Gorget
What is a Gorget in the Bible?
The term "gorget" appears only once in English Bible translations, and even then only marginally. In the 1611 King James Version margin note for 1 Samuel 17:6, "gorget" is offered as an alternative translation for the Hebrew word 'kidhon' in the description of Goliath's armor. The main text reads "target of brass" while the margin suggests "gorget." Modern translations like the ESV, NIV, and NASB have clarified this translation issue, consistently rendering 'kidhon' as "javelin" rather than any piece of defensive armor.
The Goliath Narrative and Translation Challenge
The famous confrontation between David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 provides the sole biblical context for this translation question. The Hebrew text describes Goliath's formidable equipment: "He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders" (1 Samuel 17:5-6, ESV). The word translated "javelin" here is 'kidhon,' which the King James translators apparently struggled with, offering both "target" (a small shield) and marginally "gorget" (throat armor) as possibilities.
Understanding the Hebrew Term 'Kidhon'
Linguistic analysis reveals that 'kidhon' consistently means a throwing weapon throughout the Hebrew Bible. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David references Goliath's weapons: "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin"—using the same Hebrew word 'kidhon.' The term appears elsewhere in the Hebrew Scriptures, always referring to offensive throwing weapons rather than defensive armor. This clarity in the original language explains why modern translations have uniformly corrected the King James rendering.
Historical Context of Ancient Armor
While 'kidhon' doesn't refer to a gorget, actual gorgets (pieces of armor protecting the throat) were indeed used in various ancient Near Eastern armies. Archaeological discoveries from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the broader Levant show that warriors in the Late Bronze and Iron Ages—contemporary with the biblical Philistines—often wore protective neck armor. These gorgets were typically made of bronze scales or plates attached to leather or fabric backing. Goliath, as a champion of the Philistine army, would likely have worn such protective gear, though the biblical text doesn't specifically mention it.
Theological Significance of the Translation
This minor translation issue carries theological weight in understanding how we approach Scripture. The correction from "gorget" to "javelin" demonstrates the importance of accurate translation based on linguistic and contextual evidence. It reminds readers that while the King James Version holds historical importance, subsequent scholarship has enhanced our understanding of the biblical text. The narrative itself emphasizes God's power working through the weak (David) against seemingly insurmountable human strength and weaponry (Goliath's armor and weapons), highlighting that salvation comes from the Lord, not from military might (1 Samuel 17:47).
Why This Matters for Bible Readers
For contemporary Bible readers, the gorget translation question serves as a case study in how biblical scholarship progresses. It illustrates how our understanding of ancient warfare terminology has improved over centuries of study. More importantly, it directs attention to what the text actually emphasizes: not the specific details of Goliath's armor, but the dramatic contrast between human power and divine deliverance. The narrative focuses on David's faith declaration: "The battle is the Lord's" (1 Samuel 17:47), making the precise identification of armor pieces secondary to the theological message of God's sovereignty in overcoming seemingly impossible odds.
Biblical Context
The term 'gorget' appears only in the King James Version margin of 1 Samuel 17:6 as an alternative translation for the Hebrew word 'kidhon.' This occurs in the description of Goliath's armor before his confrontation with David. The Hebrew word actually means 'javelin' and appears again in 1 Samuel 17:45 where David references Goliath's weapons. Modern translations have corrected this to 'javelin' consistently throughout the passage.
Theological Significance
The translation correction from 'gorget' to 'javelin' demonstrates the importance of textual accuracy in understanding Scripture. Theologically, the Goliath narrative emphasizes God's power working through the weak (David) against human strength and weaponry. The story highlights that victory comes from God rather than military equipment, reinforcing themes of divine sovereignty and faith overcoming seemingly impossible odds (1 Samuel 17:47).
Historical Background
While the Hebrew term 'kidhon' refers to a javelin rather than throat armor, actual gorgets were used in ancient Near Eastern warfare. Archaeological evidence from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Philistine sites shows bronze scale or plate armor protecting the throat and upper chest. Philistine warriors like Goliath would have worn such protective gear, though the biblical text focuses on his offensive weapons. Understanding ancient military equipment helps contextualize the formidable challenge David faced.