Old Testament
Judges 15:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When he finished speaking, he threw the jawbone aside. That place was named Ramath Lehi.
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And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramathlehi.
What Judges 15:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 15:17, we see Samson, after a fierce battle, finishing his speech and discarding the jawbone he used as a weapon. This act signifies the end of his struggle and the victory he achieved over the Philistines. The place where this event occurred was named Ramath Lehi, which means 'the height of the jawbone.' This naming reflects the significance of the event and serves as a reminder of Samson's strength and the power of God working through him. The jawbone, a simple tool, became a symbol of triumph against overwhelming odds. This moment highlights not only Samson's physical prowess but also the divine assistance he received, emphasizing that victories can come from unexpected sources. The naming of the place also serves as a historical marker, reminding future generations of God's deliverance through Samson.
How to apply Judges 15:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God can use ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Just as Samson used a jawbone to achieve victory, we can trust that our unique abilities and resources can lead to success in our challenges. We should remain open to how God might work through us.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samson's story: The Jawbone at Lehi (Judges 15:9–20)
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Samson
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Judges 15:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 15:17 mean?
Judges 15:17 describes Samson discarding the jawbone he used to defeat the Philistines, marking the end of his battle. The place was named Ramath Lehi, meaning 'the height of the jawbone,' symbolizing his victory and God's power.
What is the significance of the jawbone in Judges 15:17?
The jawbone in Judges 15:17 represents an ordinary object used by Samson to achieve an extraordinary victory over the Philistines. It symbolizes how God can use simple tools to accomplish great things.
What does Ramath Lehi mean in Judges 15:17?
Ramath Lehi, mentioned in Judges 15:17, means 'the height of the jawbone.' This name commemorates the victory Samson achieved using the jawbone as a weapon.
How does Judges 15:17 relate to God's assistance?
Judges 15:17 illustrates that Samson's victory was not just due to his strength but also God's assistance. The use of a jawbone as a weapon shows that God can empower individuals with unexpected resources to overcome challenges.
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