Hereditary Gigantism-the biblical giant Goliath and his brothers

Ulster Med J. 2014 May;83(2):86-8.

Abstract

The biblical giant Goliath has an identifiable family tree suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance. We suggest that he had a hereditary pituitary disorder possibly due to the AIP gene, causing early onset and familial acromegaly or gigantism. We comment on the evidence within the scriptures for his other relatives including a relative with six digits and speculate on possible causes of the six digits. Recognition of a hereditary pituitary disorder in the biblical Goliath and his family sheds additional information on his and other family members' battles with David and his relatives.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Bible*
  • Gigantism / genetics*
  • Gigantism / history*
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pedigree
  • Pituitary Diseases / history
  • Siblings*