Goliath
/ɡəˈlaɪ.əθ/
noun
Origin
Hebrew
גלה — to uncover, reveal, or pass over
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person or thing of enormous size or strength.
- A giant; a person or organization of overwhelming influence or power.
Literal older meaning
passage; uncovering
Language path
Hebrew → Ancient Greek → Latin → English
Earliest form
גָּלְיָת (Golyat)
Earliest period
8th century BCE
Journey
Goliath is primarily known as the Philistine warrior defeated by David in the Hebrew Bible. His name has transcended the religious narrative to become an English common noun used to describe any adversary of immense size or influence, often contrasted with a 'David' who represents an underdog.
Evolution
- 8th century BCE
Golyat
“Biblical giant of Gath”
Hebrew form appearing in the Book of Samuel.
- 3rd century BCE
Goliáth (Γολιάθ)
“Biblical giant”
Transliteration into the Septuagint.
- 4th century CE
Goliath
“Biblical giant”
Standardized Latin form in the Vulgate.
- 14th century
Goliath
“Giant, person of immense size”
Adopted into Middle English as a metaphorical noun.
Connections
Related across languages
Arabic
Jālūt (جالوت)
Goliath, as mentioned in the Quran
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.