How Tall Were Giants in the Bible? The Truth About Biblical Giants and Nephilim

The question of how tall were giants in the bible has fascinated biblical scholars, archaeologists, and curious readers for centuries. From Goliath’s legendary stature to the mysterious Nephilim mentioned in Genesis, these accounts of extraordinary human height spark both wonder and skepticism. This comprehensive guide explores every biblical reference to giants, examines archaeological evidence, analyzes ancient measurement systems, and separates fact from myth regarding these remarkable figures in scripture.

Understanding Biblical Giants: An Overview

Biblical giants weren’t mythological creatures—they were actual people of exceptional height mentioned throughout scripture. The Hebrew language uses several terms to describe these individuals, each with specific meanings that help us understand who these giants were and how tall they actually stood.

Primary Hebrew Terms for Giants

Nephilim (נְפִילִים) – Appears in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33, often translated as "giants" though the root word means "fallen ones"

Rephaim (רְפָאִים) – A race of giants mentioned in Genesis 14:5, Deuteronomy 2:11, and other passages

Anakim (עֲנָקִים) – Descendants of Anak, described as exceptionally tall people who terrified the Israelite spies

Emim – Another giant race mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:10-11

Zamzummim – Giants living in the land that became Ammon (Deuteronomy 2:20-21)

These terms describe real people groups known for their extraordinary height, not supernatural monsters. Understanding the distinction between these groups helps clarify the biblical narrative.

How Tall Were Giants in the Bible? Specific Measurements

Goliath: The Most Famous Giant

1 Samuel 17:4 provides the most detailed measurement: "A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span."

Converting ancient measurements:

Standard calculation using the common cubit (18 inches):

• 6 cubits = 108 inches (9 feet)
• 1 span = 9 inches
• Total height: 9 feet 9 inches

Alternative calculation using the royal Egyptian cubit (20.4 inches):

• 6 cubits = 122.4 inches
• 1 span = 10.2 inches
• Total height: 11 feet 0.6 inches

Textual variation consideration:
Some early Septuagint manuscripts and Dead Sea Scrolls texts give Goliath’s height as "four cubits and a span," which equals approximately 6 feet 9 inches—still exceptionally tall for the ancient world but more realistic than 9+ feet.

The discrepancy likely resulted from scribal transmission—either an early copyist error or intentional exaggeration. Most scholars now lean toward the 6’9" measurement as more historically probable, though the traditional 9’9" height remains in most Bible translations.

Og, King of Bashan: The Bed Measurement

Deuteronomy 3:11 – "Og king of Bashan was the last of the Rephaites. His bed was decorated with iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide."

Calculating Og’s probable height:

Bed dimensions:

• 9 cubits long = 162 inches (13.5 feet)
• 4 cubits wide = 72 inches (6 feet)

People typically require beds 6-12 inches longer than their height. If Og’s bed was 13.5 feet long, his probable height ranged from:

• Conservative estimate: 12 feet tall
• Liberal estimate: 13 feet tall

The iron bedframe may have served as both functional furniture and symbolic monument, displayed in Rabbah (modern-day Amman, Jordan) as evidence of Og’s legendary size.

The Anakim: Comparative Heights

Numbers 13:32-33 – "They spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, ‘The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.’"

The "grasshopper" comparison suggests significant height difference:

If average Israelite height = 5’5" to 5’8":

• To create a "grasshopper" perception, Anakim likely stood 8-10 feet tall
• This represents a 50-80% height increase over average humans

The spies’ fear stemmed from both physical height and the psychological impact of encountering an entire people group of exceptional stature.

Archaeological Evidence for Biblical Giants

Ancient Skeletal Remains

Archaeological excavations in the ancient Near East have uncovered skeletal remains of individuals significantly taller than average:

Tel es-Sultan (Ancient Jericho):

• Skeletal remains from the Bronze Age measuring 6’6" to 6’9"
• Considerably taller than the average 5’5" height of the period

Transjordan excavations:

• Multiple sites yielded remains of individuals exceeding 6’5"
• Clustered in regions the Bible associates with Rephaim

Egyptian records:

• Documented encounters with "exceptionally tall" enemies from Canaan
• Ramesses II’s military accounts mention "giants" among conquered peoples

While no confirmed skeletal remains reach 9+ feet, archaeological evidence supports populations of people significantly taller than average in the regions and timeframes the Bible describes.

The Iron Bed of Og

Deuteronomy’s specific mention of Og’s iron bed as a historical artifact suggests this was a real monument that Israelites could verify. Archaeological excavations in Rabbah (modern Amman) haven’t definitively identified this specific bed, but the detailed description indicates it wasn’t mythological invention.

Iron bedframes were extremely rare in the Bronze Age, making this artifact notable enough to mention. The text presents it as physical evidence of Og’s size that readers could theoretically verify.

Ancient Measurement Systems Explained

Understanding the Cubit

The cubit represented the distance from elbow to fingertip, but this varied:

Common cubit:

• Approximately 18 inches (45.7 cm)
• Standard measurement for ordinary construction and commerce

Royal cubit (Egyptian):

• Approximately 20.4 inches (52 cm)
• Used for royal buildings and monuments

Long cubit (mentioned in Ezekiel 40:5):

• Approximately 20.7 inches
• A cubit plus a handbreadth

This variability explains why calculating how tall were giants in the bible produces different results depending on which cubit standard you use.

The Span

A span measured from thumb tip to little finger tip when fingers are fully extended:

• Standard span: approximately 9 inches (half a cubit)
• This measurement appears in Goliath’s height description

Context Matters

Biblical authors assumed readers understood which cubit they meant based on context. Royal figures might use royal cubits; military accounts might use common cubits. This ambiguity complicates precise height calculations but doesn’t invalidate the accounts.

The Nephilim: Pre-Flood Giants

Genesis 6:4 Account

"The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown."

The Nephilim present the most mysterious giant category. Key interpretations:

Interpretation 1: Fallen Angels Theory

• "Sons of God" = fallen angels who intermarried with humans
• Offspring were giants with supernatural heritage
• Explains extraordinary size through supernatural genetics

Interpretation 2: Godly Lineage Theory

• "Sons of God" = descendants of Seth (godly line)
• "Daughters of men" = descendants of Cain (ungodly line)
• Giants resulted from genetic superiority, not supernatural origin

Interpretation 3: Rulers/Nobility Theory

• "Sons of God" = powerful rulers who took multiple wives
• Giants were simply powerful, tall descendants of royal families
• Emphasizes political/social power rather than supernatural origin

Regardless of interpretation, the text establishes that extraordinarily large people existed before the flood and reappeared afterward ("and also afterward"), suggesting the genetic traits persisted through Noah’s family line.

Post-Flood Giants: The Rephaim and Their Descendants

The Rephaim People Group

The Rephaim represented a widespread ancient people known for exceptional height:

Geographic distribution:

• Bashan (modern Golan Heights/southern Syria)
• Moab
• Ammon
• Parts of Canaan

Biblical references:

• Genesis 14:5 – Defeated by Kedorlaomer’s coalition
• Deuteronomy 2:11 – Compared to the Anakim in height
• 2 Samuel 21:16-22 – Descendants fought David’s warriors

The Rephaim weren’t a mythical race but a historical people group inhabiting regions surrounding Israel. Their height gave them military advantages until better-equipped armies defeated them.

The Anakim: Giants Who Terrified Israel

Numbers 13:28 – "But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there."

The Anakim descended from Anak (meaning "neck" or "long-necked") and inhabited:

• Hebron
• Gaza
• Gath
• Ashdod

Key Anakim figures:

Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai (Numbers 13:22) – Three Anakim brothers who lived in Hebron

Arba – The greatest man among the Anakim; Hebron was called Kiriath Arba ("city of Arba") after him

Joshua’s conquest eventually drove most Anakim from the hill country, but remnants remained in Philistine cities—which explains why Goliath, from Gath, descended from giants.

Goliath’s Brothers and Relatives

Four Giant Brothers

2 Samuel 21:15-22 and 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 record encounters with multiple giants related to Goliath:

Ishbi-Benob (2 Samuel 21:16):

• Bronze spearhead weighed 300 shekels (7.5 pounds)
• Attempted to kill David but was slain by Abishai

Saph/Sippai (2 Samuel 21:18; 1 Chronicles 20:4):

• Killed by Sibbecai the Hushathite at Gob

Lahmi (1 Chronicles 20:5):

• Brother of Goliath
• Spear shaft "like a weaver’s rod"
• Killed by Elhanan

A giant with six fingers and six toes (2 Samuel 21:20; 1 Chronicles 20:6):

• Polydactyly (extra digits) may indicate genetic condition
• Taunted Israel but was killed by Jonathan, David’s nephew
• Had 24 digits total (6 on each hand and foot)

These accounts demonstrate that exceptional height ran in certain Philistine families, supporting genetic rather than purely supernatural explanations for giant stature.

Scientific Explanations for Biblical Giants

Gigantism and Acromegaly

Modern medicine identifies conditions that cause exceptional height:

Pituitary Gigantism:

• Caused by excess growth hormone before puberty
• Results in proportional excessive height
• Historical cases reached 8’11" (Robert Wadlow, modern era)

Acromegaly:

• Excess growth hormone after puberty
• Causes enlarged hands, feet, and facial features
• May have affected some biblical giants

Genetic Factors:

• Height is polygenic (influenced by multiple genes)
• Isolated populations can develop height concentrations through:
  • Selective breeding
  • Genetic founder effects
  • Nutritional advantages

Environmental and Nutritional Factors

Ancient populations’ average heights varied significantly based on:

Nutrition:

• Protein-rich diets (available to ruling classes)
• Access to diverse food sources
• Agricultural abundance in fertile regions

Social stratification:

• Ruling families might access better nutrition
• Warrior classes received preferential food distribution
• Height became associated with nobility and power

The combination of genetic predisposition and superior nutrition could produce individuals and families of exceptional height, particularly in ruling classes.

Comparative Ancient Records of Giants

Egyptian Records

Ancient Egyptian texts mention tall peoples:

Amarna Letters (14th century BC):

• Describe "very tall" Canaanite warriors
• Request military assistance against them

Battle of Kadesh inscriptions:

• Hittite soldiers described as exceptionally large
• May represent the same populations as biblical giants

Greek and Roman Accounts

Classical literature references giants:

Homer’s Odyssey:

• Mentions Laestrygonians, a race of giant cannibals

Herodotus’s Histories:

• Records claims of giant bones discovered in Sparta

Pliny the Elder:

• Documents reports of giant skeletons found throughout the Roman Empire

While these accounts don’t prove biblical giants, they establish that ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean cultures widely acknowledged the existence of exceptionally tall people groups.

Common Myths About Biblical Giants

Myth 1: Giants Were 30+ Feet Tall

No biblical text supports giants exceeding 15 feet. Sensationalized interpretations and later rabbinic embellishments inflated heights beyond scriptural evidence.

Myth 2: All Giants Were Evil

While many giants opposed Israel, not all were characterized as evil. The biblical narrative focuses on giants as military obstacles to Israel’s conquest, not inherently evil beings.

Myth 3: Giants Were Supernatural Creatures

Most biblical giants were human, though possibly with unusual genetic traits. The Nephilim’s origin remains debated, but post-flood giants were clearly human descendants.

Myth 4: Archaeologists Have Found Giant Skeletons

Viral internet claims of 20-30 foot skeletons are fabrications. Legitimate archaeology hasn’t discovered human remains exceeding 8 feet. Photos purporting to show giant skeletons are digital hoaxes.

Myth 5: Giants Possessed Superhuman Strength

While large size conveys strength advantages, biblical accounts show giants could be defeated by skilled warriors (David killing Goliath). Their strength was proportional to size, not supernatural.

Theological Significance of Biblical Giants

Demonstrating God’s Power

Giants served narrative purposes showing God’s power:

Israel’s conquest of Canaan:

• Giants represented seemingly insurmountable obstacles
• Their defeat demonstrated divine intervention
• Showed that faith matters more than physical size

David and Goliath:

• Classic underdog narrative
• Illustrated that God’s presence outweighs human strength
• Became enduring metaphor for facing overwhelming challenges

Testing Faith

The Israelite spies’ response to giants (Numbers 13) revealed faith levels:

Faithless response: "We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are" (v. 31)

Faithful response (Caleb): "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" (v. 30)

Giants tested whether Israel would trust God’s promises or their own assessment of military odds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall was Goliath in feet?

Goliath stood approximately 9 feet 9 inches tall according to the Masoretic Text (six cubits and a span), though some early manuscripts suggest 6 feet 9 inches (four cubits and a span). Modern scholarship increasingly favors the lower height as more historically accurate, though both measurements represent exceptional stature for the ancient world.

Were the Nephilim taller than other giants?

The Bible doesn’t specify Nephilim heights. Genesis 6:4 calls them "heroes of old, men of renown" but provides no measurements. Some traditions suggest they were taller than later giants, but scripture doesn’t confirm this.

What killed the giants in the Bible?

Biblical giants died through various means: military defeat (Joshua’s conquest of the Anakim), individual combat (David killing Goliath), and divine judgment (the flood eliminating pre-flood Nephilim). They weren’t immortal—they died like other humans.

Did giants exist after the flood?

Yes. Genesis 6:4 states Nephilim existed "in those days—and also afterward." The Anakim, Rephaim, and other giant peoples lived for centuries after the flood, with remnants surviving into King David’s era (approximately 1000 BC).

How did regular-sized people defeat giants?

Superior strategy, weaponry, and divine assistance enabled smaller warriors to defeat giants. David used speed and a ranged weapon (sling) against Goliath’s size and strength. Joshua’s armies used tactical advantages and followed divine battle plans. Size provided advantages but wasn’t insurmountable.

Are there giants today?

People with gigantism exist today but are rare. Modern cases rarely exceed 8 feet due to health complications. The genetic conditions and environmental factors that produced ancient giants no longer concentrate in specific populations, making widespread giant peoples unlikely.

What’s the tallest a human can be?

Medical science establishes practical limits around 9 feet—beyond this, human skeletal and cardiovascular systems cannot adequately support the body. The tallest confirmed person in modern history, Robert Wadlow, reached 8’11" before dying at age 22 from complications related to his height.

Why did God allow giants?

Scripture doesn’t explicitly answer this. Theologically, giants may have served to test faith, demonstrate God’s power in delivering Israel, or result from human rebellion (if Nephilim resulted from the Genesis 6 incident). Their existence highlights God’s sovereignty over creation’s diversity.

Conclusion: The Truth About Biblical Giants

The question how tall were giants in the bible doesn’t have a single answer. Goliath likely stood between 6’9" and 9’9". Og of Bashan probably reached 12-13 feet based on his bed dimensions. The Anakim averaged 8-10 feet according to comparative descriptions. These measurements, while extraordinary, fall within medically possible ranges when considering genetic conditions like gigantism.

Biblical giants weren’t mythological inventions—they were real people of exceptional height who lived in the ancient Near East. Archaeological evidence supports populations of unusually tall people in the regions and timeframes scripture describes. Ancient measurement systems and textual transmission complexities make precise height calculations challenging, but the biblical witness consistently testifies to people significantly taller than average.

These giants served theological purposes in scripture, demonstrating that faith in God matters more than physical size, military strength, or intimidating obstacles. Their defeats by God’s people illustrated divine power and covenant faithfulness.

Modern readers can appreciate both the historical reality of ancient giants and the spiritual lessons their accounts teach. Whether Goliath stood 6’9" or 9’9", David’s faith-filled courage remains the point. The giants’ exceptional height makes God’s deliverance of Israel all the more remarkable.

Your Next Step: Explore the biblical passages mentioned in this article in their full context. Read 1 Samuel 17 (David and Goliath), Numbers 13 (the spies’ report), and Deuteronomy 2-3 (Og of Bashan) to see how these accounts fit within Israel’s larger narrative and what spiritual truths they reveal beyond mere physical measurements.