Giants have long towered over human imagination — both literally and symbolically. In Catholic tradition, they are more than just colossal beings; they often represent pride, defiance against God, and the ultimate downfall of the mighty. From the giants of the Hebrew Bible to the legends of St. Christopher, these towering figures offer deep spiritual lessons.
Giants in Scripture: The fall of the mighty
The first giants in the Bible appear in mysterious form: the Nephilim of Genesis 6:4. Described as “the heroes of old, the men of renown,” they are linked to corruption and divine punishment, appearing just before God sends the flood. Later, in Numbers 13:33, the Israelite spies report seeing Nephilim in the land of Canaan, describing themselves as mere “grasshoppers” in comparison. Whether these giants were literal or symbolic, they serve as a warning—human greatness apart from God leads to ruin.
The most famous giant of all, Goliath, embodies this lesson perfectly. A warrior of the Philistines, his sheer size and arrogance make him seem invincible. But David, armed only with a slingshot and faith in God, defeats him—at least according to 1 Samuel 17. The battle is not just about physical strength—it’s about trusting in God over earthly power. The Church Fathers often saw this as a foreshadowing of Christ, the unexpected champion who conquers sin and death.
Other giants appear throughout Scripture, often as enemies of God’s people. King Og of Bashan, described in Deuteronomy 3:11 as the last of the Rephaim, sleeps on a bed nearly 14 feet long. Yet despite his imposing stature, he is no match for the Lord’s will. Time and again, the Bible reminds us: those who trust in their own might will fall.
St. Christopher and the giant who served Christ
Unlike the giants of Scripture, who are often villains, St. Christopher is a rare case of a giant who finds redemption. According to tradition, Christopher was a man of enormous strength who sought to serve the greatest king. After realizing that earthly rulers were weak before the devil, and that the devil fled before the sign of Christ, Christopher became a Christian and devoted himself to carrying travelers across a dangerous river.
One night, he carried a small child who grew heavier with each step. When they reached the other side, the child revealed Himself as Christ, saying, “You have carried the weight of the world.” This legend turned Christopher into the patron saint of travelers—and a powerful reminder that true greatness is found in humble service.
Giants in Christian literature: Pride before the Fall
The giant as a symbol of pride and arrogance persists in Catholic-influenced literature. Dante’s Inferno places the giants Nimrod and Antaeus in hell, portraying them as embodiments of chaos and rebellion. Their sheer size is meaningless before divine justice.
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, giants are largely absent, but his works echo the biblical giant-slayer motif. Sauron, like Goliath, is an overwhelming force seemingly impossible to defeat. Yet, in the tradition of David, it is a humble hobbit—small and unarmed—who brings him down. The battle against giants is not just a literal fight but a spiritual one: pride versus humility, power versus grace.
Spiritual lessons from giants
Catholic tradition reminds us that giants are not just external enemies—they also represent the pride and fear we must overcome in our own lives. Goliath was defeated not by a stronger warrior but by a faithful one. St. Christopher discovered that true strength comes from service, not domination.
Ultimately, giants teach us this: human power will always fall before divine grace. Whether in biblical battles, medieval legends, or literature, the real lesson remains the same—those who trust in God, no matter how small, will always stand taller than the mightiest giant.
