6 Heb “the man of the space between the two [armies].” See v. 23.
7 Heb “his height was six cubits and a span” (cf. , , ). A cubit was approximately eighteen inches, a span nine inches. So, according to the Hebrew tradition, Goliath was about nine feet, nine inches tall (cf. , , “over nine feet”; “nine feet, four inches”; “nearly 3 metres”). However, some Greek witnesses, Josephus, and a manuscript of 1 Samuel from Qumran read “four cubits and a span” here, that is, about six feet, nine inches (cf. “six and a half feet”). This seems more reasonable; it is likely that Goliath’s height was exaggerated as the story was retold. See P. K. McCarter, I Samuel (), ,.

In other versions

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

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

Then a champion named Goliath, from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was nine feet, nine inches tall

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!

Then a champion went out from the camps of the Philistines, whose name was Goliath from Gath. His 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.

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