Bible fact · Translation-dependent observation
Goliath's height
First Samuel gives Goliath's height as "six cubits and a span", roughly three metres by common estimates. 1 Samuel 17:4
Discover why
"A champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span." His coat of mail weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. 1 Samuel 17:4–5
Some ancient manuscripts (the Greek Septuagint and a Dead Sea scroll) read "four cubits and a span", which explains why some versions have a footnote. 1 Samuel 17:4
How this was worked out
Height from the World English Bible (Hebrew Masoretic text). Metric estimate assumes a cubit of about 45 cm and a span of about 22 cm; ancient units varied.
Counts and numbers that depend on an edition, canon or verse numbering can differ in other Bibles.
What the Bible does not say
The exact modern height cannot be known; manuscript traditions differ.
Read the passage
1 Samuel 17:4 WEB
4A champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span went out.