1 Samuel 17:7
New International Version
His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.

New Living Translation
The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield.

English Standard Version
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him.

Berean Standard Bible
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him.

King James Bible
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

New King James Version
Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him.

New American Standard Bible
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-carrier walked in front of him.

NASB 1995
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him.

NASB 1977
And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him.

Amplified Bible
The [wooden] shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; the blade-head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And a shield-bearer walked in front of him.

Christian Standard Bible
His spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed fifteen pounds. In addition, a shield-bearer was walking in front of him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed 15 pounds. In addition, a shield-bearer was walking in front of him.

American Standard Version
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went before him.

Contemporary English Version
and his spear was so big that the iron spearhead alone weighed about seven kilograms. A soldier always walked in front of Goliath to carry his shield.

English Revised Version
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went before him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The shaft of his spear was like the beam used by weavers. The head of his spear was made of 15 pounds of iron. The man who carried his shield walked ahead of him.

Good News Translation
His spear was as thick as the bar on a weaver's loom, and its iron head weighed about fifteen pounds. A soldier walked in front of him carrying his shield.

International Standard Version
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam and the iron point of his spear weighed 600 shekels. A man carrying his shield walked in front of him.

Majority Standard Bible
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him.

NET Bible
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer was walking before him.

New Heart English Bible
Now the shaft of his spear was like a weaver?s beam, and its blade weighed six hundred iron shekels, and his shield bearer went in front of him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

World English Bible
The staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. His shield bearer went before him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the wood of his spear [is] like a weavers’ beam, and the flame of his spear [is] six hundred shekels of iron, and the bearer of the buckler is going before him.

Young's Literal Translation
and the wood of his spear is like a beam of weavers', and the flame of his spear is six hundred shekels of iron, and the bearer of the buckler is going before him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the arrow of his spear as the beam of weavers, and the flame of his spear, six hundred shekels of iron. And he lifting up a shield went before him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred sicles of iron: and his armourbearer went before him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the shaft of his spear was like the beam used by a weaver. And the iron of his spear held six hundred shekels of iron. And his armor bearer went before him.

New American Bible
The shaft of his javelin was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron head weighed six hundred shekels. His shield-bearer went ahead of him.

New Revised Standard Version
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shieldbearer went before him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the wood of his spear was like the beam of a weaver, and the point of his spear of six hundred shekels of iron, and a bearer of a round shield went in front of him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the spear's head was formed of six hundred shekels of iron; and his armour-bearer went before him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Goliath's Challenge
6and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him. 8And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 21:19
Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.

1 Chronicles 20:5
Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.

2 Samuel 21:16
Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David.

1 Chronicles 11:23
He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.

1 Chronicles 11:12-14
Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. / He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

1 Kings 10:16-17
King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. / He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

2 Chronicles 9:15-16
King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield. / He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

Joshua 11:4
So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots.

Deuteronomy 3:11
(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)

Job 41:26-29
The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or dart or arrow. / He regards iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood. / No arrow can make him flee; slingstones become like chaff to him. ...

Isaiah 14:9
Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you—all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones.

Ezekiel 39:9
Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel.

Revelation 19:15
And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

Revelation 1:16
He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

Ephesians 6:16-17
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. / And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


Treasury of Scripture

And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

the staff

2 Samuel 21:19
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.

1 Chronicles 11:23
And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

1 Chronicles 20:5
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.

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Beam Bearer Bearing Cloth-Worker's Head Hundred Iron Point Rod Shaft Shekels Shield Shield-Bearer Six Spear Staff Stem Walked Weaver's Weighed Wood
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Beam Bearer Bearing Cloth-Worker's Head Hundred Iron Point Rod Shaft Shekels Shield Shield-Bearer Six Spear Staff Stem Walked Weaver's Weighed Wood
1 Samuel 17
1. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle
4. Goliath challenges a combat
12. David, sent by his father to visit his brothers, takes the challenge
28. Eliab chides him
30. He is brought to Saul
32. shows the reason of his confidence
38. and slays the giant
55. Saul takes notice of David














The shaft of his spear
The Hebrew word for "shaft" is "עֵץ" (etz), which can also mean "wood" or "tree." This imagery evokes the strength and durability of a tree, suggesting the formidable nature of Goliath's weapon. The spear's shaft being compared to a "weaver’s beam" indicates its massive size and weight, as a weaver's beam was a large, sturdy piece of equipment used in ancient looms. This comparison highlights the extraordinary physical prowess required to wield such a weapon, underscoring Goliath's intimidating presence.

like a weaver’s beam
The "weaver’s beam" was a significant part of the loom used in ancient textile production. It was known for its robustness and size, suggesting that Goliath's spear was not only large but also exceptionally strong. This metaphor serves to emphasize the overwhelming challenge faced by the Israelites, as Goliath's weaponry was beyond the ordinary, symbolizing the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that believers might face in their spiritual battles.

and the iron point of his spear
The use of "iron" (בַּרְזֶל, barzel) is significant, as iron was a relatively advanced material for weaponry in the ancient Near East, indicating technological superiority. The mention of iron highlights the Philistines' military advantage over the Israelites, who were less equipped. This detail serves as a reminder that God's people often face adversaries with superior resources, yet victory is not determined by human strength or technology but by divine intervention.

weighed six hundred shekels
The weight of "six hundred shekels" (approximately 15 pounds or 6.8 kilograms) for the spearhead alone underscores the immense strength required to handle such a weapon. This detail not only highlights Goliath's physical power but also serves as a metaphor for the burdens and challenges that can seem overwhelming in life. It reminds believers that, despite the weight of their trials, God provides the strength to overcome.

In addition, his shield bearer went before him
The presence of a "shield bearer" (נֹשֵׂא הַצִּנָּה, nose ha-tzinah) indicates Goliath's status and the seriousness of the threat he posed. The shield bearer would carry a large shield to protect Goliath, allowing him to focus on offense. This detail illustrates the comprehensive nature of the enemy's defenses and the strategic planning involved in warfare. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that the battles believers face are not just physical but also involve strategic spiritual warfare, requiring reliance on God's wisdom and protection.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The shaft
וְעֵ֣ץ (wə·‘êṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2671: A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear

of his spear
חֲנִית֗וֹ (ḥă·nî·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

was like a weaver's
אֹֽרְגִ֔ים (’ō·rə·ḡîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 707: To plait, weave

rod,
כִּמְנוֹר֙ (kim·nō·wr)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4500: A yoke, the frame of a, loom

and its iron
בַּרְזֶ֑ל (bar·zel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement

point
וְלַהֶ֣בֶת (wə·la·he·ḇeṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3852: A flash, a sharply polished blade, point of a, weapon

[weighed] six
שֵׁשׁ־ (šêš-)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number)

hundred
מֵא֥וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ)
Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

shekels.
שְׁקָלִ֖ים (šə·qā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8255: A weight, a commercial standard

In addition, his shield bearer
וְנֹשֵׂ֥א (wə·nō·śê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

went
הֹלֵ֥ךְ (hō·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

before him.
לְפָנָֽיו׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face


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OT History: 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff of his spear was like (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 17:6
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