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2 Samuel 21:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 21:20 say?

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

The verse

And there was again war at 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.
2 Samuel 21:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel.
18And it came to pass after this, that there was again war with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Saph, who was of the sons of the giant.
19And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim the Beth-lehemite slew Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver`s beam.
20And there was again war at 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.
21And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David`s brother, slew him.
22These four were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.
← 2 Samuel 21:192 Samuel 21:21 →
← Full Chapter 21 2 Samuel Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And there was yet a battle in Gath, etc.] Besides the battles in the above place or places; for this does not necessarily suppose that one of the said battles had been there, only that this, which was another battle, had been there: where was a man of [great] stature; for so the sense of the word appears to be from (<132006>1 Chronicles 20:6); though here it signifies a man of strife and contention, a man of war, and both were true of him: that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; twelve fingers on his two hands, and twelve toes on his two feet. Pliny f368 speaks of one M. Curiatius, a patrician, who had two daughters that had six fingers on…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“yet a battle: Ch1 20:6 the giant: or, Rapha, Sa2 21:16, Sa2 21:18 \*marg. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 21:21”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification