What was Goliath's height?

Overview of the Question

Goliath challenges both translators and readers regarding his formidable stature. The primary reference to his height appears in 1 Samuel 17:4, which is central to understanding just how tall he was. By examining key passages in Scripture (especially in the Berean Standard Bible), ancient Hebrew measurements, and relevant manuscript evidence, one can gain a more thorough view of this intriguing figure.

Scriptural Reference

According to the Berean Standard Bible, 1 Samuel 17:4 states:

“Then a champion named Goliath came out from the camp of the Philistines. He was six cubits and a span in height.”

This verse informs most translations and interpretations of Goliath’s height. The phrase “six cubits and a span” traditionally has been understood as approximately nine feet nine inches (about 2.97 meters).

Ancient Measurements Explained

1. Cubit: In the ancient Near East, a cubit was commonly the length from a person’s elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Although cubits varied slightly across cultures and time periods, a standard Hebrew cubit is often approximated at around 18 inches (45.7 cm).

2. Span: A span typically represents the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when a hand is fully extended. It is often around half a cubit, usually estimated at about 9 inches (22.9 cm).

By combining six cubits (about 108 inches) plus a span (about 9 inches), one reaches roughly 117 inches, or nine feet nine inches.

Textual Variants and Manuscript Evidence

Scholars occasionally note a textual variant found in some early manuscripts of 1 Samuel (including certain Greek Septuagint witnesses) suggesting “four cubits and a span.” Under that calculation, Goliath’s height would be closer to six feet nine inches (around 2.06 meters). However, the Masoretic Text—supported by many Hebrew manuscripts, several early witnesses, and reflected in most modern Bible translations—retains “six cubits and a span.”

Debates center on whether the smaller figure arose from scribal error, a variant tradition, or an intentional alteration. The overall manuscript tradition strongly leans toward the “six cubits and a span” reading. The Berean Standard Bible follows this traditional consensus.

Historical and Cultural Context

1 Samuel 17 depicts Goliath as an exceptional warrior among the Philistines, who inhabited the coastal regions and posed a significant threat to the Israelites. Emphasizing Goliath’s great height underscores the formidable challenge he presented. In the ancient world, describing a champion as exceptionally tall or powerful signified that he was a terror on the battlefield. The biblical narrative highlights that what seemed insurmountable from a human vantage point was easily overcome by faith and divine empowerment.

Archaeological and Anthropological Notes

While remains of individuals over nine feet tall are exceedingly rare, modern medical records (e.g., cases of extreme gigantism such as Robert Wadlow’s 8'11" stature) illustrate that extraordinary heights are within the realm of medical possibility. Additionally, biblical passages (e.g., Deuteronomy 3:11 for Og of Bashan) suggest there was a localized tradition of very tall individuals in the region. These references do not rely on mythic symbolism alone but reflect a genuine cultural memory of unusually tall warriors.

Significance of the Height Debate

1. Reliability of the Text: The traditional reading of “six cubits and a span” remains robust because of the larger weight of witness in the Hebrew manuscripts and numerous subsequent translations.

2. Implications about Giants: Scripture references to tall figures such as Goliath or Og of Bashan serve to underline not only their physical prowess but also the power of faith in their opponents’ ultimate victory.

3. Confidence in Scripture: The consistency across the bulk of textual evidence helps bolster confidence in the transmission of these details through the vast majority of surviving manuscripts.

Conclusion

The dominant and most historically attested figure for Goliath’s height, as preserved in the Masoretic Text and reflected in the Berean Standard Bible at 1 Samuel 17:4, is “six cubits and a span,” equating to approximately nine feet nine inches. While alternate readings in other manuscripts put him at a shorter (but still tall) stature, the consistent testimony of Scripture and the breadth of manuscript support point firmly to the traditional measurement. Regardless of exact inches, the account underscores Goliath’s remarkable size and the extraordinary victory won by David—another testament to the Bible’s coherent narrative and enduring message.