים (šə·qā·lîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8255: A weight, a commercial standard In addition, his shield bearer וְנֹשֵׂ֥א (wə·nō·śê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take went הֹלֵ֥ךְ (hō·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk before him. לְפָנָֽיו׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face Additonal Resources 1 Samuel 17:7 Blue Letter Bible1 Samuel 17:7 Bible Gateway 1 Samuel 17:7 Bible.com 1 Samuel 17:7 NIV |
    |