How Tall Was the Tallest Giant in The Bible?

The Bible’s tallest giant is a topic of fascination and speculation for many. Throughout the Bible, there are references to giants, but exact height measurements are not provided for most of them. However, there are a few instances where the heights of these biblical giants are mentioned. Let’s explore what the Bible reveals about their stature.

Key Takeaways:

• Although the Bible mentions giants, it does not provide exact height measurements for most of them.
• Goliath of Gath, the most famous giant in the Bible, is described as being between 6 cubits and 1 span (approximately 9 feet, 9 inches) tall.
• Og, the king of Bashan, is described as having a bed that is 9 cubits long, or approximately 13 feet, 6 inches.
• Based on the references in the Bible, giants in the ancient world were generally between 7 ½ and 10 feet tall.
• Extreme claims of giants reaching heights of 20, 30, or 450 feet are not supported by the biblical accounts and stem from ancient mythological texts and misinformation.

Giants in the Bible – Biblical Accounts and Descriptions

The Bible mentions giants in various passages, describing them as beings of great size and power. While specific height measurements are not provided for most giants, there are instances where some dimensions are mentioned, giving us a glimpse into their immense stature. These accounts help us understand the awe-inspiring presence of these biblical giants.

One biblical giant of note is Goliath of Gath, who is famously known for his confrontation with the young shepherd boy David. According to the Masoretic Text, Goliath’s height is estimated to be between 6 cubits and 1 span, which is approximately 9 feet, 9 inches. Other ancient texts, however, suggest a shorter height of around 6 feet, 6 inches. Regardless of the exact measurement, Goliath’s towering presence on the battlefield would have instilled fear and intimidation in his opponents.

Additionally, the spies sent to scout the land of Canaan reported encountering people of great height, likening them to giants. These biblical giants were noted for their imposing presence and strength. The Lord is also described as destroying the Amorites, whose height was compared to the height of cedars. These figurative descriptions indicate the immense size and power attributed to these giants in the biblical accounts.

“The spies came back and said, ‘We saw the giants there! We felt as tiny as grasshoppers, and that’s how we must have looked to them.'” – Numbers 13:33

While the Bible provides limited specific information regarding the height of biblical giants, it emphasizes their extraordinary size and impact on the people who encountered them. These giants were not ordinary beings but figures of great stature and strength, capable of striking fear into the hearts of their adversaries.

The Height of Egyptian Giant

In one interesting account, the Bible mentions an Egyptian man who was struck down by one of David’s mighty men. This Egyptian giant, known only by his impressive height, was approximately 7 feet, 6 inches tall. This specific measurement offers a glimpse into the physical attributes of a biblical giant from a different perspective, showcasing the substantial stature of these extraordinary beings.

In summary, the Bible provides descriptions of giants rather than precise measurements for most of them. These descriptions convey their immense size, power, and impact on the people around them. While there are a few instances where specific dimensions are given, such as Goliath’s height of approximately 9 feet, 9 inches, and the Egyptian giant’s height of 7 feet, 6 inches, these measurements do not represent all the giants mentioned in the Bible. It is clear from the biblical accounts that these giants were truly extraordinary figures, evoking both fear and fascination in those who encountered them.

Examples of Biblical Giants	Height (Approx.)
Goliath of Gath	9 feet, 9 inches
The Egyptian Giant	7 feet, 6 inches
The Spies’ Encounter in Canaan	Described as giants
The Amorites	Height compared to cedars

Giants in the Bible – Ancient Mythology and Misinformation

Ancient mythological references and non-biblical texts have contributed to a wealth of misinformation surrounding the topic of giants in the Bible. While the Bible does mention giants, the exaggerated figures of giants reaching incredible heights of thousands of feet are not supported by the biblical accounts themselves.

Some of the most common sources of misinformation come from texts such as the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jasher, which are not considered part of the Jewish or Christian Scriptures. These texts contain fantastical stories and exaggerated figures, adding fuel to the myths surrounding biblical giants.

It is important to approach these non-biblical texts with caution and recognize them for what they are: works of ancient mythology and folklore. These texts often blend biblical accounts with ancient myths and fables, resulting in distorted representations of the giants mentioned in the Bible.

“The extreme figures of 20, 30, and 450 feet tall giants do not come from the Bible itself but are a result of a blending of biblical texts with ancient mythological texts.”

When exploring the topic of giants in the Bible, it is crucial to rely on the biblical descriptions and reliable sources. While the Bible does not provide exact height measurements for most giants, it does offer insight into their great size and power. By focusing on the biblical accounts and avoiding the influence of ancient mythology, we can develop a more accurate understanding of giants in the Bible.

The Influence of Ancient Mythology

Ancient mythology has played a significant role in shaping our perception of giants in the Bible. It is important to be aware of the origins of these myths and the potential for misinformation. By critically examining the biblical accounts and distinguishing them from mythological texts, we can separate fact from fiction and gain a clearer understanding of giants in the Bible.

Conclusion

After examining the references in the Bible, it is clear that the giants in the ancient world were generally between 7 ½ and 10 feet tall. While there are a few instances where specific height dimensions are provided, such as Goliath’s towering height of approximately 9 feet, 9 inches, and Og’s bed length of 13 feet, 6 inches, these measurements do not represent the entire population of biblical giants.

It’s important to note that the extreme figures of 20, 30, and 450 feet tall giants are not supported by the biblical accounts. These exaggerated heights stem from ancient mythological texts and misinformation rather than the reliable biblical descriptions. Therefore, when exploring the topic of giants in the Bible, it is crucial to rely on the biblical accounts and trustworthy sources.

In summary, while the Bible mentions giants and provides some glimpses into their height, the majority of giants in biblical accounts are described as being of great size and power without specific measurements. The commonly cited heights of biblical giants range from 7 ½ to 10 feet, demonstrating their remarkable stature but dispelling the misconceptions of towering giants reaching astronomical heights.