Giants have fascinated people for centuries.
From ancient legends to modern movies, stories about enormous, powerful beings have captured human imagination.
But did you know that the Bible also talks about giants?
Scripture describes towering figures who lived long ago, some of whom played important roles in biblical history.
These giants were not just myths or exaggerations—they were real people with real influence.
But who were they?
Where did they come from?
And what do their stories teach us about God’s power and human faith?
By exploring the Bible’s accounts of giants, we can uncover deeper spiritual truths and understand how these mysterious beings fit into God’s plan.
The First Giants in the Bible
The first mention of giants in the Bible appears in Genesis 6:4, which says, “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.”
This verse is one of the most debated passages in the Bible.
Who were the Nephilim?
Some scholars believe they were fallen angels who had children with human women, creating a race of supernaturally strong and large people.
Others believe they were simply powerful human warriors who gained a fearsome reputation.
Whatever their origin, the Bible indicates that these beings existed before the great flood of Noah’s time.
The Nephilim were associated with wickedness, and their presence may have contributed to God’s decision to cleanse the earth with a flood.
Giants in the Promised Land
One of the most well-known stories about giants appears when Moses sent twelve spies into the land of Canaan.
These men were tasked with scouting out the land that God had promised to Israel.
When they returned, ten of the spies were terrified by what they saw.
In Numbers 13:32-33, they reported, “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.”
This report caused widespread fear among the Israelites.
Even though God had promised them victory, they doubted His power because of the giants they saw.
Only two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, trusted that God would help them defeat these mighty warriors.
Their faith was rewarded, and years later, they helped lead Israel to victory in the Promised Land.
This story reminds us that faith in God is more important than the size of the obstacles we face.
No challenge is too big for Him.
Goliath: The Most Famous Giant
The most well-known giant in the Bible is Goliath, the Philistine warrior who challenged Israel’s army.
Standing over nine feet tall, Goliath seemed unbeatable.
His armor was heavy, his weapons were massive, and his voice alone struck fear into the hearts of Israel’s soldiers.
For forty days, Goliath taunted them, daring anyone to fight him.
Then, a young shepherd boy named David stepped forward.
David had no armor, no sword, and no military training—only a sling, five smooth stones, and complete faith in God.
In 1 Samuel 17:45-47, David boldly declared, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.
All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
With a single stone, David struck Goliath in the forehead, and the mighty giant fell to the ground.
David’s victory over Goliath was not because of his own strength but because he trusted in God.
This powerful story teaches that no enemy, no challenge, and no fear is too big for God to handle.
When we put our faith in Him, even the greatest giants in our lives can be defeated.
Other Giants in the Bible
Goliath was not the only giant in Israel’s history.
The Bible mentions several other large and powerful warriors.
One of them was King Og of Bashan, who ruled over a region east of the Jordan River.
Deuteronomy 3:11 describes his incredible size: “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.
It is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.”
This means his bed was about thirteen feet long!
Another group of giants was known as the Rephaim.
These were descendants of ancient warrior tribes who lived in Canaan.
Joshua and his army fought against them as they took possession of the land God had promised.
Even after David defeated Goliath, other Philistine giants remained.
Second Samuel 21:15-22 tells of four more giants who were killed by David’s warriors, proving that Israel continued to face these enormous enemies.
Each of these stories highlights the same truth—when God is on your side, no giant is too big to conquer.
Giants as Symbols of Spiritual Battles
While the Bible speaks of physical giants, it also uses them as a symbol of the spiritual battles people face.
Just as the Israelites encountered giants in the Promised Land, believers today face “giants” in their own lives.
These giants might be fear, doubt, temptation, or struggles that seem impossible to overcome.
But the message of Scripture is clear: giants can be defeated when we trust in God.
First John 4:4 reminds us, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
No matter how overwhelming a problem may seem, God’s power is always greater.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our battle is not just against physical enemies but against spiritual forces: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This means that when facing difficult situations, believers must rely on prayer, faith, and God’s Word as their weapons, just as David used his faith to defeat Goliath.
What Giants Teach Us About Faith
The Bible’s accounts of giants are not just ancient history.
They carry powerful lessons about faith, courage, and trusting in God.
The Israelites who feared the giants in Canaan focused on their own weakness instead of God’s strength.
David, on the other hand, looked past Goliath’s size and focused on God’s power.
That made all the difference.
These stories remind us to put our trust in God rather than our own abilities.
When facing challenges, we can choose fear, like the ten spies who doubted, or faith, like Joshua, Caleb, and David.
Jesus also spoke about faith, saying in Matthew 17:20, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Even small faith, when placed in a big God, can move mountains—or defeat giants.
Final Thoughts
The giants in the Bible were real, but they were never stronger than God.
From the mysterious Nephilim to the fearsome warriors of Canaan, and from Goliath to King Og, these larger-than-life figures were no match for God’s power.
Their stories serve as reminders that no problem is too big when God is in control.
The same God who helped David defeat Goliath and led Israel to victory is still at work today.
He helps believers face their giants—whether those giants are fear, doubt, or obstacles in life.
Faith in God brings victory, and no challenge is too great for Him to overcome.
When giants appear in your life, remember this: you are not fighting alone.
With God on your side, no giant can stand in your way.