Old Testament
Judges 16:21
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The Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and dragged him down to Gaza. They bound him with bronze shackles and forced him to grind grain in the prison.
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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.
What Judges 16:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 16:21, we see the tragic downfall of Samson, a once mighty judge of Israel. The Philistines captured him after he revealed the secret of his strength. They gouged out his eyes, symbolizing his loss of vision and insight, and took him to Gaza, a Philistine city. Bound with bronze shackles, he was forced to grind grain in prison, a humiliating task typically reserved for slaves. This punishment highlights the consequences of his earlier choices, particularly his disobedience to God and his relationships with foreign women. Samson's physical blindness reflects his spiritual blindness, as he failed to recognize the dangers of straying from God's path. This moment serves as a sobering reminder of how sin can lead to devastating consequences, stripping away our strength and freedom. Despite his circumstances, the story of Samson ultimately points to themes of redemption and God's ability to use even our failures for His purposes.
How to apply Judges 16:21 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of staying true to our values and the dangers of compromising our integrity. It encourages us to seek wisdom and discernment in our choices, avoiding relationships and actions that lead us away from our faith and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samson's story: The House of Dagon (Judges 16:21–31)
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Samson
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Judges 16:21
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Key themes
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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 16:21 mean?
Judges 16:21 describes the capture of Samson by the Philistines, who gouged out his eyes and imprisoned him. This act symbolizes his loss of strength and insight due to his disobedience to God.
What is the significance of Samson's blindness in Judges 16:21?
Samson's blindness represents both his physical captivity and his spiritual blindness. It highlights the consequences of his choices and serves as a reminder of the dangers of straying from God's guidance.
What can we learn from Judges 16:21 about consequences?
Judges 16:21 teaches that our choices can lead to serious consequences, including loss of freedom and strength. It serves as a warning to remain true to our values and avoid actions that lead us away from our purpose.
How does Judges 16:21 relate to themes of redemption?
While Judges 16:21 depicts Samson's tragic downfall, it also sets the stage for his eventual redemption. Despite his failures, the story shows that God can use even our mistakes for a greater purpose.
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