A resident of Gath, but probably not a Philistine except in the sense that he lived among that people. He is thought to have descended from the Anakim (see on Deut. 9:2). His height of 6 cu. and a span, or 6 1/2 cu., would be equivalent to 9 1/2 ft. (2.9 m.). Others have suggested that the name Goliath may mean “conspicuous.” But this, like “exile,” is based on the possibility that Goliath was a Semitic name.

 One of the five chief towns of Philistia. The exact site is not known. (See on 2 Kings 12:17.)