4 A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span.[1]

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 17:4

King James Version

4 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.

English Standard Version

4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was sixHebrew; Septuagint, Dead Sea Scroll and Josephus four cubits and a span.

The Message

4 A giant nearly ten feet tall stepped out from the Philistine line into the open, Goliath from Gath.

New King James Version

4 And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

New Living Translation

4 Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall!

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:4

Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:1-11

(Read 1 Samuel 17:1-11)

Men so entirely depend upon God in all things, that when he withdraws his help, the most valiant and resolute cannot find their hearts or hands, as daily experience shows.

23 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it.

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 17:23

King James Version

23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.

English Standard Version

23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.

The Message

23 While they were talking together, the Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath, stepped out from the front lines of the Philistines, and gave his usual challenge. David heard him.

New King James Version

23 Then as he talked with them, there was the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, coming up from the armies of the Philistines; and he spoke according to the same words. So David heard them.

New Living Translation

23 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, came out from the Philistine ranks. Then David heard him shout his usual taunt to the army of Israel.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:23

Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:12-30

(Read 1 Samuel 17:12-30)

Jesse little thought of sending his son to the army at that critical juncture; but the wise God orders actions and affairs, so as to serve his designs. In times of general formality and lukewarmness, every degree of zeal which implies readiness to go further, or to venture more in the cause of God than others, will be blamed as pride and ambition, and by none more than by near relations, like Eliab, or negligent superiors. It was a trial of David's meekness, patience, and constancy. He had right and reason on his side, and did not render railing for railing; with a soft answer he turned away his brother's wrath. This conquest of his own passion was more honourable than that of Goliath. Those who undertake great and public services, must not think it strange if they are spoken ill of, and opposed by those from whom they expect support and assistance. They must humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of enemies' threats, but of friends' slights and suspicions.