philistine

Everyday

1. (Bible) The Philistines were an ancient people who lived along the coast of Canaan and were often at war with the Israelites; Goliath was a Philistine. tree →
2. A philistine is a person who does not care about or understand art, music, books or culture. tree →
3. As an adjective, philistine means not caring about art and culture. tree →

In the lessons

In Bible stories the Philistines are enemies of Israel in the stories of Samson and of David and Goliath. In everyday and formal speech, calling someone a philistine is an insult meaning they ignore beauty and learning. Phrases: "the Philistines", "a Philistine giant", "a complete philistine".

Examples

• (Bible) David killed Goliath, the Philistine giant, with a sling and a stone. tree →
• (Bible) Samson fought against the Philistines. tree →
• The Philistines lived on the coast near Gaza. tree →
• My uncle calls anyone who doesn't like opera a philistine. tree →
• Only a philistine would paint over that beautiful old mural. tree →
• "Museums are boring," said Ben. "You philistine!" laughed his sister. tree →

Note

For the ancient people it takes a capital letter: the Philistines. For the insult it is often lower case: a philistine. The insult is unfair to the real ancient people, whose art and pottery were skilled. The name Palestine is thought to come from the same word.

In Jewish tradition

One of the Philistines, Israel's enemy on the coast. "The Philistine" usually means the giant Goliath.

Interpretation. The tradition reads David's defeat of Goliath as the triumph of faith in God over brute strength.

Examples

• And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. (Prophets 1SA.17.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. (Prophets 2SA.21.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. (Prophets 1SA.17.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

For the ancient people it takes a capital letter: the Philistines. For the insult it is often lower case: a philistine. The insult is unfair to the real ancient people, whose art and pottery were skilled. The name Palestine is thought to come from the same word.