1 Chronicles 11:23

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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 11:23 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Chronicles 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23And 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he went down--the ordinary phraseology for expressing an engagement in battle. The encounter of Benaiah with this gigantic Egyptian reminds us, in some respects, of David's combat with Goliath. At least, the height of this giant, which was about eight feet, and his armor, resembled his of Gath. with a staff--that is, having no other weapon in his hand than his walking stick.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Five cubits high - About 7 ft. 6 in. high. The height is not so great as that recorded of other giants. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a man of great stature: Heb. a man of measure five: Deu 3:11; Sa1 17:4 a spear: Ch1 20:5 slew him: Sa1 17:51 1 Chronicles 11:25”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification