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Judges 16:27

Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport.

Judges 16:27 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Judges, the scene unfolds at a great banquet held by the Philistines to honor their god Dagon and celebrate their victory over Samson. The house is filled with prominent men and women, including all the lords of the Philistines. As the festivities progress, Samson, who had been captured by the Philistines, is brought out to entertain the guests. He is taken to the roof where about three thousand men and women are gathered to watch him make sport. Despite Samson's dire situation, he uses this opportunity to display his extraordinary strength and bravery. This verse serves to illustrate the power dynamics at play between the Philistines and Samson, as well as the lengths to which they go to humiliate him. It also foreshadows the dramatic events that are about to unfold as Samson takes matters into his own hands and seeks vengeance against his enemies.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Judges, we see a vivid image of a gathering in a house full of men and women, with all the lords of the Philistines in attendance. The scene is set on the rooftop where approximately three thousand men and women are watching Samson entertain them. The theological interpretation of this verse can point to the power dynamics at play, with Samson being manipulated by the Philistines as a source of amusement and mockery. This situation highlights the consequences of Samson's actions and the consequences of his supernatural strength being used for personal gain rather than for the glory of God. Word studies on key terms such as "beheld" or "made sport" can provide deeper insight into the cultural context and the intentions behind this spectacle. Overall, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to worldly desires and the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith.

Judges 16:27 in other translations

American Standard Version

Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport.

World English Bible

Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were on the roof about three thousand men and women, who saw while Samson performed.

Douay-Rheims

Now the house was full of men and women, and all the princes of the Philistines were there. Moreover about three thousand persons of both sexes, from the roof and the higher part of the house, were beholding Samson's play.

Geneva Bible (1599)

(Nowe the house was full of men and women, and there were all the princes of the Philistims: also vpon the roofe were about three thousande men and women that behelde while Samson played)