Old Testament

Judges 16:3

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see a remarkable display of Samson's strength.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

But Samson only stayed until midnight. Then he got up, grabbed the doors of the city gate along with both posts, and ripped them out of the ground — bar and all. He hoisted them onto his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a remarkable display of Samson's strength. After spending the night in the city, he rises at midnight and decides to leave. Instead of simply walking out, he demonstrates his extraordinary power by uprooting the city gates, which were heavy and securely fastened. He takes the gates, including the posts and the bar, and carries them on his shoulders to a hill near Hebron. This act symbolizes not only his physical strength but also his defiance against the Philistines, who were oppressing the Israelites. By taking the gates, Samson shows that he is not afraid of the enemy and that he has the power to overcome obstacles. This moment highlights both his unique abilities and the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and their oppressors, setting the stage for further events in his life and the narrative of Judges.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 16:3 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize our own strengths and the power we have to overcome challenges. Just as Samson demonstrated courage in the face of oppression, we too can confront our obstacles with confidence. It reminds us to rely on our inner strength and not be afraid to take bold actions when necessary.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 16:3 mean?

Judges 16:3 describes Samson's incredible strength as he uproots the city gates and carries them to a hill. This act symbolizes his defiance against the Philistines and showcases his power to overcome obstacles.

What does the phrase 'bar and all' mean in Judges 16:3?

The phrase 'bar and all' indicates that Samson took the entire gate structure, including the heavy bar that secured it. This emphasizes the extent of his strength and the completeness of his act.

How does Judges 16:3 relate to themes of courage and defiance?

This verse illustrates themes of courage and defiance through Samson's bold action of removing the city gates. It shows his willingness to confront the Philistines and symbolizes the fight against oppression.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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