Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 16:21
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
This word means to dig or bore into something, like picking or quarrying stone. It describes a sense of penetration or excavation, often used to create a hole or opening. In the Bible, it is used to describe the act of digging a well or uncovering a hidden truth.
Definition: 1) to bore, pick, dig, pick out 1a) (Qal) to bore, pick, dig 1b) (Piel) to bore out 1c) (Pual) to be dug out
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dig, pick out, pierce, put (thrust) out. See also: Numbers 16:14; Job 30:17; Proverbs 30:17.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Azzah is another name for Gaza, a Philistine city in southwest Palestine, meaning 'the strong' in Hebrew.
Definition: § Azzah = "the strong" another name for 'Gaza', a city of the Philistines located in the extreme southwest of Palestine close to the Mediterranean
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Azzah, Gaza. See also: Genesis 10:19; 1 Kings 5:4; Jeremiah 25:20.
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
To grind or crush something, like grain into flour. This word is used to describe the action of grinding, often done by a concubine or servant.
Definition: (Qal) to grind, crush
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: grind(-er). See also: Exodus 32:20; Job 31:10; Isaiah 3:15.
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
This word refers to a prisoner or captive, someone who is bound or restrained. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are held in captivity or slavery.
Definition: prisoner, captive, bondman
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (those which are) bound, prisoner. See also: Genesis 39:20; Psalms 69:34; Psalms 68:7.
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
Context — Delilah Learns the Secret
19And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him.
20Then she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” When Samson awoke from his sleep, he thought, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.
21Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison.
22However, the hair of his head began to grow back after it had been shaved.
23Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Proverbs 2:19 |
None who go to her return or negotiate the paths of life. |
| 2 |
Proverbs 14:14 |
The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. |
| 3 |
Isaiah 47:2 |
Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams. |
| 4 |
Exodus 11:5 |
and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the hand mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle. |
| 5 |
Matthew 24:41 |
Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. |
| 6 |
2 Kings 25:7 |
And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. |
| 7 |
Psalms 149:8 |
to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with shackles of iron, |
| 8 |
Proverbs 5:22 |
The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. |
| 9 |
2 Chronicles 33:11 |
So the LORD brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. |
| 10 |
Psalms 107:10–12 |
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. |
Judges 16:21 Summary
This verse, Judges 16:21, shows how the Philistines treated Samson after they captured him, by gouging out his eyes and forcing him to do hard labor in prison. This was a result of Samson's disobedience and the Lord's departure from him, as mentioned in Judges 16:20. We can learn from Samson's experience that it is essential to stay humble and dependent on God, as taught in Proverbs 16:18, and to trust in His power and strength to overcome the challenges we face, as seen in Psalm 28:7. By reflecting on Samson's story, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of obedience and humility in our own walk with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines gouge out Samson's eyes?
The Philistines gouged out Samson's eyes to humiliate and disable him, as stated in Judges 16:21, and to prevent him from posing a further threat to their people, as seen in his previous victories over them, such as in Judges 14:5-6 and Judges 15:14-17.
What is the significance of Samson being bound with bronze shackles?
The bronze shackles represent the strong bondage and captivity that Samson was in, as a result of his disobedience and the Lord's departure from him, as mentioned in Judges 16:20, and this is similar to the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus, such as in Exodus 1:14.
Why was Samson forced to grind grain in the prison?
Forcing Samson to grind grain in the prison was a way for the Philistines to humiliate and demote him, as he was once a strong leader and judge of Israel, as seen in Judges 13:5 and Judges 15:11-12, and this task was typically assigned to animals or low-ranking servants, as mentioned in Numbers 11:8.
What can we learn from Samson's experience in this verse?
We can learn that disobedience and pride can lead to spiritual blindness and captivity, as seen in Samson's life, and that it is essential to stay humble and dependent on God, as taught in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the lesson of Samson's spiritual blindness to my own life, and what steps can I take to stay humble and dependent on God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing 'blindness' or a lack of spiritual insight, and how can I seek God's guidance and wisdom?
- In what ways can I identify with Samson's feelings of humiliation and captivity, and how can I find comfort and hope in God's Word during difficult times?
- How can I use Samson's story as a reminder to stay vigilant and aware of the spiritual battles that I face, and to trust in God's power and strength to overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:21
But the Philistines took him,.... Being assured by Delilah that his strength was gone from him, of which perhaps she had made trial by binding him, and found he could not free himself from the bonds
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:21
But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:21
The Philistines now durst apprehend him, because they rested in the assurance which Delilah had given them, that now all was discovered and done. Put out his eyes; which was done by them out of revenge and policy, to disenable him from doing them much harm, in case he should recover his strength; but not without God’ s providence, punishing him in that part which had been greatly instrumental to his sinful lusts. Brought him down to Gaza, because this was a great and strong city, where he would be kept safely; and upon the sea-coast, at sufficient distance from Samson’ s people; and to repair the honour of that place, upon which he had fastened so great a scorn, . God also ordering things thus, that where he first sinned, , there he should receive his punishment. He did grind in the prison-house, as captives and slaves use to do: see . He made himself a slave to vile lusts and harlots, and now God suffers men to use him like a slave.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:21
Judges 16:21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.Ver. 21. Took him, and put out his eyes.] These eyes of his were the first offenders that betrayed him to lust; and now they are first pulled out, and he led a blind captive to Gaza, where he was first captivated to his lust. The loss of his eyes showeth him his sin, saith one. Neither could he see how ill he had done, till he saw not. Muleasses king of Tunis, expelled his kingdom for whoredom, had his eyes put out with a burning hot iron, but was not brought thereby to a sight of his sin. And bound him with fetters of brass.] Who had suffered himself to be bound with the green withs of sensual delights. And he did grind in the prison house.] Like a slave, or rather like a horse: that he might earn his bread before he ate it. Yet by it, saith an interpreter, they chuckered themselves to think what use they should make herein of his great strength. Bp. Hall.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:21
(21) Put out his eyes.—the margin, “bored out,” is more correct. The Arabic version has the curious gloss that they burnt out his eyes with the red-hot style with which stibium (see Job 42:14) is applied to the eyes. To blind a man was the most effectual humiliation (2 Kings 25:7). The story of Evenius, a priest of the sun-god, who is blinded by the people of Apollonia, who thereby incur the anger of the gods, seems to move in a similar circle of ideas to this. Fetters of brass.—Literally, two brasses—i.e., pairs of brazen fetters (nechushtarim).He did grind in the prison house.—This was the degrading work of slaves and females (Exodus 11:5; Isaiah 47:2). Grotius in a curious note says that slaves thus employed were blinded by the Scythians to save them from giddiness (see Herod. iv. 2). The end of Samson was mournful; “his whole powerful life was only like a light, blazing up brightly at moments, and shining afar, but often dimmed, and utterly extinguished before its time” (Ewald).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:21
Verse 21. Put out his eyes] Thus was the lust of the eye, in looking after and gazing on strange women, punished. As the Philistines did not know that his strength might not return, they put out his eyes, that he might never be able to plan any enterprise against them. He did grind in the prison-house.] Before the invention of wind and water-mills, the grain was at first bruised between two stones, afterwards ground in hand-mills. This is practiced in China and in different parts of the East still; and women and slaves are the persons who are obliged to turn these mills. Such instruments were anciently used in this country, and called querns, from the Anglo-Saxon [A.S.] and [A.S.] cweorn and cwyrn, which has the signification of a mill; hence [A.S.] cweorn stan, a millstone: and as quern conveys the notion of grinding, hence [A.S.], cweornteth, the dentes molares or grinders in the jaws of animals. This clause of the verse is thus translated in the Saxon Octateuch: [----Anglo-Saxon----] "And the Philistines laid their fangs, (seized) him soon, and led him away to their burgh, (city,) and shut him up in prison, and made him grind at their hand-querne." So late as half a century ago I have seen these querns or hand-mills in these kingdoms.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:21
21. to Gaza] ‘His degeneration began at Gaza, therefore he was punished at Gaza,’ runs the Rabbinic comment, which also sees a just retribution for the sin of his eyes (Judges 14:3 lit. ‘she is right in mine eyes’) in the loss of his eyes. Talm. Sota 9 b. and he did grind] It was his continual task, as the tense indicates. Grinding corn for the household was the work of women (Ecclesiastes 12:3 RVm., St Matthew 24:41), of the housewife or of female slaves (Exodus 11:5, cf. Isaiah 47:2). Male prisoners and captives were sometimes condemned to this labour, as for example King Zedekiah in Babylon, according to the Gk. version of Jer 52:11. Similarly among the Romans, minor offenders were set to work at the public mills.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 16:21
Put out his eyes - Thus effectually, as they thought, preventing any future mischief on his part, while they prolonged their own triumph and revenge.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:21
SAMSON’S AND DEATH, Judges 16:21-31. 21. The Philistines took him — He probably was seized at once, and did not succeed in getting out of Delilah’s chamber free.
Sermons on Judges 16:21
| Sermon | Description |
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Giant Ungainted
by J. Glyn Owen
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In this sermon, the focus is on the life of Samson, a judge in ancient Israel. The passage being discussed is about Samson being captured by the Philistines, who gouged out his eye |
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Where Is the Secret
by Leonard Ravenhill
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson and the power he possessed as a Nazirite. The preacher emphasizes that Samson's strength did not come from his physical a |
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The Presence of the Lord With His People, and Its Effect
by J.B. Stoney
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J.B. Stoney preaches about the presence of the Lord with His people, emphasizing that His presence is often revealed through the exposure of hidden sins and the purification of His |
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Judges 16:21
by Chuck Smith
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Chuck Smith discusses the tragic consequences of sin as illustrated in the life of Samson, emphasizing how sin blinds individuals to their true state, binds them in chains, and lea |
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Matthew 15:14
by Chuck Smith
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Chuck Smith discusses the theme of misguided men, emphasizing how many are led astray by false precepts, false prophets, their own lusts, and the lies of Satan. He illustrates thes |
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Abrahams' Journey
by Jacob Prasch
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting one's life and youth by going back to worldly ways. He uses the example of Abraham and the prodigal son to illu |
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(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 4: Lay All on the Altar
by Zac Poonen
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Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of laying everything on the altar to experience a Spirit-filled life, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan and |