How could Goliath realistically be “six cubits and a span” tall (1 Samuel 17:4)?

Scriptural Context

1 Samuel 17:4 states, “Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height.” This description introduces the renowned opponent of the Israelite army, highlighting a key detail of his extraordinary stature. The record appears in the broader context of Israel’s early monarchic period, when Saul was king and David was still a shepherd. The dramatic clash between the young David and the giant Goliath serves as a prime example of God’s deliverance.

Understanding “Six Cubits and a Span”

In biblical times, a “cubit” was commonly understood as the distance from a person’s elbow to the tip of their middle finger. Because individual measurements could vary, the length of a cubit is often cited between approximately 17 to 21 inches (43 to 53 centimeters). A “span” generally denotes the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger of an outstretched hand, often around half a cubit.

If one adopts a conservative 18-inch (about 46 cm) measure per cubit, six cubits would equal roughly 108 inches (about 274 cm), and the additional span would add several more inches. This measurement suggests Goliath stood in the vicinity of 9 feet 9 inches (about 297 cm). Though traditional cubit estimates can push such calculations slightly lower or higher, the general consensus is that Scripture portrays Goliath as around nine to ten feet tall.

Textual Evidence and Manuscript Consistency

The Masoretic Hebrew text, which serves as the basis for most English Old Testament translations, supports the reading of “six cubits and a span.” Early witnesses such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (specifically 4QSamᵃ) also contain references to Goliath’s impressive height, although some manuscripts have variations in numeric detail. Nevertheless, the overall weight of manuscript evidence strongly favors “six cubits and a span.”

Ancient translators, including those responsible for the Greek Septuagint, present a witness to the longstanding, consistent understanding that Goliath was uniquely tall. While minor textual variations exist in some manuscripts, these do not undermine the testimony of the majority textual tradition that identifies him at this notably towering height.

Historical and Modern Parallels

Extremely tall individuals have existed in many eras. Modern documented examples include Robert Wadlow (1918–1940), whose height measured 8 feet 11 inches (272 cm). Such cases display the physiological reality—and sometimes genetic predispositions—that can account for unusual growth even in recent times.

Historically, ancient records and anecdotal references also discuss individuals of exceptional stature. The biblical narrative often speaks of giant-like peoples such as the Anakim (Deuteronomy 2:10–11) and of figures like Og, king of Bashan, whose bedstead is described as about nine cubits in length (Deuteronomy 3:11). Though these references are brief, they contribute additional biblical context that acknowledges particularly tall or powerful individuals living in that era.

Archaeological and Cultural Considerations

Archaeological evidence throughout the ancient Near East points to widespread cultural memory of people who stood head and shoulders above typical population averages. Although skeletal remains of great height are not commonly found intact in large numbers, scattered finds around the world demonstrate that unusual height has periodically appeared in human populations. Moreover, the remains of fortifications in regions like the Levant reveal prospective indicators of robust warriors, including weaponry and armor that suggest use by persons of varying sizes.

Possible Variation in Cubit Length

Scholars note differing “standard” cubits in the ancient Near East—some measuring around 17.5 inches (the so-called “short” or “common” cubit) and others measuring up to 20.6 inches (the so-called “royal” cubit in some cultures). If an ancient Israelite or Philistine cubit was on the higher end of that range, Goliath’s recorded size might be slightly larger still. Even if one adopts a smaller measurement, the biblical text consistently depicts a giant of memorable height.

Consistency with Goliath’s Armor and Weaponry

1 Samuel 17:5–7 describes Goliath’s heavy armor, weighing “five thousand bronze shekels” and a spear “like a weaver’s beam.” The formidable weight of his armor and the size of his spear match the portrait of a man standing well above common height. This coherence within the narrative reinforces the plausibility that Goliath was indeed an imposing figure on the battlefield.

Theological Implications

Regardless of precise measurements in modern units, the text emphasizes that Goliath was extraordinarily tall and strong—yet David, relying on God’s power, defeated him. This theme corresponds with the biblical teaching that the strength of God prevails over any human power (1 Samuel 17:45–47).

Conclusion

Taking into account a range of cubit measurements, ancient textual traditions, and documented examples of extremely tall individuals, the biblical statement that Goliath stood “six cubits and a span” is plausible. Ancient peoples recognized large variations in human height and carefully recorded such unique individuals of remarkable stature.

In 1 Samuel 17:4, the details of Goliath’s height underscore the might of his physical presence and set the stage for David’s remarkable triumph through faith in God. This narrative, consistent across the strong majority of biblical manuscripts, illustrates both the historical reliability of the Scriptures and the enduring lesson that divine power can overcome even the most imposing earthly challenges.