The men's javelin throw competition at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens was held at the Olympic Stadium on 25–27 August.

[1] In the qualifying round, each athlete receives three throws.

All who achieve the qualifying distance progress to the final.

Each finalist is allowed three throws in last round, with the top eight athletes after that point being given three further attempts.

[2] All times are Greece Standard Time (UTC+2) Prior to the competition[update], the existing world record, Olympic record, and world leading mark were as follows: No new records were set during the competition.