Was Goliath a Giant?

When people hear the story of David and Goliath, the first question is often: was Goliath really a giant? The Bible’s answer is “yes”—but his size is only part of the story.

How Tall Was Goliath?

In 1 Samuel 17:4, the Masoretic Text describes Goliath as “six cubits and a span”—about nine feet, nine inches tall. Other ancient witnesses (the Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint) record his height as “four cubits and a span”—closer to six feet, nine inches.

Even at the shorter measurement, Goliath was a towering warrior compared to the average Israelite (around 5’5″). Either way, Scripture portrays him as unnaturally large and terrifying, with armor and weapons that matched his massive frame.

Goliath as a “Giant” in Biblical Theology

The Bible doesn’t just describe Goliath as tall; it links him to the tradition of giant clans—the Anakim, Rephaim, and descendants of the Nephilim (cf. Deut. 2:10–11; Josh. 11:21–22). These figures were more than just tall people. In Israel’s worldview, they represented the lingering shadow of Genesis 6, when rebellious spiritual beings corrupted humanity.

Michael Heiser’s “Divine Council” perspective highlights this: Goliath isn’t just a big Philistine—he’s a living symbol of the ancient, supernatural rebellion against God. His very presence in the Valley of Elah signals that Israel’s conflict with the nations was also a conflict with the unseen powers behind them.

Crushing the Serpent’s Head

This is where the story takes on its deepest meaning. When David slings a stone into Goliath’s forehead and then cuts off his head, the imagery echoes the ancient promise of Genesis 3:15: the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent.

Goliath, the giant “seed” of the serpent, falls before God’s chosen king. And in this, David foreshadows the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, who would one day defeat the true serpent—Satan himself—not with sword or spear, but through the cross and resurrection.

So Was Goliath a Giant?

Yes—but more than that. Goliath was both physically enormous and spiritually significant. He was a giant not just in size, but in what he represented: the forces of chaos, rebellion, and death standing against God and His people.

David’s victory wasn’t merely about a shepherd boy defeating a tall man. It was a preview of Christ’s victory over sin and Satan. Goliath’s fall points us to the greater reality that no enemy—no matter how terrifying—can stand before the Lord’s anointed.