Span — Meaning in the Bible
The width of a spread hand, from thumb tip to little finger tip, about half a cubit (roughly 22 centimetres).
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
Modern equivalents are approximate estimates: ancient units varied by time and place, and Scripture does not give modern values.
What it means
Goliath's height is given as "six cubits and a span". The high priest's breastpiece was a span long and a span wide. 1 Samuel 17:4Exodus 28:16
Isaiah pictures God marking off the sky with his span. Isaiah 40:12
Key passages
- Exodus 28:16 — The breastpiece.
- 1 Samuel 17:4 — Goliath.
- Isaiah 40:12 — Measuring the heavens.