Judges 16:21

KJV

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the Philistines {H6430} took {H270} him, and put out {H5365} his eyes {H5869}, and brought him down {H3381} to Gaza {H5804}, and bound {H631} him with fetters of brass {H5178}; and he did grind {H2912} in the prison {H631} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the P'lishtim seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to 'Azah. There they bound him with two bronze chains and put him to work grinding grain at the mill in the prison.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison.

American Standard Version

And the Philistines laid hold on him, and put out his eyes; and they brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison-house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:21 marks the tragic culmination of Samson's persistent disobedience and compromise, detailing his brutal capture by the Philistines. Stripped of his divine strength, he is subjected to the ultimate humiliation: his eyes are gouged out, he is transported to the enemy stronghold of Gaza, bound with heavy bronze chains, and forced into the degrading labor of grinding grain in the prison house. This verse vividly portrays the immediate and devastating consequences of straying from God's path, serving as a stark warning about the perils of spiritual compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the devastating betrayal by Delilah, where Samson's long hair—the visible sign and condition of his Nazarite vow—was cut, causing his divine strength to depart from him, unbeknownst to him at first ([Judges 16:19-20](/judges/16-19 "Judges 16:19-20 - Samson's Hair Cut and Strength Lost")). It represents the lowest point in Samson's life, a stark contrast to his earlier exploits of immense strength and miraculous victories. The narrative arc of Samson, from his miraculous birth and divine calling ([Judges 13](/judges/13 "Judges 13 - The Birth of Samson")) to his repeated compromises with Philistine women and disregard for his consecration, reaches its nadir here. This moment of profound humiliation sets the stage for his final, redemptive act, where God uses even his weakness and suffering to accomplish His purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable, technologically advanced, and long-standing enemy of Israel, often oppressing them during the period of the Judges. Gaza was one of their five major city-states and a significant stronghold, a place Samson had previously visited and from which he had dramatically escaped ([Judges 16:1-3](/judges/16-1 "Judges 16:1-3 - Samson's Escape from Gaza")). The act of "putting out his eyes" was a common, brutal, and permanent form of incapacitation and humiliation in the ancient Near East, ensuring a dangerous captive could no longer pose a threat and serving as a public display of dominance. Forcing a man, especially one renowned for strength, to "grind in the prison house" was the ultimate indignity. Grinding grain was typically a laborious task performed by women or the lowest class of slaves, often blind, making it a symbol of complete subjugation and reversal of status for a former judge and warrior.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 16:21 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of disobedience and spiritual compromise**. Samson's repeated pursuit of forbidden relationships and his disregard for his divine calling, despite numerous warnings, led directly to this devastating outcome, vividly demonstrating the principle that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")). Secondly, it highlights the **loss of power and profound humiliation** that results from straying from God's path. The mighty Samson, who once single-handedly defeated armies ([Judges 15:15](/judges/15-15 "Judges 15:15 - Samson's Jawbone Victory")), is reduced to a sightless, enslaved laborer, a stark portrayal of a fall from grace. Thirdly, the literal blinding of Samson's eyes serves as a potent metaphor for his **spiritual blindness**. Despite divine interventions and clear warnings, he consistently failed to discern the dangers in his choices and the implications of his compromises, his physical state mirroring his earlier spiritual inability to perceive God's will and the true nature of his enemies. Finally, while the Philistines were the immediate agents, this event is also understood within the context of **divine discipline**, a severe but ultimately redemptive act by God to humble Samson and bring him to a place of repentance, ultimately fulfilling God's larger purposes for Israel's deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **put out (Hebrew, _naqar'_):** The Hebrew verb נָקַר (_naqar_) literally means "to bore out," "to gouge out," or "to dig out." This is not merely blinding through injury but a permanent, brutal, and irreversible act of mutilation. It signifies a complete and cruel incapacitation, ensuring Samson could never again see or effectively fight, transforming him from a feared warrior into a helpless spectacle.
* **fetters (Hebrew, _nechushtayim'_):** The Hebrew word נְחֻשְׁתַּיִם (_nechushtayim_) specifically refers to "double bronze chains" or "two bronze fetters." The use of "brass" (more accurately, bronze) emphasizes the heavy, strong, and durable nature of the chains. This was not a temporary restraint but a secure, inescapable bondage, symbolizing the Philistines' confidence in their complete subjugation of their once-feared enemy.
* **grind (Hebrew, _tachan'_):** The verb טָחַן (_tachan_) means "to grind," typically referring to the laborious process of grinding grain with a millstone. This task was considered extremely arduous and was usually performed by women, slaves, or animals. For Samson, a man of immense strength and a judge of Israel, being forced to perform such a menial, degrading, and feminized labor in a prison house represented the ultimate humiliation and reversal of his former glory, freedom, and masculine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the Philistines took him":** This phrase highlights the sudden and decisive capture of Samson, emphasizing the immediate consequence of his lost strength and divine favor. It underscores the Philistines' long-awaited triumph over their formidable adversary.
* **"and put out his eyes":** This is the most shocking and brutal act described. It signifies not only physical incapacitation but also a profound act of humiliation and dehumanization. The loss of sight renders Samson utterly dependent and vulnerable, a stark contrast to his previous self-reliance and power.
* **"and brought him down to Gaza":** The choice of Gaza, a major Philistine city and stronghold, is significant. It was a place Samson had previously visited and from which he had escaped with a display of great strength ([Judges 16:1-3](/judges/16-1 "Judges 16:1-3 - Samson's Escape from Gaza")). His return there as a captive symbolizes the complete reversal of his fortunes and the Philistines' ultimate victory over him on their own territory.
* **"and bound him with fetters of brass":** This detail emphasizes the secure and inescapable nature of his bondage. The heavy bronze chains signify the Philistines' determination to keep him captive and prevent any further escapes, underscoring his complete loss of freedom and power.
* **"and he did grind in the prison house":** This describes the ultimate indignity and degradation. Reducing Samson, a judge and a man of unparalleled strength, to the laborious and demeaning task of grinding grain, typically performed by women or the lowest slaves, represents the complete stripping away of his honor, status, and masculinity. It is a symbol of his utter subjugation and humiliation.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 16:21 is rich in literary devices that amplify its tragic impact. **Irony** is powerfully evident: Samson, who once wielded immense physical strength to blind and defeat Philistines, is now literally blinded by them. His earlier escape from Gaza by carrying away its gates ([Judges 16:3](/judges/16-3 "Judges 16:3 - Samson Carries Gaza's Gates")) contrasts sharply with his return as a bound prisoner, highlighting the **reversal of fortune**. **Symbolism** pervades the verse; Samson's physical blindness is a potent symbol of his spiritual blindness, his inability to discern the true nature of his enemies or the dangers of his compromises. The "fetters of brass" symbolize the unbreakable bonds of sin and the consequences of his choices. The act of "grinding in the prison house" is a powerful symbol of degradation, repetitive futility, and the complete loss of purpose and freedom for a man once called to deliver Israel. The entire scene serves as a stark **contrast** to Samson's former glory, emphasizing the depth of his fall and the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:21 stands as a sobering testament to the immutable principle of divine justice and the consequences of persistent disobedience. While God's gifts and calling are irrevocable, the exercise of those gifts and the experience of divine favor are often contingent upon faithfulness. Samson's physical and spiritual decline illustrates that even those divinely chosen are not exempt from the painful repercussions of sin. This verse underscores the reality that sin, indulged, leads to a loss of spiritual power, a darkening of spiritual vision, and ultimately, a form of bondage and humiliation. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's discipline, though severe, is often intended to humble, purify, and bring about repentance, ultimately working towards His sovereign purposes even through human failure.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samson's tragic fall in Judges 16:21 serves as a profound and timeless warning for believers today. It compels us to examine our own lives for areas of compromise, spiritual complacency, or persistent disobedience that might lead to similar devastating consequences. The narrative vividly illustrates that even great strength or gifting, if not coupled with spiritual discernment and unwavering faithfulness, can lead to a loss of purpose and a state of spiritual bondage. We are reminded that our "eyes" – our spiritual perception and understanding – must remain open and focused on God's will, lest we, like Samson, become blind to the subtle deceptions of the enemy and the dangers inherent in our own desires. This verse challenges us to cultivate humility, to value our spiritual consecration, and to understand that true freedom comes not from self-reliance, but from consistent reliance on God and obedience to His commands. Even in the depths of our failures, Samson's eventual repentance and final act of faith offer a glimmer of hope that God can redeem even the most broken circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might Samson's physical blindness in this verse mirror instances of spiritual blindness in my own life or in the church today?**
* **What "fetters of brass"—habits, relationships, or compromises—might be binding me and hindering my walk with God?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the subtle deceptions that could lead to a "fall" like Samson's?**
* **How does God's discipline, though painful, ultimately aim for our good and His glory, even when we experience the consequences of our choices?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow this to happen to Samson, His chosen judge?**

Answer: God's sovereignty allows for human free will and its consequences. While Samson was chosen by God and endowed with extraordinary strength, he repeatedly disregarded his Nazarite vow and indulged in sinful compromises, particularly with Philistine women ([Judges 14-16](/judges/14 "Judges 14 - Samson's First Marriage")). His capture and humiliation were a direct consequence of his persistent disobedience and the breaking of his covenant with God, specifically the cutting of his hair, which was the sign of his vow and the condition of his strength ([Judges 16:19-20](/judges/16-19 "Judges 16:19-20 - Samson's Loss of Strength")). This event served as divine discipline, a severe but necessary measure to humble Samson and bring him to a place of repentance and renewed dependence on God. Ultimately, God used even Samson's weakness and suffering to accomplish His larger redemptive purpose for Israel, demonstrating that His plans prevail even through the failures of His servants ([Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")).

**What is the significance of Gaza as the location of Samson's imprisonment?**

Answer: Gaza was one of the five major Philistine city-states and a significant stronghold, symbolizing their power and oppression over Israel. The choice of Gaza for Samson's imprisonment was highly symbolic and deeply humiliating. Samson had previously visited Gaza and, in a display of immense strength, escaped by carrying away the city gates ([Judges 16:1-3](/judges/16-1 "Judges 16:1-3 - Samson's Escape from Gaza")). His return to Gaza as a blind, bound slave, forced to perform the most degrading labor, represented a complete reversal of his former triumphs and a profound public spectacle of Philistine dominance. It was a strategic choice by the Philistines to maximize his humiliation and to celebrate their perceived victory over the man who had terrorized them for years.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson's tragic story, culminating in his blinding and humiliation in Judges 16:21, powerfully foreshadows the need for a perfect deliverer who would not succumb to sin's temptations. Samson, though a judge and a type of deliverer for Israel, ultimately failed due to his own spiritual blindness and moral compromise. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"), was not bound by sin but willingly [bound Himself](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation") in human flesh, taking on the form of a servant. He was not physically blinded by His enemies, but rather, He came to [open the eyes of the blind](/john/9-6-7 "John 9:6-7 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man")—both physically and spiritually. Jesus endured the ultimate humiliation and degradation, not for His own sin, but for ours, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") by suffering on the cross. His strength was not merely physical, but divine and spiritual, enabling Him to conquer sin and death through His resurrection, thereby offering true freedom from the [fetters of sin](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - Wages of Sin") that bind humanity. Unlike Samson, whose strength departed, Jesus' power is eternal and His deliverance complete, perfectly fulfilling God's will and providing the ultimate salvation that Samson could only imperfectly prefigure.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 2:19

None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

Matthew 24:41

Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Isaiah 47:2

Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

Proverbs 14:14

¶ The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself.

Exodus 11:5

And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that [is] behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

2 Chronicles 33:11

¶ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

2 Kings 25:7

And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.