1 Samuel 17:4 — Word Study
WLCוַיֵּצֵ֤א אִֽישׁ־ הַבֵּנַ֙יִם֙ מִמַּחֲנ֣וֹת פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים גָּלְיָ֥ת שְׁמ֖וֹ מִגַּ֑ת גָּבְה֕וֹ שֵׁ֥שׁ אַמּ֖וֹת וָזָֽרֶת׃
BSAThen a championʼîysh [strong warrior, man between two armies] namedshêm GoliathGolyath [a giant Philistine warrior] who was from GathGath [a major city of the Philistines] came outyâtsâʼ▸ [went out, emerged] from the PhilistinePᵉlishtîy [from the region of Philistia] campmachăneh [army, group of people] He was sixshêsh [the number six] cubitsʼammâh [a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm] and a spanzereth [about half a cubit, the distance from thumb to little finger] in heightgôbahh [elevated, grand, a measure of stature]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיֵּצֵ֤א | and he came out | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אִֽישׁ־ | [the] man of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| הַבֵּנַ֙יִם֙ | the champions | Particle, noun common masculine dual absolute |
| מִמַּחֲנ֣וֹת | from [the] camps of | Preposition, noun common feminine plural construct |
| פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים | [the] Philistines | Noun gentilic, masculine plural absolute |
| גָּלְיָ֥ת | [was] Goliath | Noun proper masculine |
| שְׁמ֖וֹ | name his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| מִגַּ֑ת | from Gath | Preposition, noun proper |
| גָּבְה֕וֹ | height his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| שֵׁ֥שׁ | [was] six | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| אַמּ֖וֹת | cubits | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| וָזָֽרֶת׃ | and a span | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, |
| KJV | ¶ 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. |
| ASV | 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. |
| YLT | And there goeth out a man of the duellists from the camps of the Philistines, Goliath [is] his name, from Gath; his height [is] six cubits and a span, |
| WEB | A champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span went out. |
| BBE | And a fighter came out from the tents of the Philistines, named Goliath of Gath; he was more than six cubits tall. |
Translations agree on the identity and stature of Goliath as a champion, with consistent wording across the BSB, KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE.
The sentence begins with the main clause, followed by a prepositional phrase that specifies Goliath's origin and a noun phrase that describes his height.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbיָצָא
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Samuel 17:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Challenge of Goliathgenerated
1 Samuel 17:4 introduces Goliath, a champion from the Philistine camp, who stands as a significant threat to the Israelites. This passage sets the stage for the conflict between David and Goliath, highlighting the fear and challenge faced by the Israelite army. Goliath's size and reputation as a warrior create a formidable obstacle for the Israelites, emphasizing the need for a hero to arise.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 17:23 | And as he was speaking with them, suddenly the champion named Goliath, the Philistine from Gath, came forward from the Philistines and shouted his usual words, which David also heard. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 21:9–10 | The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 21:19 | Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 20:5 | Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 27:4 | And when Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אִֽישׁ־, 'ish-generated
The Hebrew word אִישׁ ('ish) means 'man' and carries connotations of strength and valor, particularly in the context of battle. In this verse, it refers specifically to Goliath as a champion, highlighting his role as a key figure in the conflict between the Philistines and the Israelites.
The parsing indicates that it is a masculine singular construct noun, which emphasizes Goliath's individuality and significance in the narrative. This word choice underscores the importance of Goliath as a representative of the Philistine threat.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations generally agree on the identity of Goliath as a champion of the Philistines.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the finite verb וַיֵּצֵ֤א, and he came out, which introduces Goliath's emergence from the Philistine camp. This structure sets the stage for the description of Goliath's attributes and his imposing height.
The sentence is constructed with a series of noun phrases and prepositional phrases that provide details about Goliath, including his name, origin, and height, creating a vivid picture of this formidable warrior.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates the Hebrew וַיֵּצֵ֤א as ἐχῆλθεν, which means 'he went out.' This choice reflects a direct translation of the action of Goliath emerging from the Philistine camp.
The Greek word ἀνὴρ is used for אִישׁ, emphasizing Goliath's identity as a man, but also a warrior, consistent with his role as a champion.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Samuel 17:4 introduces Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior from Gath, who came out from the Philistine camp. He was described as being six cubits and a span tall, highlighting his imposing stature and the challenge he posed to the Israelites.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Goliath was a giant Philistine warrior known for his immense size and strength, who challenged the Israelites to send out a champion to fight him.
Being a champion means that Goliath was a representative warrior for the Philistines, standing between the two armies to challenge the Israelites.
Goliath's height of six cubits and a span emphasizes his formidable presence and the fear he instilled in the Israelite army.
Goliath serves as the main antagonist in the story, representing the seemingly insurmountable challenge that David must face.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What qualities make a person a champion in today's context?
- How do we respond to challenges that seem insurmountable like the Israelites did with Goliath?
- In what ways can we prepare ourselves to face our own 'Goliaths' in life?
- What does Goliath's story teach us about faith and courage?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The commentary from Bede interprets Goliath as a representation of evil, emphasizing the spiritual battle faced by the faithful.
And a man went out from above... named Goliath, etc. This notable man is the devil, who, daily going out from the camps of the Philistines, that is, from the hearts of the impious to rebel against God, does not cease to provoke the pious.Early Church Fathers on 1 Samuel 17 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Samuel 17:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines,.... Or a "middle person", or a man "between two" (y); meaning either one that went and stood between the two armies of Israel and the
Read John Gill on 1 Samuel 17 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Samuel 17 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleA champion, Heb. a man between two, either because he used to come forth, and stand between the two armies; or because he moved that the business should be decided between two, whereof he would be one. Whose height was six cubits and a span; which is not strange, for besides the giants mentioned in Scripture, Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, and Pliny, and others, make mention of persons seven cubits high, which is near double to an ordinary man’ s height.
Read Matthew Poole on 1 Samuel 17 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Samuel 17:4 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.Ver. 4. And there went out a champion.] Intermedius, sequester, duellio. The Vulgate calleth him a bastard: and it is held by some that those old giants were the devil’ s brats, and that there was none of them good, no not one, but all αντιθεοι, and θεομαχοι, fighters against God. This man was of the race of the Rephaims. See Joshua 11:22. Whose height was six cubits and a span.] Hence his presumption, which is the presage and cause of ruin - “ Magna repente ruunt, summa cadunt subito. ” Dυνατος. - Sept. Josephus thinks they were begotten of Incubi…
Read John Trapp on 1 Samuel 17 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(3, 4) And the Philistines stood. . . .—Conder, in his Tent Work in Palestine, writing on the spot, gives us a vivid picture of the scene of the well-known encounter between David and the giant Philistine:—“We may picture to ourselves the two hosts covering the low rocky hills opposite to each other, and half hidden among the lentisk bushes. Between them was the rich expanse of the ripening barley, and the red banks of the torrent, with its white shingly bed. Behind all were the distant blue hill-walls of Judah, whence Saul had just come down. The mail-clad warrior advanced from the west through the low corn, with his mighty lance perhaps tufted with feathers, his brazen helmet shining in…
Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Samuel 17 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 4. There went out a champion] Our word champion comes from campus, the field; Campio est enim ille qui pugnat in campo, hoc est, in castris, "Champion is he, properly, who fights in the field; i.e., in camps." A man well skilled in arms, strong, brave, and patriotic. But is this the meaning of the original איש הבנים ish habbenayim, a middle man, the man between two; that is, as here, the man who undertakes to settle the disputes between two armies or nations. So our ancient champions settled disputes between contending parties by what was termed camp fight, hence the campio or champion. The versions know not well what to make of this man. The Vulgate calls him sir spurius, "a…
Read AdamClarke on 1 Samuel 17 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4–11. Goliath’s Challenge 4. a champion] Lit. “The (well-known) man of the interspaces,” or “interval between two camps” (Gr. μεταίχμιον: see Eur. Phoen. 1361, in the account of the combat between Eteocles and Polynices), in which single combats took place: so E. V. rightly “champion.” Goliath of Gath] A survivor probably of the ancient race of Anakim, a remnant of which found refuge in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod, when they were exterminated by Joshua from the mountains of Judah (Joshua 11:21-22). six cubits and a span] The cubit, or distance from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger, is variously estimated at from eighteen to twenty-one inches: the span, or distance between the…
Read Cambridge on 1 Samuel 17 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleA champion - literally, “a man between the two camps:” i. e., one who did not fight in the ranks like an ordinary soldier, but came forth into the space between the hostile camps to challenge the
Read Albert Barnes on 1 Samuel 17 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height,
A champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span went out.
Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height,
Then a champion came out from the camp of the Philistines. His name was Goliath; he was from Gath. He was close to seven feet tall.
Tyndale line
¶ 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.
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.
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.
And there went out a champion from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose hight was six cubits and a span.
Then came a man betweene them both out of the tents of the Philistims, named Goliath of Gath: his height was sixe cubites and an hande breadth,
Strictly literal
And there went out a champion from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
And there goeth out a man of the duellists from the camps of the Philistines, Goliath [is] his name, from Gath; his height [is] six cubits and a span,
And a man goes out, the champion from the camps of the Philistines, his name [is] Goliath, from Gath; his height [is] six cubits and a span [[or four cubits and a span]],
And there went out the champion out of the camp of the Philistines, Goliath of Gath was his name, whose height was six cubits and a span.
A strong man came out of the Philistines' camp, a man named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
From the Latin
And there went out a man baseborn from the camp of the Philistines named Goliath, of Geth, whose height was six cubits and a span:
Simplified
Then a champion came out of the Philistine camp. His name was Goliath from Gath, and he was six cubits and a span tall.
And a fighter came out from the tents of the Philistines, named Goliath of Gath; he was more than six cubits tall.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the essential content of the verse, with all twelve words matched in the Septuagint's translation. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration, but the core details about Goliath remain consistent with the Masoretic Text.
וַיֵּצֵ֤א אִֽישׁ־ הַבֵּנַ֙יִם֙ מִמַּחֲנ֣וֹת פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים גָּלְיָ֥ת שְׁמ֖וֹ מִגַּ֑ת גָּבְה֕וֹ שֵׁ֥שׁ אַמּ֖וֹת וָזָֽרֶת׃
12 of the 12 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[ויצא] איש [הבנים] [ממערכות] [פלשתיים] [גלית] [שמ׳ו] [מגת] [גבה׳ו] ארבע אמות וזרת
3 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 8 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Samuel 17:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
יָצָא (yatsa') is a Hebrew verb meaning to go or come out, with various applications including departure, escape, and emergence. It can refer to both animate and inanimate subjects and emphasizes the idea of origin or source. The verb appears in different forms, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, indicating actions like leading out or being brought forth.
יָצָא 1068 vb. go or come out
Qal
go or come out or forth
from (מִן) a place
go forth from (the presence of) a person
in technical senses
of flight, involving escape
depart
of inanimate things
with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source
of children as going forth from loins (of father)
go forth to a place
go forward, proceed to or toward something
come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result
of combinations
Hiph.
cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out
fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.
bring out animals
inanimate obj.
fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)
Hoph. be brought forth
base
H3318 יָצָא go or come out .. go or come out or forth . from (מִן) a place
. go forth from (the presence of) a person
. in technical senses
. of flight, involving escape
. depart
. of inanimate things
. with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source
. of children as going forth from loins (of father)
. . go forth to a place
. go forward, proceed to or toward something
. come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result
. of combinations
. . cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out
. fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.
. bring out animals
. inanimate obj.
. fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)
. be brought forth
3318 yatsa' yaw-tsaw'
a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great
variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct
and proxim.:--X after, appear, X assuredly, bear out, X
begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come
(abroad, out, thereat, without), + be condemned,
depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact,
fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence,
out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out),
going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out,
lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, X
scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring
out, stand out, X still, X surely, take forth (out), at any
time, X to (and fro), utter.
יָצָא (ya.tsa) — to come out: come.
: come/go_out/escape
1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart
1a2) to go forth (to a place)
1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)
1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)
1a5) to come out of
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out
1b2) to bring out of
1b3) to lead out
1b4) to deliver
1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
יָצָא (ya.tsa) — to come out: send.
: send/take_out/release
1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart
1a2) to go forth (to a place)
1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)
1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)
1a5) to come out of
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out
1b2) to bring out of
1b3) to lead out
1b4) to deliver
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.
אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)
base
H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)
376 'iysh eesh
contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root
meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male
person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and
in such cases frequently not expressed in
translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +
champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,
husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),
him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,
person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.
Compare 802.
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0802
אִישׁ (ish) — man.
: man
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.
: husband
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.
: anyone/someone
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
בַּ֫יִן subst. prop. interval, space between
always (exc. dual) as prep. in the interval of, between
Dual בֵּנַ֫יִם space between two armies
base
H1143 בַּ֫יִן, בֵּנַיִם
1143 benayim bay-nah'-yim
dual of 996; a double interval, i.e. the space between two
armies:--+ champion.
see HEBREW for 0996
בֵּנַיִם (be.na.yim) — champion.
1) between, space between two armies
1a) man of the space between armies, i.e. champion (of Goliath) (meton)
HTd/Ncmda — Particle · noun common masculine dual absoluteHTd/Ncmda
מַחֲנֶה (machaneh) refers to an encampment or camp, encompassing both literal and figurative meanings. It can denote a place where people or troops gather, an army, or a body of individuals. The term is used in various contexts, including military, social, and even celestial gatherings.
מַחֲנֶה 214 n.m. and f. encampment, camp
camp, place of encampment
camp of armed host
those who encamp
company, body of people
army, host
base
H4264 מַחֲנֶה encampment, camp . camp, place of encampment
. camp of armed host
. . those who encamp
. company, body of people
. army, host
4264 machaneh makh-an-eh'
from 2583; an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an
army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers,
angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or even the sacred courts):--
army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents.
see HEBREW for 02583
מַחֲנֶה (ma.cha.neh) — camp.
1) encampment, camp
1a) camp, place of encampment
1b) camp of armed host, army camp
1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Prep | N-cp — Preposition · noun common feminine plural constructHR/Ncfpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word פְּלִשְׁתִּי (*pelishtiy*) means 'Philistine' and refers to an inhabitant of Philistia, with roots indicating they are descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor. It is derived from the lemma for Philistia, פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת (*peleshet*), and is first mentioned in Genesis 10:14.
פְּלִשְׁתִּי 288 adj.gent. Philistine
base
H6430 פְּלִשְׁתִּי Philistine
6430 Plishtiy pel-ish-tee'
patrial from 6429; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of
Pelesheth:--Philistine.
see HEBREW for 06429
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — Philistine.
Philistine = "immigrants"
an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan
Another spelling of pe.le.shet (פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת "Philistia" H6429)
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — Philistine.
A Philistine living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.14;
son of: Casluhim (H3695)
§ Philistine = "immigrants"
an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — (Sea of the) Philistines.
Philistine = "immigrants"
an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan
Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Ngmpa — Noun gentilic · masculine plural absoluteHNgmpa
fi-lis'-tinz, fil'-is-tinz, fil'-is-tinz (pelishtim; Phulistieim, allophuloi):
I. OLD TESTAMENT NOTICES
1. Race and Origin
2. Religion
3. Individual Philistines Mentioned
4. Title of Ruler and Circumcision
5. History in the Old Testament to Death of Saul
6. History Continued to Time of Ahaz
7. Later Notices
II. MONUMENTAL NOTICES
1. Palestinian Excavations
2. Egyptian Monuments
3. Assyrian Texts
III. THE CRETAN THEORY
1. Cherethim and Kretes
2. Caphtor and Keft
IV. DAVID'S GUARDS
1. The "Cherethi" and the "Pelethi" Not Mercenaries
2. Meaning of These Terms
3. Native Hebrews
4. Review
LITERATURE
I. Old Testament Notices.
1. Race and Origin:
The Philistines were an uncircumcised people inhabiting the shore plain between Gezer and Gaza in Southwestern Palestine (see PHILISTIA). The name Palestine itself (Hebrew pelesheth) refers to their country. The word means "migrants," and they came from another country. They…
Philistines
(Gen. 10:14, R.V.; but in A.V., “Philistim”), a tribe allied to the Phoenicians. They were a branch of the primitive race which spread over the whole district of the Lebanon and the valley of the Jordan, and Crete and other Mediterranean islands. Some suppose them to have been a branch of the Rephaim (2 Sam. 21:16-22). In the time of Abraham they inhabited the south-west of Judea, Abimelech of Gerar being their king (Gen. 21:32, 34; 26:1). They are, however, not noticed among the Canaanitish tribes mentioned in the Pentateuch. They are spoken of by Amos (9:7) and Jeremiah (47:4) as from Caphtor, i.e., probably Crete, or, as some think, the Delta of Egypt. In the whole record from Exodus to Samuel they are…
(immigrants), The origin of the Philistines is nowhere expressly stated in the Bible; but as the prophets describe them as "the Philistines-from Caphtor," (Amos 9:7) and "the remnant of the maritime district of Caphtor" (Jeremiah 47:4) it is prima facie probable that they were the Caphtorim which came out of Caphtor" who expelled the Avim from their territory and occupied it; in their place, (2:23) and that these again were the Caphtorim mentioned in the Mosaic genealogical table among the descendants of Mizraim. (Genesis 10:14) It has been generally assumed that Caphtor represents Crete, and that the Philistines migrated from that island, either directly or through Egypt, into Palestine. But the name Caphtor is more probably…
A celebrated people, who inhabited the southern seacoast of Canaan, which from them took the name of Philistia, Ps 60:8 108:9, or Palestine. They seem originally to have migrated form Egypt to Caphtor, by which some understand Crete, and others with the ancients Cappadocia, Ge 10:14, and thence to have passed over to Palestine under the name of Caphtorim, where they drove out the Avim, who dwelt from Hazerim to Azzah, that is, Gaza, and swelt in their stead, De 2:23. The country they inhabited lay between the higher land of Judea and the Mediterranean, and was in the main a level and fertile territory. It resembles our own western prairies; and bears splendid crops year after year, though miserably cultivated and never manured.
גָּלְיַת (Golyath) refers to Goliath, the Philistine giant known from the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:4. The name may derive from a root meaning 'exile' and is associated with a lineage that includes his father Rapha and brothers. Goliath is characterized as a notable figure, often described as a 'huge man'.
גָּלְיַת n.pr.m. (conspicuous?) Philistine giant slain by David
base
H1555 גָּלְיַת
1555 Golyath gol-yath'
perhaps from 1540; exile; Goljath, a Philistine:--Goliath.
see HEBREW for 01540
גׇּלְיַת (gol.yat) — Goliath.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.17.4;
son of: Rapha (H7497A);
brother of: Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A)
§ Goliath = "splendour"
the Philistine giant of Gath slain by David's sling
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
go-li'-ath (golyath; Goliath):
(1) The giant of Gath, and champion of the Philistine army (1Sa 17:4-23; 21:9; 22:10; 2Sa 21:19; 1Ch 20:5). He defied the armies of Israel, challenging anyone to meet him in single combat while the two armies faced each other at Ephesdammim. He was slain by the youthful David. Goliath was almost certainly not of Philistine blood, but belonged to one of the races of giants, or aboriginal tribes, such as the Anakim, Avvim, Rephaim, etc. The Avvim had lived at Philistia, and most probably the giant was of that race. His size was most extraordinary. If a cubit was about 21 inches, he was over 11 feet in height; if about 18 inches, he was over 9 feet in height. The enormous weight of his armor would…
Goliath
Great. (1.) A famous giant of Gath, who for forty days openly defied the armies of Israel, but was at length slain by David with a stone from a sling (1 Sam. 17:4). He was probably descended from the Rephaim who found refuge among the Philistines after they were dispersed by the Ammonites (Deut. 2:20, 21). His height was “six cubits and a span,” which, taking the cubit at 21 inches, is equal to 10 1/2 feet. David cut off his head (1 Sam. 17:51) and brought it to Jerusalem, while he hung the armour which he took from him in his tent. His sword was preserved at Nob as a religious trophy (21:9). David’s victory over Goliath was the turning point in his life. He came into public notice now as the deliverer of Israel and the…
(splendor), a famous giant of Gath, who "morning and evening for forty days" defied the armies of Israel. (1 Samuel 17:1) ... (B.C. 1063.) He was possibly descended from the old Rephaim [GIANTS], of whom a scattered remnant took refuge with the Philistines after their dispersion by the Ammonites. (2:20,21; 2 Samuel 21:22) His height was "six cubits and a span," which taking the cubit at 21 inches, would make him 10 1/2 feet high. The scene of his combat with David, by whom he was slain, was the "valley of the terebinth," between Shochoh and Arekah, probably among the western passes of Benjamin. In (2 Samuel 21:19) we find that another Goliath of Gath was slain by Elhanan, also a Bethlehemite.
A celebrated giant of Gath, who challenged the armies of Israel, and was encountered and slain by David. The history is contained in 1Sa 17:1-58. His height was nine feet and a half; or, if we reckon the cubit at twenty-one inches, over eleven feet. See GIANTS.
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
גַּת (gat) refers to a Philistine city, meaning 'winepress.' It is noted as one of the five chief cities of the Philistines and is recognized as the native city of Goliath. The entries consistently identify it as a proper noun related to a specific location.
גַּת n.pr.loc. (wine-press)—Philistine city
base
H1661 גַּת
1661 Gath gath
the same as 1660; Gath, a Philistine city:--Gath.
see HEBREW for 01660
גַּת (gat) — Gath.
§ Gath = "winepress"
one of the five royal or chief cities of the Philistines and the native city of Goliath
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun properHR/Npl
gath (gath; Septuagint Geth, "winepress"):
One of the five chief cities of the Philistines (Jos 13:3; 1Sa 6:17). It was a walled town (2Ch 26:6) and was not taken by Joshua, and, although many conflicts took place between the Israelites and its people, it does not seem to have been captured until the time of David (1Ch 18:1). It was rendered famous as the abode of the giant Goliath whom David slew (1Sa 17:4), and other giants of the same race (2Sa 21:18-22). It was to Gath that the Ashdodites conveyed the ark when smitten with the plague, and Gath was also smitten (
Gath
A wine-vat, one of the five royal cities of the Philistines (Josh. 13:3) on which the ark brought calamity (1 Sam. 5:8, 9; 6:17). It was famous also as being the birthplace or residence of Goliath (1 Sam. 17:4). David fled from Saul to Achish, king of Gath (1 Sam. 21:10; 27:2-4; Ps. 56), and his connection with it will account for the words in 2 Sam. 1:20. It was afterwards conquered by David (2 Sam. 8:1). It occupied a strong position on the borders of Judah and Philistia (1 Sam. 21:10;
(a wine press), one of the five royal cities of the Philistines; (Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:17) and the native place of the giant Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:4,23) It probably stood upon the conspicuous hill now called Tell-es-Safieh , upon the side of the plain of Philistia, at the foot of the mountains of Judah; 10 miles east of Ashdod, and about the same distance south by east of Ekron. It is irregular in form, and about 200 feet high. Gath occupied a strong position, (2 Chronicles 11:8) on the border of Judah and Philistia, (1 Samuel 21:10; 1 Chronicles 18:1) and from its…
A city of the Philistines, and one of their five principalities, 1Sa 5:8 6:17. It was a notable city, in the border of the Philistines nearest to Jerusalem; but its site has long been lost. It was the home of Goliath, 1Sa 17:4. Compare Jos 11:22 2Sa 21:19-22. Here David sought a refuge form Saul, 1Sa 21:10 27:2-7. It came under his power in the beginning of his reign over all Israel, 1Ch 18:1, and continued subject to his successors till the declension of the kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam rebuilt or fortified it, 2Ch…
גֹּ֫בַהּ (gobahh) refers to height or elevation, encompassing meanings like grandeur and haughtiness. It is derived from a root associated with elation and pride. The term can describe physical height, such as that of buildings or trees, as well as a more abstract sense of exaltation.
גֹּ֫בַהּ n.m. height
height, of buildings and trees
exaltation, grandeur
haughtiness
base
H1363 גֹּ֫בַהּ
1363 gobahh go'-bah
from 1361; elation, grandeur, arrogance:--excellency,
haughty, height, high, loftiness, pride.
see HEBREW for 01361
גֹּ֫בַהּ (go.vah) — height.
1) height, exaltation
1a) height
1b) exaltation, grandeur
1c) haughtiness
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word שֵׁשׁ, transliterated as shesh, means 'six' and can function as both a cardinal and ordinal number, indicating the sixth position. It is a primitive number that signifies an excess beyond five, as noted in the entries. The Aramaic equivalent is שֵׁת (shet).
שֵׁשׁ, שִׁשָּׁה 216 n.m. et f. six
base
H8337 שֵׁשׁ, שִׁשָּׁה six
8337 shesh shaysh
masculine shishshah {shish-shaw'}; a primitive number; six
(as an overplus (see 7797) beyond five or the fingers of the
hand); as ord. sixth:--six((-teen, -teenth)), sixth.
see HEBREW for 07797
שֵׁשׁ (shesh) — six.
1) six
1a) six (cardinal number)
1b) sixth (ordinal number)
1c) in combination with other numbers
Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Adj — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
אַמָּה (ammah) primarily means 'cubit,' a unit of measure roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 0.5 meters, derived from the word for 'mother' or 'forearm.' It can also refer to a foundation or base, as noted in Isaiah 6:4. The lexicons mention different types of cubits used in the Old Testament, including the common cubit and the legal cubit.
אַמָּה 246 n.f. ell, cubit
cubit
† measure, full measure, limit
base
[אַמָּה] n.f. (etym. & mng. dub.; Thes foundation) only Is 6:4.
ref
H520a אַמָּה ell, cubit H520b אַמָּה
520 'ammah am-maw'
prolonged from 517; properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure,
or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a
door-base (as a bond of the entrance):--cubit, + hundred (by
exchange for 3967), measure, post.
see HEBREW for 0517
see HEBREW for 03967
אַמָּה (am.mah) — cubit.
cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment.
Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
אַמָּה (am.mah) — foundation.
foundation
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
זֶ֫רֶת (zereth) refers to a span, which is a unit of measure approximately equivalent to half a cubit, or the distance between the thumb and little finger of an outstretched hand. The word is derived from the root meaning to spread fingers, and it appears in contexts related to measurement.
זֶ֫רֶת n.f. span
base
H2239 זֶ֫רֶת span
2239 zereth zeh'-reth
from 2219; the spread of the fingers, i.e. a span:--span.
see HEBREW for 02219
זֶ֫רֶת (ze.ret) — span.
1) span
1a) a unit of measure, approx half-cubit, or the distance from the thumb to the little finger on an outstretched hand
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Ncfsa