King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 20:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 20:5 in the King James Version says “And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite,...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam. Jair: called also, Iaare-ore-gim.2.Sam.21.19”

1 Chronicles 20:5 · KJV

Context

3

And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

4

And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. arose: or, continued: Heb. stood Gezer: or, Gob the giant: or, Rapha

5

And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam. Jair: called also, Iaare-ore-gim.2.Sam.21.19

6

And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant. great: Heb. a man of measure the son: Heb. born to the giants, or, Rapha

7

But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him. defied: or, reproached Shimea: called Shammah

Read 1 Chronicles 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Final conquests and giant slayers. The Hebrew term רָפָה (rapha) - giant/Rephaim is theologically significant here, pointing to God enables victory over impossible odds. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God enables victory over impossible odds. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ defeats spiritual giants (powers and principalities).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Final conquests and giant slayers occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God enables victory over impossible odds challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ defeats spiritual giants (powers and principalities) teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַתְּהִי1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ע֥וֹד2 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

מִלְחָמָ֖ה3 of 18

“And there was war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

אֶת4 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים5 of 18

“again with the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיַּ֞ךְ6 of 18

“slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶלְחָנָ֣ן7 of 18

“and Elhanan”

H445

elchanan, an israelite

בֶּן8 of 18

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יָעִ֗ור9 of 18

“of Jair”

H3265

jaur, an israelite

אֶת10 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַחְמִי֙11 of 18

“Lahmi”

H3902

lachmi, an israelite; or rather probably a brief form

אֲחִי֙12 of 18

“the brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

גָּלְיָ֣ת13 of 18

“of Goliath”

H1555

goljath, a philistine

הַגִּתִּ֔י14 of 18

“the Gittite”

H1663

a gittite or inhabitant of gath

וְעֵ֣ץ15 of 18

“staff”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

חֲנִית֔וֹ16 of 18

“whose spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

כִּמְנ֖וֹר17 of 18

“beam”

H4500

a yoke (properly, for plowing), i.e., the frame of a loom

אֹֽרְגִֽים׃18 of 18

“was like a weaver's”

H707

to plait or weave

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 20:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 20:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 21:191 Samuel 17:71 Samuel 21:91 Samuel 17:41 Samuel 22:10

Places in This Verse

Gath 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Safi · 31.70°N, 34.85°E38 verses across 10 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 20 →

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