Judges 16:3
Judges 16:3 in Multiple Translations
But Samson lay there only until midnight, when he got up, took hold of the doors of the city gate and both gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. Then he put them on his shoulders and took them to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron.
And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron.
And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and laid hold of the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and plucked them up, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of the mountain that is before Hebron.
And Samson was there till the middle of the night; then he got up, and took a grip on the doors of the town, pulling them up, together with their two supports and their locks, and put them on his back and took them up to the top of the hill in front of Hebron.
But Samson only stayed until halfway through the night. He grabbed hold of the town gates along with their two posts and ripped them up, along with the lock-bar. Putting them on his shoulders, he carried them to the hill opposite Hebron.
And Samson slept till midnight, and arose at midnight, and tooke the doores of the gates of the citie, and the two postes and lift them away with the barres, and put them vpon his shoulders, and caried them vp to the top of the mountaine that is before Hebron.
And Samson lieth down till the middle of the night, and riseth in the middle of the night, and layeth hold on the doors of the gate of the city, and on the two side posts, and removeth them with the bar, and putteth on his shoulders, and taketh them up unto the top of the hill, which [is] on the front of Hebron.
Samson lay until midnight, then arose at midnight and took hold of the doors of the gate of the city, with the two posts, and plucked them up, bar and all, and put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain that is before Hebron.
And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of a hill that is before Hebron.
But Samson slept till midnight, and then rising he took both the doors of the gate, with the posts thereof, and the bolt, and laying them on his shoulders, carried them up to the top of the hill, which looketh towards Hebron.
But Samson did not stay there all night. At midnight, he got up. He went to the city gate, he took hold of its two posts, and he lifted it up out of the ground, with its connecting cross bar still attached. He put it on his shoulders and carried it many miles uphill to Hebron.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 16:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 16:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֣ב
שִׁמְשׁוֹן֮
עַד
חֲצִ֣י
הַ/לַּיְלָה֒
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
בַּ/חֲצִ֣י
הַ/לַּ֗יְלָה
וַ/יֶּאֱחֹ֞ז
בְּ/דַלְת֤וֹת
שַֽׁעַר
הָ/עִיר֙
וּ/בִ/שְׁתֵּ֣י
הַ/מְּזוּז֔וֹת
וַ/יִּסָּעֵ/ם֙
עִֽם
הַ/בְּרִ֔יחַ
וַ/יָּ֖שֶׂם
עַל
כְּתֵפָ֑י/ו
וַֽ/יַּעֲלֵ/ם֙
אֶל
רֹ֣אשׁ
הָ/הָ֔ר
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
עַל
פְּנֵ֥י
חֶבְרֽוֹן
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שִׁמְשׁוֹן֮
Shimshôwn
H8123
Samson
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
חֲצִ֣י
chêtsîy
H2677
half
N-ms
הַ/לַּיְלָה֒
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/חֲצִ֣י
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Prep | N-ms
הַ/לַּ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֶּאֱחֹ֞ז
ʼâchaz
H270
to grasp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/דַלְת֤וֹת
deleth
H1817
door
Prep | N-fp
שַֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וּ/בִ/שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Prep | Adj
הַ/מְּזוּז֔וֹת
mᵉzûwzâh
H4201
doorpost
Art | N-fp
וַ/יִּסָּעֵ/ם֙
nâçaʻ
H5265
to set out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
עִֽם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
הַ/בְּרִ֔יחַ
bᵉrîyach
H1280
bar
Art | N-ms
וַ/יָּ֖שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כְּתֵפָ֑י/ו
kâthêph
H3802
shoulder
N-fd | Suff
וַֽ/יַּעֲלֵ/ם֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הָ/הָ֔ר
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
חֶבְרֽוֹן
Chebrôwn
H2275
Hebron (Valley)
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 16:3
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
שִׁמְשׁוֹן֮
Shimshôwn
H8123
"Samson"
N-proper
Samson, meaning like the sun, was a Danite and a judge of Israel for 20 years. He was a Nazarite for life, and his story is first mentioned in Judges 13:24, where he is described as the son of Manoah.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.13.24; son of: Manoah (H4495); married to Delilah (H1807) Also named: Sampsōn (Σαμψών "Samson" G4546) § Samson = "like the sun" a Danite, son of Manoah, a Nazarite for life, and a judge of Israel for 20 years
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Samson. See also: Judges 13:24; Judges 15:16; Judges 16:30.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
חֲצִ֣י
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
הַ/לַּיְלָה֒
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
בַּ/חֲצִ֣י
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Prep | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
הַ/לַּ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/יֶּאֱחֹ֞ז
ʼâchaz
H270
"to grasp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
בְּ/דַלְת֤וֹת
deleth
H1817
"door"
Prep | N-fp
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
שַֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וּ/בִ/שְׁתֵּ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
הַ/מְּזוּז֔וֹת
mᵉzûwzâh
H4201
"doorpost"
Art | N-fp
A doorpost is the vertical post on either side of a door, and in biblical times, it was a prominent feature of a house. The Hebrew word for doorpost is mezuzah.
Definition: doorpost, gatepost
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (door, side) post. See also: Exodus 12:7; 1 Kings 6:31; Proverbs 8:34.
וַ/יִּסָּעֵ/ם֙
nâçaʻ
H5265
"to set out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
עִֽם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
הַ/בְּרִ֔יחַ
bᵉrîyach
H1280
"bar"
Art | N-ms
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.
וַ/יָּ֖שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כְּתֵפָ֑י/ו
kâthêph
H3802
"shoulder"
N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
וַֽ/יַּעֲלֵ/ם֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/הָ֔ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֶבְרֽוֹן
Chebrôwn
H2275
"Hebron (Valley)"
N-proper
Hebron is a place in Palestine and also the name of two Israelites, one a descendant of Levi and the other of Caleb. It is first mentioned in the book of Genesis and is also referenced in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: Hebron = "association" Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010K)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: Hebron. See also: Genesis 13:18; 2 Samuel 3:19; 2 Chronicles 11:10.
Study Notes — Judges 16:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 16:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:3
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:3
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 16:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:3
- Sermons on Judges 16:3
Context — Samson Escapes Gaza
1One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her.
2When the Gazites heard that Samson was there, they surrounded that place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They were quiet throughout the night, saying, “Let us wait until dawn; then we will kill him.”
3But Samson lay there only until midnight, when he got up, took hold of the doors of the city gate and both gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. Then he put them on his shoulders and took them to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron.
4Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. 5The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver. ”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 2:24 | But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches. |
| 2 | Psalms 107:16 | For He has broken down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. |
| 3 | Isaiah 63:1–5 | Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and the year of My redemption had come. I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me. |
| 4 | Micah 2:13 | One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate, and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD as their leader. |
Judges 16:3 Summary
This verse shows us that Samson, even in a difficult situation, was able to trust in God's power and strength to help him. He waited until the right moment, then used his God-given abilities to overcome his enemies, as seen in other parts of his story, like Judges 14:5-6. Just like Samson, we can trust that God will give us the strength we need to face our challenges, as promised in Philippians 4:13 and Isaiah 41:10. By trusting in God and using the gifts and abilities He has given us, we can overcome even the toughest obstacles and bring glory to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samson wait until midnight to take action against the Gazites?
Samson waited until midnight to take action, possibly because he was waiting for the perfect moment to strike, as seen in his previous actions in Judges 14:5-6 and Judges 15:4-5, where he used his strength and cunning to outwit his enemies.
How was Samson able to remove the city gates and gateposts so easily?
Samson's ability to remove the city gates and gateposts was a demonstration of his supernatural strength, given to him by God, as stated in Judges 13:24-25, where it is written that the Spirit of the Lord began to stir in him.
What is the significance of Samson taking the gates to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron?
The act of taking the gates to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron may have been a symbolic gesture of victory and dominance over the Philistines, similar to the way David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6:1-19, to establish his authority and worship God.
Is this verse an example of Samson's faith and trust in God?
While Samson's actions in this verse demonstrate his physical strength and cunning, they also reveal his trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Hebrews 11:32-34, where Samson is listed as an example of faith, and in Judges 16:28-30, where he ultimately cries out to God for strength and deliverance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel trapped or confined, and how can I trust God to give me the strength and wisdom to overcome them?
- How can I, like Samson, use my unique gifts and abilities to serve and glorify God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
- What are some ways I can practically apply the concept of trusting in God's power and provision, as seen in Samson's life, to my own daily struggles and decisions?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of my thought life and actions, to ensure that I am not compromising my faith or values, as Samson did in his relationships with the prostitute and Delilah?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:3
And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight,.... Either not being able to lie any longer through the conviction of his conscience for his lewdness, or being warned by a dream, or having an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:3
And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:3
Arose at midnight; being either smitten in conscience for his sin, when he first awaked, and thence fearing danger, as he had just cause to do; or being secretly warned by God in a dream, or by an inward impulse, for the prevention of his designed destruction. The doors of the gate of the city; not the great gates, but lesser doors made in them, and strengthened with distinct posts and bars. Went away with them; the watchmen not expecting him till morning, and therefore being now retired into the sides or upper part of the gate-house, as the manner now is, to get some rest, whereby to fit themselves for their hard service intended in the morning; or if some of them were in his way, he could easily and speedily strike them dead, and break the door, whilst the rest were partly astonished with the surprise, and partly preparing themselves for resistance: nor durst they pursue him, whom they now again perceived to have such prodigious strength and courage; and to be so much above the fear of them, that he did not run away with all speed, but went leisurely, having so great a weight on his shoulders, wherewith they knew he could both defend himself and offend them. Up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron; either, 1. To a hill near Hebron, which was above twenty miles from Gaza; or, 2. To the top of a high hill not far from Gaza, which looked towards Hebron, which also stood upon another high hill, and might be seen from this place, though it was at a great distance from it. And Samson did this not out of vain ostentation, but as an evidence of his great strength, for the encouragement of his people to join with him more vigorously for their own deliverance than yet they had done, or durst do, and for the greater terror and contempt of the Philistines. It may seem strange that Samson immediately after so foul a sin should have the courage in himself, and the strength from God, for so great a work. But, 1. It is probable that Samson had in some measure repented of his sin, and begged of God pardon and assistance, which also he perceived by instinct that God would afford him. 2.
This singular strength and courage was not in itself a grace, but a gift, which might have been in a graceless person, and therefore might continue in a good man, notwithstanding a heinous act of sin; and it was such a gift as did not depend upon the disposition of his mind, but upon the right ordering of his body, by the rule given to him, and others of that order.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:3
Judges 16:3 And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put [them] upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that [is] before Hebron.Ver. 3. And arose at midnight.] From the bed of fornication, where the Spirit had screeched out unto him, "Oh, do not this abominable thing!" Nevertheless he did it; and yet by the instinct of the same Spirit, who might justly have loathed his lodging, he arose and prepared to be gone. God dealeth not with his people according to their sins, but beareth long with their evil manners. And took the doors of the gate of the city.] The watchmen sleeping the while, or not daring to stir. A figure of Christ’ s glorious resurrection, maugre the malice of earth and of hell. Bar and all.] By an act of stupendous strength - never the like heard of he carrieth away the gates wherein they thought to have encaged him. If a temptation has drawn any of us aside to lie down to sin, it is happy for us if we can arise ere we be surprised by judgment. Up to the top of a hill that is before Hebron.] Or, Over against Hebron, though some miles distant; for Hebron was fourteen miles from Gaza, saith Adricomius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:3
(3) Arose at midnight.—Apparently—but here again the narrative omits all details—he had been told of the plot, and found the gates unguarded; unless we are to suppose that he slew the guards, without awaking the city. Took.—Rather, grasped or seized.The two posts—i.e., the side-posts. Went away with them, bar and all.—Rather, tore them up, with the bar; the bar was the bar which fastened the two valves together. Gaza, as we see from the site of its walls, had several gates. The site of the gate traditionally pointed out is on the south-east. It may have been the smaller gate, by the side of the main gate, which he thus tore up. In Mohammedan legend Ali uses the gate of Chaibar as a shield, which may be a sort of confused echo and parallel of this event (Po-cocke, Hist. Arab., p. 10). That is before Hebron.—It is not implied that Samson walked with the gates and bars on his shoulders nine miles to Hebron; but probably (as the local tradition says) to El Montar, a hill in the direction of Hebron, from which the hills of Hebron are visible. Pliny, in his Natural History (vii. 19), adduces many instances of colossal strength, but in this narrative it is distinctly implied that the strength of Samson was a supernatural gift, arising from his dedication to God.
The carrying away the gate of his enemies would be understood in the East as a very peculiar insult. “When Almansor took Compostella, he made the Christians carry the gates of St. James’s Church on their shoulders to Cordova in sign of his victory” (Ferraras, Gesch. von Spanier, iii. 145, quoted by Cassel).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:3
Verse 3. Took the doors of the gate] Though Samson was a very strong man, yet we do not find that he was a giant; consequently we may conjecture that the gates of the city were not very large, as he took at once the doors, the two posts, and the bar, with him. The cities of those days would appear to disadvantage among modern villages. A hill - before Hebron.] Possibly there were two Hebrons; it could not be the city generally understood by the word Hebron, as that was about twenty miles distant from Gaza: unless we suppose that על פני חברון al peney Chebron is to be understood of the road leading to Hebron: he carried all to the top of that hill which was on the road leading to Hebron.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:3
3. plucked them up] Cf. Judges 16:14; the word is used of plucking up tent-pegs Isaiah 33:20, hence of setting out on a journey Genesis 35:5 and often. The gate was probably in two leaves, turning upon pins in sockets, and secured by a bar (cf. 1 Kings 4:13, Amos 1:5 etc.) which was let into the posts on either side. Samson pulled up the whole framework of the gate, doors, posts and bar, and carried it off in one piece. the mountain that is before Hebron] Hebron is at least 40 m. from Gaza, and before, if it does mean east of (cf. Deuteronomy 32:49, 1 Kings 11:7 etc.), may also denote overlooking (Numbers 21:20; Numbers 23:28 etc.). To make the prodigious feat more credible, some take the mountain to be the low hill of el-Munṭ ?âr, half an hour outside the walls of Gaza on the E.; for a recent description in support of this view see Gautier, Souv. de Terre-Sainte (1898), 131 f. But can el-Munṭ ?âr be said to face Hebron? Cheyne (Encycl. Bibl., col. 4432) makes the suggestion that Hebron is a mistake for Sharuhen (Joshua 19:6), otherwise Shaaraim = the two gates (1 Samuel 17:52), which may be the Egyptian fortress Sharaḥ ?an on the road from Egypt to Gaza; the legend, then, was told to account for the name. Similarly Stahn (Die Simson-Sage, p. 31), who supposes that there was a rock or defile near Hebron called Shaar Gaza (i.e. gate of Gaza or strong gate); the story then will have had the same origin as that which accounted for the names Ramath-lehi and En-hakkore, Judges 15:17; Judges 15:19.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 16:3
Instead of forcing the doors open, he tore the posts up, as it were, by the roots, with the barred doors attached to them.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:3
3. Lay till midnight — He, perhaps, knew or suspected what his enemies were doing, and his humour took occasion again to make them the butt of ridicule. Doors of the gate — The two leaves, or double folding doors.
Sermons on Judges 16:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Mastering Our Midnights by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong preaches on the theme 'Mastering Our Midnights,' highlighting how our attitude towards dark and challenging times can either make us stronger or weaker, better or bi |
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The Power of the Holy Ghost (1 of 2) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the Holy Ghost in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. He highlights the significance of the resurrection in the everyday C |
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Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the general situation and the need for the Lord's intervention. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Jesus Christ in o |
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(Genesis) Genesis 40 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parallels between the life of Joseph and the life of Jesus. He highlights how Joseph was sent to his brethren, just as Jesus was sent to |
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Resurrection Reality by Walter A. Maier | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of life after death and the belief in the resurrection. He emphasizes that our lives are incomplete and unfinished, suggesting th |
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The Resurrection-02 the Reality of the Resurrection by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, Rev. Stephen F. Oldford emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reality of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. He highlights the impact of the resurrectio |
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The Revival at Pentecost by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of preaching the word of God. He highlights that preaching is not just a public activity, but a personal responsibi |