King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:20 in the King James Version says “And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature , that had on every hand six fingers, and on every ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature , that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. the giant: or, Rapha”

2 Samuel 21:20 · KJV

Context

18

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. the giant: or, Rapha Saph: or, Sippai

19

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. Jaareoregim: or, Jair

20

And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature , that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. the giant: or, Rapha

21

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. defied: or, reproached

22

These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Famine and Giants, emphasizing justice, covenant obligations. The three-year famine traced to Saul's treaty violation demonstrates God's demand for covenant faithfulness and justice. The execution of Saul's descendants and Rizpah's faithful vigil over their bodies presents complex ethical questions. The Philistine giant battles demonstrate ongoing threats. Theological themes include multi-generational covenant obligations, the high cost of treaty violations, God's demand for justice, and His provision of strength for continued battles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 21 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding justice, covenant obligations provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of justice, covenant obligations?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַתְּהִי1 of 20
H1961

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

ע֥וֹד2 of 20
H5750

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

מִלְחָמָ֖ה3 of 20

“And there was yet a battle”

H4421

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

בְּגַ֑ת4 of 20

“in Gath”

H1661

gath, a philistine city

וַיְהִ֣י׀5 of 20
H1961

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

אִ֣ישׁ6 of 20

“where was a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מָד֗יֹן7 of 20

“of great stature”

H4067

extensiveness, i.e., height

וְאֶצְבְּעֹ֨ת8 of 20

“fingers”

H676

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

יָדָיו֩9 of 20

“that had on every hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְאֶצְבְּעֹ֨ת10 of 20

“fingers”

H676

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

רַגְלָ֜יו11 of 20

“and on every foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וָשֵׁ֗שׁ12 of 20

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וָשֵׁ֗שׁ13 of 20

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים14 of 20

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַרְבַּע֙15 of 20

“four”

H702

four

מִסְפָּ֔ר16 of 20

“in number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

וְגַם17 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

ה֖וּא18 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יֻלַּ֥ד19 of 20

“and he also was born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לְהָֽרָפָֽה׃20 of 20

“to the giant”

H7497

a giant

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 21:20 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 2 Samuel 21:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 21:162 Samuel 21:181 Chronicles 20:6

Places in This Verse

Gath 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Safi · 31.70°N, 34.85°E38 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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