2 Samuel 21:16

2 Samuel 21:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David.

King James Version KJV

And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.

American Standard Version ASV

and Ishbi-benob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And there came against David one of the offspring of the Rephaim, whose spear was three hundred shekels of brass in weight, and having a new sword, he made an attempt to put David to death.

Free Bible Version FBV

Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels, and who was carrying a new sword, said he was going to kill David.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Ishi-benob which was of the sonnes of Haraphah (the head of whose speare wayed three hundreth shekels of brasse) euen he being girded with a newe sword, thought to haue slaine Dauid.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Ishbi-Benob, who [is] among the children of the giant — the weight of his spear [is] three hundred [shekels] weight of brass, and he is girded with a new one — speaketh of smiting David,

World English Bible WEB

and Ishbibenob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of bronze in weight, he being armed with a new sword, thought he would kill David.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Ishbi-benob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword , thought to have slain David.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Jesbibenob, who was of the race of Arapha, the iron of whose spear weighed three hundred ounces, being girded with a new sword, attempted to kill David.

Translation for Translators T4T

One of the Philistia men thought that he could kill David. His name was Ishbi-Benob. He was a descendant of a group of giants. He carried a bronze spear that weighed about ◄7-1/2 pounds/3-1/2 kg.►, and he also had a new sword.

Plain English Version PEV

Then a really big Philistia man came close to David. His name was Ishbibenob. He belonged to Rafa’s family. Everybody in that family was really big and strong. His spear had a sharp point. It was heavy, 3½ kilograms, and he had a new long knife. He reckoned he was going to kill David dead.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 21:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 21:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB ו/ישבו וְ/יִשְׁבִּ֨י בְּנֹ֜ב אֲשֶׁ֣ר בִּ/ילִידֵ֣י הָ/רָפָ֗ה וּ/מִשְׁקַ֤ל קֵינ/וֹ֙ שְׁלֹ֤שׁ מֵאוֹת֙ מִשְׁקַ֣ל נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וְ/ה֖וּא חָג֣וּר חֲדָשָׁ֑ה וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר לְ/הַכּ֥וֹת אֶת דָּוִֽד

ו/ישבו Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb H3430 Ishbi-benob Conj | N-proper

וְ/יִשְׁבִּ֨י Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb H3430 Ishbi-benob Conj | N-proper

בְּנֹ֜ב Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb H3430 Ishbi-benob N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בִּ/ילִידֵ֣י yâlîyd H3211 born Prep | N-mp

הָ/רָפָ֗ה râphâʼ H7497 Rapha Art | Ngmsa

וּ/מִשְׁקַ֤ל mishqâl H4948 weight Conj | N-ms

קֵינ/וֹ֙ qayin H7013 spear N-ms | Suff

שְׁלֹ֤שׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

מֵאוֹת֙ mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj

מִשְׁקַ֣ל mishqâl H4948 weight N-ms

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת nᵉchôsheth H5178 bronze N-fs

וְ/ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron

חָג֣וּר châgar H2296 to gird V-Qal-Inf-c

חֲדָשָׁ֑ה châdâsh H2319 new Adj

וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לְ/הַכּ֥וֹת nâkâh H5221 to smite Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

דָּוִֽד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 21:16

ו/ישבו Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb H3430 "Ishbi-benob" Conj | N-proper

Ishbi-benob was a giant Philistine who lived in Nob and was killed by Abishai, a soldier in King David's army, as told in 2 Samuel 21:16. He was the son of Rapha and brother of Goliath. Ishbi-benob's name means his dwelling is in Nob.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Sa.21.16; son of: Rapha (H7497A); brother of: Goliath (H1555), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902) and huge_man (H4060A) § Ishbi-benob = "his dwelling is in Nob" son of Rapha, one of the nation of Philistine giants who attacked David in battle and was slain by Abishai

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ishbi-benob (from the margin). See also: 2 Samuel 21:16.

וְ/יִשְׁבִּ֨י Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb H3430 "Ishbi-benob" Conj | N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ishbi-benob (from the margin). See also: 2 Samuel 21:16.

בְּנֹ֜ב Yishbôw bᵉ-Nôb H3430 "Ishbi-benob" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ishbi-benob (from the margin). See also: 2 Samuel 21:16.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

בִּ/ילִידֵ֣י yâlîyd H3211 "born" Prep | N-mp

This Hebrew word means born, referring to a child or son, like a home-born son or daughter.

Definition: born

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (home-) born, child, son. See also: Genesis 14:14; Numbers 13:22; Jeremiah 2:14.

הָ/רָפָ֗ה râphâʼ H7497 "Rapha" Art | Ngmsa

The Raphaite were a group of giants, including Goliath, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16, who lived during the time of King David.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16; father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant"; Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H) § giant, Rephah

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also H1051 (בֵּית רָפָא). See also: Genesis 14:5; 2 Samuel 5:22; Isaiah 17:5.

וּ/מִשְׁקַ֤ל mishqâl H4948 "weight" Conj | N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means weight or heaviness, often referring to a full weight, like in trade or commerce, as seen in Genesis. It represents a standard unit of measurement.

Definition: heaviness, weight

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (full) weight. See also: Genesis 24:22; 1 Kings 7:47; Jeremiah 52:20.

קֵינ/וֹ֙ qayin H7013 "spear" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a spear, a weapon used for throwing or thrusting. It is described as a lance that strikes quickly. The word is about a sharp object.

Definition: spear

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: spear. See also: 2 Samuel 21:16.

שְׁלֹ֤שׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

מֵאוֹת֙ mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj

Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.

מִשְׁקַ֣ל mishqâl H4948 "weight" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means weight or heaviness, often referring to a full weight, like in trade or commerce, as seen in Genesis. It represents a standard unit of measurement.

Definition: heaviness, weight

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (full) weight. See also: Genesis 24:22; 1 Kings 7:47; Jeremiah 52:20.

נְחֹ֔שֶׁת nᵉchôsheth H5178 "bronze" N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.

Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)

Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.

וְ/ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

חָג֣וּר châgar H2296 "to gird" V-Qal-Inf-c

The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.

חֲדָשָׁ֑ה châdâsh H2319 "new" Adj

The Hebrew word for new or fresh, used to describe something recently created or renewed, as seen in God's creation of a new heaven and earth. It emphasizes the idea of something being recent or modern.

Definition: new, new thing, fresh Aramaic equivalent: cha.dat (חֲדַ֑ת "new" H2323)

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fresh, new thing. See also: Exodus 1:8; Psalms 40:4; Psalms 33:3.

וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לְ/הַכּ֥וֹת nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

דָּוִֽד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 21:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 21:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:16
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 21:16
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16
Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:16

Context — Four Battles against the Philistines

14And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. 15Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted.

16Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David.

17But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” 18Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 21:18	Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha.
2	2 Samuel 21:20	And there was still another battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha,
3	1 Samuel 17:4–5	Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels,
4	Numbers 13:32–33	So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!”
5	Deuteronomy 2:21	They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place,
6	2 Samuel 5:18	Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.
7	Deuteronomy 2:10	(The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites.
8	Deuteronomy 1:28	Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”
9	Deuteronomy 3:11	(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)
10	Deuteronomy 9:2	The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”

2 Samuel 21:16 Summary

[This verse tells us about a man named Ishbi-benob who wanted to kill King David. Ishbi-benob was a strong and powerful warrior, but he was also very proud and confident in his own abilities. This reminds us that we should always trust in God's power and protection, rather than our own strength, as seen in Psalms 28:7. Just like David, we can trust that God will be with us and help us in times of trouble, as seen in Joshua 1:9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ishbi-benob and why did he want to kill David?

Ishbi-benob was a descendant of Rapha, a giant, and he wanted to kill David because David was the king of Israel and the Philistines were at war with Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:15. Ishbi-benob was likely seeking to make a name for himself by killing the king.

What can we learn from the fact that Ishbi-benob had a bronze spear that weighed three hundred shekels?

The fact that Ishbi-benob had a heavy spear suggests that he was a strong and formidable warrior, much like the giants mentioned in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33. This emphasizes the danger that David was in and the need for God's protection.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is part of a larger story about David's battles with the Philistines, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:15-22. It highlights the ongoing conflicts between Israel and the Philistines, and sets the stage for the events that follow.

What can we learn from David's situation in this verse?

David's situation in this verse teaches us about the importance of humility and recognizing our limitations, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:15 where David became exhausted. It also reminds us to trust in God's power and protection, as David did throughout his life, as seen in Psalms 23:4.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can trust in God's power and protection in my own life, just like David did?
How can I avoid becoming overconfident in my own strength, like Ishbi-benob, and instead recognize my need for God's help?
What are some areas of my life where I feel like I'm in a battle, and how can I seek God's guidance and protection in those areas?
How can I apply the lesson of humility and recognizing my limitations, as seen in David's exhaustion, to my own life and circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:16

And Ishbibenob, which [was] of the sons of the giant,.... Of Goliath, or of a giant, of the race of them: the weight of whose spear [weighed] three hundred [shekels] of brass in weight; which must be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:16

And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16

The giant; so called by way of eminency. Or, of Rapha, a giant so called. The weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels: see . With a new sword, or rather, with a new girdle or belt; for, first, This was the usual habit of soldiers, , and when it was of an extraordinary fashion and price, an ensign of dignity and command in the army, . So this may be mentioned to note that this was the first time either of his going out to fight, or of his advancement to some eminent place in the army; which made him desirous to signalize himself with some great action. Secondly, This supplement is more natural and usual, the word girdle being easily supplied from the word being girded; such ellipses of conjugate words being frequent in the Hebrew tongue, as . Thirdly, The newness of the sword seems to have no emphasis nor significancy for the present purpose, seeing an old and tried sword would seem more considerable for his encouragement than one new and unproved.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16

2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, which [was] of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear [weighed] three hundred [shekels] of brass in weight, he being girded with a new [sword], thought to have slain David.Ver. 15. Which was of the sons of the giant.] Such as were those before the flood, and the Zamzummims, and that Gabbara in Pliny brought out of Arabia, under the empire of Claudius, who was nine feet and nine inches high. Thought to have slain David.] This happened, saith Josephus, when the enemies being put to flight, David pursued them before all others.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16

(16) Ishbi-benob.—The name is a strange one, and it is generally thought that some error has crept into the text, but none of the suggested emendations are free from difficulty. Perhaps the most probable is that in the Speaker’s Commentary, by which for Ishbi (the Hebrew margin) they halted is read, and benob, by a very slight change in one letter, becomes at Gob; then a clause is supplied, there was a man, so that the whole reads, “David waxed faint, and they halted at Gob. And there was a man which was of the sons,” &c.; 2 Samuel 21:18 (as well as 2 Samuel 21:19) seems to imply a previous battle in Gob. Three hundred shekels.—About eight pounds; just half the weight of Goliath’s spear-head (1 Samuel 17:7). Girded with a new sword.—The word sword is not in the original, and its omission, where intended, is unusual. Either it should be girded with new armour, or else the word for new is intended to denote some otherwise unknown weapon.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16

Verse 16. Being girded with a new sword] As the word sword is not in the original, we may apply the term new to his armour in general; he had got new arms, a new coat of mail, or something that defended him well, and rendered him very formidable: or it may mean a strong or sharp sword.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:16

16. Ishbi-benob] Perhaps = “dweller on a height,” a name given him because he lived in some inaccessible castle. But there are good reasons for suspecting that there is some corruption in the text, and that the giant’s real name has been lost. of the sons of the giant] The word for sons is one specially used of the progeny of the giant races of Canaan (Numbers 13:22; Numbers 13:28; Joshua 15:14). Râphâh, or with the article ha-Râphâh, translated “the giant,” may be a quasi proper-name for the father of the four giants here mentioned, or, more probably, for the founder of the tribe of Rephaim. The Vulg. has Arapha, and hence comes Harapha, the name of the giant introduced in Milton’s Samson Agonistes. three hundred shekels] About nine pounds: half the weight of Goliath’s spear head. brass] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 8:8. with a new sword] There is no substantive expressed in the Hebrew: the Vulg. supplies sword: others suit of armour: the Sept. reads a mace instead of the word new, and this suggests the probability that the original reading was some rare word, denoting a specially formidable kind of weapon.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 21:16

Ishbi-benob - A corrupt reading. The whole passage should perhaps run thus: “And David waxed faint. So they halted in Gob (as in 2 Samuel 21:18-19).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:16

16. Ishbi-benob — The name means, his dwelling on the hill, and was perhaps given him on account of some high citadel or castle which he occupied. Sons of the giant — Or, sons of Raphah.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:16

	Sermon	Description
	David's Mighty Men (2 Samuel 21:18-22) by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's mighty men in their corporate battle against the remnants of Goliath's lineage, illustrating the transition from individual
	Abortion: Attitudes for Action by Melody Green	Melody Green preaches about the story of David and Goliath, drawing parallels to the modern-day giant of abortion that has paralyzed the Army of God through fear and intimidation.
	Renew Your Pledge to Kill Every Last Giant of Sin by Sandeep Poonen	This sermon delves into the story of the Israelites in Numbers 13 and 14, highlighting their choice between facing the giants in the promised land or returning to slavery in Egypt.
	The Letter O by Walter Wilson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different types of belief in relation to faith in God. The first type is the belief of faith, which brings us closer to God. The second ty