In 2 Samuel 21:19, how could Elhanan have killed Goliath when David is credited with that feat in 1 Samuel 17?

Historical and Textual Context

The books of Samuel record significant events during Israel’s early monarchy, highlighting battles with neighboring enemies and key figures such as David. The question arises when 2 Samuel 21:19 reads: “Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.” This appears to contradict 1 Samuel 17, where David kills Goliath. At first glance, it may seem as though both David and Elhanan are credited with slaying the same giant. However, further investigation—especially in conjunction with 1 Chronicles 20:5—resolves the matter.

Comparison of 2 Samuel 21:19 and 1 Chronicles 20:5

2 Samuel 21:19 states:

“Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.”

In contrast, 1 Chronicles 20:5 recounts a related event:

“And there was another battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.”

The Chronicles passage makes it explicit that Elhanan actually killed “Lahmi the brother of Goliath,” rather than Goliath himself. This difference is central to understanding how the two accounts harmonize.

Textual Transmission and Copyist Considerations

Ancient Hebrew manuscripts were copied by hand over many centuries. Occasional scribal errors could occur, such as the accidental omission or misreading of a brief phrase. Several reliable manuscript traditions and parallel references show that 1 Chronicles 20:5 preserves the more explicit reading, indicating that Elhanan slew the brother of Goliath:

1. The Masoretic Text of 1 Chronicles 20:5 clearly mentions “Lahmi the brother of Goliath.”

2. Early Jewish commentaries (e.g., Targum Jonathan) often clarify that Elhanan is not credited with killing the same Goliath as David.

3. Later translations, such as some readings in the Septuagint, preserve or imply the mention of a “brother” in 2 Samuel 21:19.

Thus, it appears 2 Samuel 21:19 may have dropped the phrase “brother of,” culminating in a textual difficulty. However, the parallel narrative in 1 Chronicles 20:5 upholds that David exclusively claimed victory over the original Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.

Evidence from Early Manuscripts and Linguistic Markers

Careful study of Hebrew linguistics shows that the difference between “Eth-lachmi,” translated as “Lahmi,” and “Bethlehemite” can become confused in Hebrew script, especially if a scribe misread or skipped part of the text. This confusion could explain why the 2 Samuel reading might appear to say “Goliath” rather than “the brother of Goliath”:

• Hebrew scripts were often written without vowels, creating the possibility that certain words could be misread if any small mark was faded.

• The Chronicles text, likely penned after Samuel, provides a clarifying parallel and is not in conflict with the overall narrative of 1 Samuel 17.

Outside of strictly Hebrew manuscript studies, no known ancient source suggests David’s Goliath was killed by anyone but David. Archaeological findings referencing Philistine warfare and documentation of Israel’s battles likewise present David as the champion who defeated Goliath, supporting the consistency of the biblical record when the full manuscript evidence is considered.

Harmonizing the Accounts

1. David Killed the Famous Goliath

According to 1 Samuel 17, David is the one who struck down Goliath in dramatic fashion with his sling:

“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; he struck down the Philistine and killed him, though David had no sword in his hand.” (1 Samuel 17:50)

2. Elhanan Killed Lahmi, Goliath’s Brother

First Chronicles 20:5 makes it clear that Elhanan later killed Lahmi, who is identified as Goliath’s brother. Because of the textual clarification in Chronicles, the apparent contradiction is resolved: Elhanan defeated a different Philistine warrior from the same clan of giants.

3. Scribal Dynamics

The most likely explanation for the 2 Samuel 21:19 reading is that an early copy or a later scribal tradition omitted “the brother of.” This omission created the appearance of a contradiction, but the Chronicles account preserves the fuller wording.

4. Historical and Theological Consistency

All accounts affirm God’s sovereign ability to deliver Israel through faithful and courageous warriors. Bethlehem’s proximity in both references—David being from Bethlehem, Elhanan also called a “Bethlehemite”—underscores a local context where families might serve together in Israel’s military.

Conclusion

In light of 1 Chronicles 20:5 providing additional detail, there is no contradiction between 2 Samuel 21:19 and 1 Samuel 17. David slew the well-known Goliath, and Elhanan later killed Lahmi, Goliath’s brother. Reliable evidence from parallel passages, careful manuscript study, and historical context supports the coherence of these events and maintains that Scripture is internally consistent when textual nuances are properly understood.