The biblical account of David and Goliath is one of the most iconic and enduring stories in human history. For centuries, people have been fascinated by the tale of the young shepherd boy who defeated the mighty giant warrior with nothing but a stone and his faith. But one question has always stood out: just how tall was Goliath, anyway?
The Biblical Account
According to the Bible, Goliath was a Philistine warrior who challenged the armies of Israel to a one-on-one battle. The biblical account in 1 Samuel 17:4 describes Goliath as follows: “And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.” But what does that mean, exactly?
The Ancient Cubit
In ancient times, the cubit was a standard unit of measurement used by many cultures, including the Israelites and Philistines. The length of a cubit varied slightly from culture to culture, but it was generally around 18-22 inches (45-55 cm). The “span” mentioned in the biblical account refers to the width of a hand, which is typically around 9-10 inches (23-25 cm).
Using these measurements, we can calculate Goliath’s height as follows:
- 6 cubits = 6 x 20.5 inches (avg. cubit length) = 123 inches
- Add the span: 123 inches + 9-10 inches = 132-133 inches
Converting to Modern Units
To make it easier to visualize, let’s convert Goliath’s height to modern units:
- 132-133 inches ÷ 12 inches/foot = 11.0-11.08 feet
- Alternatively, we can convert to meters: 132-133 inches x 0.0254 meters/inch = 3.35-3.37 meters
So, according to the biblical account, Goliath was around 11 feet (3.35-3.37 meters) tall. That’s an incredible height, even by today’s standards.
The Debate Over Goliath’s Height
While the biblical account provides a clear measurement, there has been ongoing debate among scholars and historians about the accuracy of this figure. Some argue that the measurement was exaggerated or symbolic, while others believe it is a genuine historical record.
The “Symbolic” Argument
One argument is that the measurement of six cubits and a span was meant to convey Goliath’s gigantic size, rather than provide a precise measurement. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, giant warriors were often depicted as superhuman figures, and Goliath’s height may have been exaggerated to emphasize his formidable strength and intimidation factor.
The Problem with Symbolism
While this argument has some merit, it’s difficult to reconcile with the biblical account’s specific measurement. If the measurement was meant to be symbolic, why provide such a precise figure? Additionally, the biblical account is otherwise known for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, making it unlikely that the measurement was entirely fictional.
The Historical Record
On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that giant warriors were not uncommon in ancient times. Archaeological discoveries have uncovered the remains of individuals who would be considered giants by modern standards. For example, the “Giant of Castelnau” was a 12th-century skeleton found in France that stood around 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) tall.
Comparing Ancient Giants
While Goliath’s height may have been exceptional even for ancient times, there are records of other giant warriors in ancient cultures. The ancient Greeks, for example, told stories of giants like Heracles (Hercules) and the Cyclopes, who were often depicted as massive figures.
Ancient Descriptions Of Giants
In addition to the biblical account, there are other ancient descriptions of giants that provide context for Goliath’s height.
The Egyptian Evidence
In ancient Egyptian art and literature, giants are frequently depicted as powerful figures. One example is the myth of the sun god Ra, who battles a giant serpent named Apep. Egyptian records also describe giant warriors who fought in battles.
The Hittite Records
The Hittite Empire, which flourished in modern-day Turkey from around 1600-1178 BCE, left behind records of giant warriors in their military ranks. One famous example is the legend of the giant warrior Ullikummi, who was said to be the son of the storm god.
The Implications Of Goliath’s Height
Regardless of whether Goliath’s height was exactly 11 feet, the implications of his size are significant. His massive stature would have given him a significant advantage on the battlefield, making him a formidable opponent.
The Psychiatric Factor
Goliath’s height would have also had a profound psychological impact on his opponents. The ancient Israelites were not accustomed to facing giant warriors, and Goliath’s size would have been intimidating to say the least. This would have given him a significant advantage, as his opponents would have been easily intimidated and demoralized.
The Tactical Advantage
In addition to the psychological factor, Goliath’s height would have provided a tactical advantage on the battlefield. His size would have allowed him to wield oversized weapons, such as the massive spear described in the biblical account. This would have made him nearly unbeatable in close combat.
Conclusion
So, what was Goliath’s height, exactly? While the exact figure may be impossible to determine with absolute certainty, the biblical account provides a clear measurement that, when converted to modern units, translates to around 11 feet (3.35-3.37 meters). While there is ongoing debate about the accuracy of this figure, historical records suggest that giant warriors were not uncommon in ancient times. Whether Goliath’s height was exactly 11 feet or not, his massive stature would have had a profound impact on the battlefield, giving him a significant advantage over his opponents.
What Is The Biblical Account Of Goliath’s Height?
The biblical account of Goliath’s height can be found in 1 Samuel 17:4, which states that Goliath was “six cubits and a span” tall. The cubit was an ancient unit of measurement, with the exact length varying between cultures and time periods. However, most biblical scholars agree that the cubit referred to in the Bible is the “long cubit” of approximately 20.4 inches.
Based on this measurement, Goliath’s height would be around 9 feet 9 inches tall, making him a giant of a man. However, some translations and interpretations vary, with some estimating his height to be as tall as 11 feet or more. Despite the variation, it is clear that Goliath was an imposing figure who struck fear into the hearts of the Israelite army.
Is Goliath’s Height Supported By Archaeological Evidence?
Archaeological evidence provides some insight into the physical characteristics of ancient Philistines, including Goliath’s possible height. While there is no direct evidence of Goliath’s remains, excavations at Philistine sites have uncovered skeletal remains that suggest the Philistines were a robust people with a strong physical build.
One notable find is the discovery of a Philistine temple at Tell Qasile, which dates back to the 11th century BCE, around the time of the David and Goliath story. The temple’s architecture and artifacts suggest that the Philistines were a powerful and imposing people, which lends credibility to the biblical account of Goliath’s extraordinary height.
How Does Goliath’s Height Compare To The Average Height Of Ancient Humans?
The average height of ancient humans varied depending on the culture and time period. However, based on skeletal remains and other archaeological evidence, it’s estimated that the average height of adult males during the Iron Age (1200-500 BCE) was around 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 9 inches.
In contrast, Goliath’s estimated height of around 9 feet 9 inches would have made him an extraordinary figure, even among his contemporaries. His height would have been equivalent to that of a modern-day NBA player, making him a truly giant of a man in ancient times.
Was Goliath’s Height A Result Of A Medical Condition?
Some modern scholars have suggested that Goliath’s extraordinary height may have been the result of a medical condition such as gigantism or acromegaly. These conditions can cause excessive growth and tall stature, often accompanied by other physical characteristics such as large hands and feet.
While it’s possible that Goliath’s height may have been caused by a medical condition, there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory. The biblical account presents Goliath as a powerful and intimidating warrior, rather than a person with a medical condition. Additionally, the story of David and Goliath is a theological and literary text, rather than a historical or medical account.
How Did Goliath’s Height Affect His Role As A Warrior?
Goliath’s height would have provided him with a significant advantage on the battlefield. His size and strength would have made him a formidable opponent, capable of wielding a large spear and intimidating his enemies.
As a warrior, Goliath’s height would have also made him a visible target, allowing him to serve as a symbolic representative of the Philistine army. His challenge to the Israelites, as recorded in 1 Samuel 17, may have been intended to showcase his strength and intimidate the enemy. However, his height ultimately became a liability when David, a smaller and more agile opponent, was able to exploit his size and weakness.
What Can We Learn From Goliath’s Height In The Biblical Account?
Goliath’s height serves as a literary and theological device to highlight the contrast between human strength and God’s power. The story of David and Goliath emphasizes that God is not limited by human physical characteristics, and that He can use even the weakest and smallest to accomplish great things.
Moreover, Goliath’s height symbolizes the pride and arrogance of the Philistine army, which is contrasted with the humility and faith of David and the Israelites. The story reminds us that true strength comes not from physical stature or human abilities, but from trusting in God and His power.
What Is The Significance Of Goliath’s Height In Modern Times?
Goliath’s height has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the idea that even the most seemingly invincible opponents can be defeated by courage, faith, and determination. The story of David and Goliath has inspired countless people throughout history, encouraging them to stand up against overwhelming odds and trust in a higher power.
In addition, Goliath’s height has been used metaphorically to describe any insurmountable challenge or obstacle. The phrase “to face one’s Goliath” has become a common idiomatic expression, urging people to confront their fears and overcome their doubts.