"A champion named Goliath, who was over nine feet tall."
Biblical Name · Hebrew Origin
Goliath Meaning in the Bible
Goliath
boy
Goliath means "Exile or passage", a boy's name of Hebrew origin. Goliath appears in the King James Bible, and 1 Samuel 17:4 is the passage most often tied to it. Represents the giants we face in life that God empowers us to overcome through faith.
Is Goliath in the Bible?
Yes — Goliath appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 17:4.
Pronunciation:/go-LY-ath/
OriginHebrew
MeaningExile or passage
What does Goliath mean?
Goliath is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Exile or passage". The Philistine giant whose defeat by young David became the supreme biblical symbol of faith conquering impossible odds.
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Editor’s reflection
The Philistine champion whose name may not be Semitic at all — and whose height the manuscripts dispute.
Goliath (Hebrew גָּלְיָת, Golyath) has no clean Hebrew etymology. Most scholars treat it as a Philistine name, possibly related to Anatolian or Luwian forms such as Alyattes, which fits the Philistines' Aegean origins. Attempts to force it into Hebrew as 'exile' from galah are folk etymology.
He is introduced in 1 Samuel 17 as 'a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath.' The KJV gives his height as 'six cubits and a span' — around nine feet nine inches. Notably, several of the oldest witnesses, including a Dead Sea Scrolls fragment of Samuel and the Septuagint, read 'four cubits and a span,' roughly six feet nine — still towering in an era when the average man stood about five foot three.
The account's real interest is the contrast in armament. Six verses describe Goliath's bronze helmet, coat of mail, greaves, target and spear staff 'like a weaver's beam.' David refuses armour and answers with a name instead: 'I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied' (1 Samuel 17:45). Goliath is not used as a given name; the page exists for readers studying the passage.
“Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts.”
What does Goliath mean in the Bible?
Goliath means "Exile or passage" and is a name of Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
The Philistine giant whose defeat by young David became the supreme biblical symbol of faith conquering impossible odds.
Where does Goliath appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Goliath is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with 1 Samuel 17:4. Each verse is quoted in full below.
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Which books of the Bible mention Goliath?
Goliath is mentioned across 1 book of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Goliath?
Represents the giants we face in life that God empowers us to overcome through faith.
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Promises connected to the meaning of the name Goliath:
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What names are related to Goliath?
Names like Goliath
Other Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "Exile or passage" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Goliath
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Goliath
Download a printable name card with the KJV verse and meaning — perfect for Pinterest, Instagram, or a baptism keepsake.
Goliath name meaning: frequently asked questions
The KJV, following the Masoretic Hebrew text, says 'six cubits and a span' (1 Samuel 17:4) — roughly nine feet nine inches. Older witnesses including the Septuagint and a Samuel scroll from Qumran read 'four cubits and a span,' about six feet nine. Both readings describe a man far larger than any Israelite soldier of the period.
Yes — Goliath appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 17:4.
Goliath means "Exile or passage." It is a Hebrew name. The King James Bible uses it in 1 Samuel 17:4, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Common questions about the name Goliath
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Goliath?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Goliath?
You can read every verse where Goliath appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.