# Philistines

## Facts:

The Philistines were a people group who occupied a region known as Philistia​ along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Their name means “people of the sea.”

* There were five main Philistine cities: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.
* The city of Ashdod was in the northern part of Philistia, and the city of Gaza was in the southern part.
* The Philistines are probably best known for the many years they were at war against the Israelites.
* The judge Samson was a famous warrior against the Philistines, using supernatural strength from God.
* King David often led battles against the Philistines, including the time as a youth when he defeated the Philistine warrior, Goliath.

(Translation suggestions: [How to Translate Names](rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names))

(See also: [Ashdod](../names/ashdod.md), [Ashkelon](../names/ashkelon.md), [David](../names/david.md), [Ekron](../names/ekron.md), [Gath](../names/gath.md), [Gaza](../names/gaza.md), [Goliath](../names/goliath.md), [Salt Sea](../names/saltsea.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Chronicles 18:9-11](rc://en/tn/help/1ch/18/09)
* [1 Samuel 13:04](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/13/04)
* [2 Chronicles 09:25-26](rc://en/tn/help/2ch/09/25)
* [Genesis 10:11-14](rc://en/tn/help/gen/10/11)
* [Psalm 056:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/psa/056/001)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H6429, H6430
