Judges 16:29

Authorized King James Version

And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּלְפֹּ֨ת

H3943

took hold

properly, to bend, i.e., (by implication) to clasp; also (reflexively) to turn around or aside

שִׁמְשׁ֜וֹן

H8123

And Samson

shimshon, an israelite

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁנֵ֣י׀

H8147

of the two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עַמּוּדֵ֣י

H5982

pillars

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

הַתָּ֗וֶךְ

H8432

middle

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הַבַּ֙יִת֙

H1004

upon which the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

נָכ֣וֹן

H3559

stood

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#10

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

וַיִּסָּמֵ֖ךְ

H5564

and on which it was borne up

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

#12

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

וְאֶחָ֥ד

H259

and of the other

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#14

בִּֽימִינ֖וֹ

H3225

with his right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#15

וְאֶחָ֥ד

H259

and of the other

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#16

בִּשְׂמֹאלֽוֹ׃

H8040

with his left

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources

Biblical Maps