Who Was the Tallest Person in the Bible?
Quick Summary
The tallest person in the Bible is widely recognized as Goliath, the Philistine warrior defeated by David. Described in 1 Samuel 17:4, his height is listed as "six cubits and a span," which translates to roughly 9 feet 9 inches (approximately 2.97 meters). However, some ancient manuscripts record a shorter height, around 6 feet 9 inches, still notably tall for the era. This post explores Goliath's height, its variations across texts, and what his stature represented within the biblical narrative.
Introduction
Among the many giants and warriors found in ancient texts, one figure towers above the rest in biblical storytelling: Goliath of Gath. His size has become legendary, not only because of the famous battle with David, but because he represents the formidable and the impossible. Goliath is not the only tall person in Scripture, but he is unquestionably the most iconic.
What was his actual height? Does archaeology support such a stature? And why does it matter?
How Tall Was Goliath?
According to 1 Samuel 17:4 (NRSV), Goliath's height is described as "six cubits and a span."
Cubit: An ancient unit based on the length of the forearm, generally considered to be around 18 inches (45.72 cm).
Span: The width of an outstretched hand, approximately 9 inches (22.86 cm).
By this reckoning:
6 cubits = 108 inches
1 span = 9 inches
Total = 117 inches, or 9 feet 9 inches (2.97 meters)
Such a height would be extraordinary, even by modern standards.
Textual Variations in Goliath's Height
However, not all ancient sources agree. The Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint (LXX), and Josephus all record Goliath's height as four cubits and a span, which equals approximately 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters).
This discrepancy has led scholars to question whether the Masoretic Text (MT), which gives the taller measurement, might be a later exaggeration. It's not uncommon for heroic or threatening figures in ancient literature to be described with inflated physical traits.
In other words:
Masoretic Text (MT): 6 cubits and a span = 9 ft 9 in
Septuagint (LXX) and Dead Sea Scrolls: 4 cubits and a span = 6 ft 9 in
Either way, Goliath would have stood out among his contemporaries, whose average male height in ancient Israel hovered around 5 ft 3 in (1.60 meters).
Goliath and the Anakim
Goliath is also associated with a group called the Anakim, mentioned in passages like Deuteronomy 2:10-11 and Joshua 11:22. These were a race of giants who inspired fear in the Israelites.
Goliath is described in 1 Samuel 17:23 as a "champion" of the Philistines from Gath, one of the last strongholds of the Anakim. His stature would have symbolized a lingering threat from a group long regarded as powerful and oppressive.
Symbolism of Goliath's Height
More than just a physical attribute, Goliath's height serves a literary and theological purpose. He embodies the might of human power and intimidation. David, in contrast, is young, small, and seemingly powerless.
This contrast sets the stage for one of the Bible's most enduring themes: God does not depend on appearances or strength but uses the weak to shame the strong (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 1:27).
Other Notably Tall People in the Bible
Og, king of Bashan: Deuteronomy 3:11 says his bed was made of iron and was 9 cubits long (about 13.5 feet or 4.1 meters), though this may be symbolic.
The Anakim: A general group of tall people, mentioned as intimidating warriors.
The Nephilim: Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33 mention these mysterious giants, possibly semi-divine beings or legendary warriors.
While Goliath is the tallest person specifically described by name, he stands within a broader tradition of ancient giants.
Tallest Person in the Bible: Meaning for Today
Whether Goliath stood at 6 feet 9 or 9 feet 9, his role in Scripture is clear: he represents the kind of obstacle that seems unbeatable. His defeat is not a victory of skill over size, but of faith over fear.
The story invites readers to ask: What giant looms in your path? And do you trust that, like David, you're not alone in facing it?
The fascination with his height continues because it reminds us that even the tallest foes can fall.
Works Consulted
Tsumura, David Toshio. The First Book of Samuel. NICOT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007.
Walton, John H., and Victor H. Matthews. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Downers Grove: IVP, 2000.
FAQ
Was Goliath really 9 feet 9 inches tall?
According to the Masoretic Text, yes. But other sources suggest he was 6 feet 9 inches. Either height would have been imposing in the ancient world.
Are there any archaeological findings that support giants?
No direct archaeological evidence confirms the existence of giants like Goliath. However, stories of exceptionally tall individuals exist in many ancient cultures.
Why does Goliath's height matter?
It sets up the dramatic contrast with David and emphasizes the theological message: God delivers through unlikely means.
