goliath

Everyday

1. (Bible) Goliath was a giant Philistine warrior whom the young shepherd David killed with a stone from his sling. tree →
2. A goliath is a very big, strong person, company or thing, often one that is beaten by a smaller one. tree →

In the lessons

"David and Goliath" teaches that courage and faith can beat size and strength. Sports reporters say "a David and Goliath match" when a tiny team plays a famous one. In science, the Goliath beetle and Goliath frog are among the biggest of their kind. Phrases: David and Goliath, a goliath of a company.

Examples

• Goliath was over nine feet tall and wore heavy armour. tree →
• David slung a stone, and Goliath fell to the ground. tree →
• Our village team against the champions was a real David and Goliath game. tree →
• The Goliath beetle is one of the heaviest insects. tree →
• The little shop stood up to the supermarket goliath. tree →
• Everyone was afraid of Goliath except David. tree →
• Certainly a Goliath like you could creep in with ease, and throw out the coins to us." tree →

Note

Capital G for the giant; small g in the general sense is possible but rare. Sometimes "nine feet" is said as about three metres. The story's lesson is that the underdog can win.

In Jewish tradition

The giant Philistine champion of Gath whom David defeated. One verse says Elhanan killed him.

Interpretation. Tradition celebrates David's victory as faith in God over brute strength. The verse about Elhanan is explained by the sages and commentators as another name for David or as a different giant with the same name.

Examples

• And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.' (Prophets 1SA.22.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• And there went out a champion from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. (Prophets 1SA.17.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Beth-lehemite slew Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. (Prophets 2SA.21.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Capital G for the giant; small g in the general sense is possible but rare. Sometimes "nine feet" is said as about three metres. The story's lesson is that the underdog can win.