Old Testament
Judges 16:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His brothers and the rest of his father's family came down to get him. They carried his body back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol, in the tomb of his father Manoah. He judged Israel for 20 years.
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Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
What Judges 16:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the aftermath of Samson's life and his tragic end. After his death, his brothers and family come to retrieve his body. They honor him by burying him in the family tomb, which signifies respect and connection to their heritage. The location, between Zorah and Eshtaol, is significant as it ties Samson back to his roots. The mention of his 20 years of judging Israel highlights his role as a leader and deliverer, despite his flaws and failures. This verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of Samson's life, where he was both a judge and a man who struggled with personal weaknesses. His burial marks the end of his tumultuous journey, leaving behind a legacy that is both inspiring and cautionary.
How to apply Judges 16:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own legacies and how we are remembered by our families and communities. It reminds us to honor our roots and the importance of family ties, even in times of failure. We should strive to leave a positive impact on those around us.
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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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 16:31 mean?
Judges 16:31 describes the aftermath of Samson's death, highlighting how his family honored him by retrieving and burying his body in the family tomb. It signifies respect for his legacy and connection to his heritage, while also noting his role as a judge of Israel for 20 years.
What is the significance of Samson's burial location in Judges 16:31?
The burial location between Zorah and Eshtaol is significant as it ties Samson back to his roots and family heritage. It reflects the importance of family ties and the respect given to him despite his flaws.
What does the mention of 20 years of judging Israel indicate in Judges 16:31?
The mention of Samson judging Israel for 20 years indicates his role as a leader and deliverer, despite his personal struggles. It highlights the complexity of his legacy as both a judge and a flawed individual.
What themes are present in Judges 16:31?
Judges 16:31 encompasses themes of family, burial, legacy, judgment, heritage, and leadership. It reflects on how one's life and actions are remembered and the importance of honoring family connections.
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