Lexical Summary mitschah: greaves Original Word: מִצְחָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance greaves, shin-pieces of armorFrom the same as metsach; a shin-piece of armor (as prominent), only plural -- greaves. see HEBREW metsach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as metsach Definition greaves NASB Translation greaves (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִצְחָה] noun feminine greave(s); — only singular construct וּמִצְחַת נְחשֶׁת עַלדַֿגְלָיו 1 Samuel 17:6 and greaves of bronze upon his legs; < מִצְחֹת Vrss Th We Klo Dr Bu. [מְצִלָּה], מְצִלִתָּיִם see I. צלל. מְצֻלָה see צול. מִצְנֶ֫פֶת see צנף. p. 846f, 857 [מַצָּע] see יצע. [מִצְעָד] see צעד מִצְעָר see צער I, II. מִצְמֶּה, מִצְמָּה see צפה. [מַצְמּוּנִים] see צפן Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingThe term describes the bronze greaves that protected Goliath’s shins when he confronted Israel’s army: “He had bronze greaves on his legs, and a bronze javelin was slung between his shoulders” (1 Samuel 17:6). Only here does the word appear, yet the detail deepens the portrait of the Philistine champion’s formidable equipment and heightens the contrast with David’s unarmored faith. Historical Background Bronze greaves were standard issue for elite warriors in the Late Bronze and early Iron Ages. Archaeological finds from Mycenaean, Hittite, and Cypriot sites show curved metal plates lined with leather or felt, tied behind the calf to guard the tibia against sword blows and flying missiles. The Philistines, with Aegean roots, evidently adopted and refined this technology, demonstrating their command of metallurgy and organized warfare. Israel, still emerging from tribal confederacy, possessed fewer such resources; Saul himself could equip only a handful of warriors with comparable armor (1 Samuel 13:22). Strategic Function 1. Defense: Shin protection was vital in close combat where low slashes aimed to hobble an opponent. Theological and Symbolic Significance Goliath’s greaves illustrate the futility of trusting in visible strength when opposed to the living God. David overwhelms a fully armored enemy with faith and a smooth stone (1 Samuel 17:45–50). The narrative anticipates the apostolic teaching that “the weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Connections to Biblical Armor Imagery Paul urges believers to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). Whereas Goliath’s greaves shielded flesh, the gospel equips saints with: • “Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). The juxtaposition underscores that spiritual armor outclasses physical protection. Christological Perspective David, the anointed but unthroned king, prefigures Jesus Christ, who disarms rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15) not by martial splendor but by the cross. Goliath’s bronze greaves symbolize the hostile powers Christ ultimately crushes under His feet (Romans 16:20). Ministry Applications • Reliance on human resources, however advanced, cannot replace dependence on the Lord. Related References for Study 1 Samuel 17; 1 Samuel 13:22; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:10–18; Colossians 2:15; Romans 16:20. Forms and Transliterations וּמִצְחַ֥ת ומצחת ū·miṣ·ḥaṯ ūmiṣḥaṯ umitzChatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 17:6 HEB: וּמִצְחַ֥ת נְחֹ֖שֶׁת עַל־ NAS: [He] also [had] bronze greaves on his legs KJV: And [he had] greaves of brass INT: greaves also bronze on 1 Occurrence |
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