A "target" of discussion

Let's look at 1 Samuel 17;6 from the KJV: (Describing Goliath)And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.

Now, did G have an aim point between his shoulders? Not hardly. In KJV days, a target was a small, light shield, a "targette", a diminutive of "targe", a larger, heavier shield. The target was much more manueverable in a sword fight, while the targe was a better missile-stopper.

But wait!

Most modern versions render the Hebrew word used here, "kiydown", as "javelin"! And the KJV renders that same word as "spear" 5 times, beg.w/ Joshua 8:18.

We know that ancient warriors often carried shields, swords, and/or spears across their bax. But WHICH IS CORRECT? It coulda been either a small shield or a javelin.

We see in V41 that Goliath had an armor-bearer who at least carried his regular shield, as did many great warriors or royalty of that day. it's not known if that man also carried G's large spear for him or not, but apparently SOMEONE carried it when G shouted his daily challenge to Israel. But a large spear isn't at all the best close-quarters weapon, so G COULD have had a smaller spear, a javelin, carried on his back.

In V6, the Bishop's bible sez "shielde".
Geneva sez "shield".
Darby sez "buckler".
YLT sez "javelin"

We see in V45 that David mentions G's SPEAR, using the Hebrew word "chaniyth", while repeating the word "kiydown" a little later in his words. That adds to the confusion. In this Scripture, all of 1 Samuel 17, is the Hebrew referring to a shield or a javelin? (Please, no puerile remarx such as"MY version says'target' so it's a shield. Let's stick to FACT.) Here, "brass" is actually BRONZE, & both shields & spears used bronze.

YOUR thoughts?

 

A gorget is a throat protector. Still doesn't tell us if shield or spear is correct.