Was Goliath a Nephilim?

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most famous in the Bible. But behind the scenes of this epic battle is a question that has intrigued many: Was Goliath a Nephilim?

Let’s break it down with Scripture, history, and a simple explanation.

Who Were the Nephilim?

The Bible first mentions the Nephilim in Genesis 6:4:

"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." (Genesis 6:4 NIV)

The Nephilim were described as giants or mighty men. They lived before the flood. Some Bible scholars believe they were the offspring of fallen angels and human women, though this is debated.

Goliath’s Size and Strength

Goliath’s height is recorded in 1 Samuel 17:4:

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

That’s about 9 feet 9 inches tall. He wore massive armor and carried a giant spear. He was clearly a giant by any standard.

Was Goliath a Descendant of the Nephilim?

The Bible gives some clues in Numbers 13:33 when the Israelites explored Canaan:

"We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes..." (Numbers 13:33 NIV)

Later, in Joshua 11:21–22, we learn that some of the Anakim (descendants of Anak) lived in Gath:

"At that time Joshua went and destroyed the Anakites... No Anakites were left in Israelite territory; only in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod did any survive." (Joshua 11:21–22 NIV)

Goliath was from Gath, a city known for Anakim survivors. That’s an important link. It suggests Goliath may have been from the line of Anak, who were connected to the Nephilim.

Goliath’s Family of Giants

Goliath wasn't the only giant in his family. 2 Samuel 21:15–22 talks about several of his relatives who were also described as giants.

"These four were descendants of Rapha in Gath, and they fell at the hands of David and his men." (2 Samuel 21:22 NIV)

The word “Rapha” is linked to the Rephaim, another ancient race of giants mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:10–11:

"(The Emites used to live there—a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. Like the Anakites, they too were considered Rephaites...)" (Deuteronomy 2:10–11 NIV)

So Goliath may have been a Rephaite or Anakite, both considered giant clans connected to the Nephilim by tradition.

So... Was Goliath a Nephilim?

While the Bible doesn’t call Goliath a Nephilim directly, there is strong evidence that he came from the Anakim, who were descended from the Nephilim (Numbers 13:33).

Table: Biblical Clues About Goliath’s Lineage

Source	Description	Connection to Nephilim
Genesis 6:4	Nephilim were on earth before the flood	Original giants
Numbers 13:33	Anakim are linked to Nephilim	Same bloodline
Joshua 11:21–22	Anakim survived in Gath	Goliath's hometown
1 Samuel 17:4	Goliath was a giant from Gath	Implies connection
2 Samuel 21:22	Goliath’s family were also giants	From Rephaim/Anakim lines

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding Goliath’s background shows how deeply the story of David and Goliath connects to earlier parts of the Bible. David didn’t just defeat a big man—he stood against a descendant of the ancient enemies of God’s people. His victory was not only physical but also spiritual.