King James Version

What Does Judges 16:24 Mean?

Judges 16:24 in the King James Version says “And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us. which: Heb. and who multiplied our slain”

Judges 16:24 · KJV

Salvation

Context

22

Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven. after: or, as when he was shaven

23

Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.

24

And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us. which: Heb. and who multiplied our slain

25

And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars. them: Heb. before them

26

And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us.

This verse belongs to the Samson cycle addressing Samson, Delilah, and final victory in death. Samson represents both the heights of God-empowered strength and the depths of human weakness through moral compromise. His Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) set him apart as holy to God, yet his persistent violations of this vow—contact with dead animals (14:8-9), seven-day feast (likely involving wine, 14:10), and finally revealing his hair's secret (16:17)—demonstrate progressive spiritual decline.

Theologically, Samson illustrates how spiritual gifts don't guarantee spiritual maturity. The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson repeatedly, giving superhuman strength, yet this empowerment didn't produce corresponding moral transformation. His attraction to Philistine women (14:1-3, 16:1, 16:4) directly violated God's command against intermarriage with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This demonstrates that God can use flawed instruments for His purposes, but this never excuses or endorses sin.

Samson's final prayer—"O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me" (16:28)—shows genuine repentance and renewed faith. His death accomplished more than his life (16:30), suggesting that even spectacular failure can be redeemed when we return to God. However, the tragedy is that Samson's potential was largely wasted through moral compromise. His story warns believers that consistent holy living, not merely spectacular spiritual experiences, characterizes faithful discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: The Book of Judges spans approximately 350-400 years (c. 1375-1050 BCE) during the Late Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age. This period saw the disintegration of major empires (Hittites, Mycenaeans) and weakening of Egyptian control over Canaan, creating a power vacuum filled by emerging peoples including Philistines (Sea Peoples), Aramaeans, and regional kingdoms. The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external oppression and internal chaos.

Cultural Context: This passage relates to Samson, Delilah, and final victory in death. Canaanite religion dominated the region, centered on Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), and Anat (war goddess). Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (Ras Shamra) have provided extensive information about Canaanite mythology and religious practices. Baal worship involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and fertility rites tied to agricultural seasons. Israel's persistent attraction to these gods demonstrates the strong cultural pressure to conform to surrounding nations' religious practices.

The material culture of this period shows gradual Israelite settlement in the Canaanite hill country, with simpler pottery and architecture than coastal Canaanite cities. Iron technology was beginning to spread, giving military advantage to peoples who mastered it (note the Philistines' iron monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The absence of centralized government during the judges period stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic city-states of Canaan and the imperial administration of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This political structure reflected Israel's theocratic ideal—God as king—yet the repeated cycles of apostasy showed this ideal required more than political structures; it demanded heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage about Samson, Delilah, and final victory in death reveal God's character in dealing with persistent human rebellion and incomplete obedience?
  2. What patterns of spiritual compromise or incomplete obedience in your own life mirror Israel's failures during the judges period?
  3. How does understanding the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance in Judges help you appreciate Christ's perfect and final deliverance from sin's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּרְא֤וּ1 of 20

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֹתוֹ֙2 of 20
H853

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

הָעָ֔ם3 of 20

“And when the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַֽיְהַלְל֖וּ4 of 20

“him they praised”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

אֶת5 of 20
H853

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

אֱלֹהֵ֤ינוּ6 of 20

“Our god”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כִּ֣י7 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָֽמְר֗וּ8 of 20

“for they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָתַ֨ן9 of 20

“hath delivered”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֱלֹהֵ֤ינוּ10 of 20

“Our god”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְיָדֵ֙נוּ֙11 of 20

“into our hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶת12 of 20
H853

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

א֣וֹיְבֵ֔נוּ13 of 20

“our enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

וְאֵת֙14 of 20
H853

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

מַֽחֲרִ֣יב15 of 20

“and the destroyer”

H2717

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

אַרְצֵ֔נוּ16 of 20

“of our country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 20
H834

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

הִרְבָּ֖ה18 of 20

“many”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֶת19 of 20
H853

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

חֲלָלֵֽינוּ׃20 of 20

“which slew”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 16:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 16:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:4Ezekiel 20:14Daniel 5:23Deuteronomy 32:27Judges 15:8Judges 15:16

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Judges 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJudges Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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