Meaning
A person who wins a contest, defends or supports a person or cause, or represents others in competition or combat.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, the word champion is used for a representative fighter who stands forth to meet an opposing fighter in combat. Goliath is called the champion of the Philistines when he challenges Israel to provide a man to fight him.
After David kills Goliath, the Philistines see that their champion is dead and flee. In this passage, champion refers specifically to Goliath’s role as the representative combatant of the Philistine army.
Key References
- 1 Samuel 17:4-11
- 1 Samuel 17:23-24
- 1 Samuel 17:48-51
Related Terms
- Warrior
- Captain
- Battle
- Giant
- Philistine