Elhanan in the Bible: Mighty Man and the Brother of Goliath

A bearded warrior charging with sword and round shield — Elhanan

The name Elhanan appears twice in David's records, and it is worth reading both places carefully.

Elhanan the Son of Dodo, One of the Thirty

Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,— 2 Samuel 23:24 (KJV)

He is the second name in the Thirty, a man of David's own hometown, and he appears again in 1 Chronicles 11:26.

From the Psalms
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.— Psalm 18:17 (KJV)

Elhanan Who Slew the Brother of Goliath

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.— 2 Samuel 21:19 (KJV)

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.— 1 Chronicles 20:5 (KJV)

This Elhanan is called the son of Jaare-oregim (or Jair), not the son of Dodo, so Scripture identifies him by a different father. 1 Chronicles 20:5 names the giant he killed: Lahmi, the brother of Goliath. See all four giants of Gath, and the battle with Goliath himself.

David's Mighty Men Coloring Book

41 bold coloring pages of King David's warriors, straight from 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. Ages 5–99+. Paperback, $9.99. See inside the book.

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Questions About David's Mighty Men

Did Elhanan kill Goliath?

The KJV of 2 Samuel 21:19 says Elhanan slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, and 1 Chronicles 20:5 names him: Lahmi the brother of Goliath. David killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50).

Is Elhanan one of David's mighty men?

Yes. Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem is listed among the Thirty (2 Samuel 23:24; 1 Chronicles 11:26).

King David Bible Stories

David the Shepherd BoyKeeping his father's sheep Anointed by Samuel1 Samuel 16 The Lion and the Bear1 Samuel 17:34–37 David and GoliathA sling and a stone David and SaulThe harp and the spear David and JonathanA covenant of friends David Spares SaulThe LORD's anointed David Becomes KingHebron, then Jerusalem Bringing the ArkDanced with all his might The Psalms of DavidThe shepherd king's songs Goliath of GathSix cubits and a span Giants in the BibleAnakim, Rephaim, Og and Gath King David Coloring PagesColor the warriors of Scripture

Explore David's Mighty Men

The Full ListAll 37 mighty men by name The ThreeDavid's three mightiest The ThirtyWho were the 30 mighty men?Cave of AdullamWhere the band began JoabCommander of David's army Ittai the Gittite"In death or life"The GaditesFaces like lions 2 Samuel 23 vs 1 Chronicles 11How the two lists compare The Giants of GathFour sons of the giant fell FAQQuestions answered from Scripture

Meet the Mighty Men

Josheb-basshebethAdino the Eznite, chief of the Three Eleazar son of DodoHis hand clave unto the sword Shammah son of AgeeHeld the lentil field Story: The Water from BethlehemThree of the thirty chief break through the Philistine camp (2 Samuel 23:13–17)AbishaiChief of the Three, 300 with his spear Benaiah son of JehoiadaA lion in a pit on a snowy day AsahelLight of foot as a wild roe Uriah the HittiteLoyal to the last

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