Old Testament
1 Chronicles 20:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In another battle with the Philistines, Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear had a shaft as thick as a weaver's beam.
Compare translations
And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver’s beam.
What 1 Chronicles 20:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see Elhanan, a warrior, facing off against the Philistines once again. He kills Lahmi, who is identified as the brother of the famous giant Goliath. This battle highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. Lahmi's spear is described as being incredibly thick, emphasizing his strength and the danger he posed. Elhanan's victory serves as a reminder that even in the face of formidable opponents, courage and skill can lead to triumph. The mention of Goliath's brother adds a personal touch to the story, connecting it to the well-known tale of David and Goliath. This moment in history illustrates the bravery of those who stood up against giants, both literally and metaphorically. It encourages us to confront our own challenges with determination, knowing that we can overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. Elhanan's victory is not just a military success; it symbolizes the power of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 20:5 to your life
When facing our own challenges, we can draw inspiration from Elhanan's bravery. Remember that even the toughest obstacles can be overcome with determination and skill. Embrace your own battles with confidence, knowing that you have the strength to succeed against the odds. Trust in your abilities and take action to achieve your goals. You are capable of great things!
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Chronicles 20:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Chronicles 20:5
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 20:5 mean?
1 Chronicles 20:5 describes a battle where Elhanan kills Lahmi, the brother of Goliath. This verse highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines and emphasizes Elhanan's bravery in facing a formidable opponent.
Who is Lahmi in 1 Chronicles 20:5?
Lahmi is identified in 1 Chronicles 20:5 as the brother of Goliath, the famous giant defeated by David. His mention connects this battle to the well-known story of David and Goliath, illustrating the continued struggle against the Philistines.
What does the spear symbolize in 1 Chronicles 20:5?
In 1 Chronicles 20:5, Lahmi's spear is described as having a shaft as thick as a weaver's beam, symbolizing his strength and the danger he posed in battle. This detail emphasizes the physical prowess of Lahmi as a warrior.
How does 1 Chronicles 20:5 relate to the theme of overcoming giants?
1 Chronicles 20:5 relates to the theme of overcoming giants by showcasing Elhanan's defeat of Lahmi, a giant in his own right. This moment illustrates the idea that with faith and resilience, one can confront and conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.