Judges 15:8 (KJV)

What does Judges 15:8 mean?

Judges 15:8 says that Samson struck the Philistines with a devastating blow, described as "hip and thigh," causing a great slaughter, and then went to live in a place called the rock Etam. The verse highlights the intensity of Samson's attack and his retreat to a strong, defensible location afterward.

In this part of the story, Samson is acting alone against the Philistines after they wronged him. The phrase "hip and thigh" is an ancient expression suggesting a fierce, thorough defeat. Afterward, Samson seeks safety by dwelling in the rocky area of Etam, which would have offered natural protection from retaliation.

The Hebrew behind Judges 15:8

• "hip" (שׁוֹק, shoq) and "thigh" (יָרֵךְ, yarek): These words together form an idiom in Hebrew, often understood as describing a complete or overwhelming defeat, rather than a literal attack on those body parts.
• "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) and "slaughter" (מַכָּה, makkah): This pairing emphasizes the scale and severity of Samson's actions, showing that the attack was not minor but a significant blow to the Philistines.
• "top" (שֵׂעִיף, sei'if) and "rock" (סֶלַע, sela): These words clarify that Samson went to a high, rocky place, which would have been a strategic spot for defense and hiding.

Why Judges 15:8 matters

• The verse clears up that "hip and thigh" is not a literal description but an idiom for a crushing, all-out attack, which helps avoid confusion about the nature of Samson's violence.
• It emphasizes Samson's role as a lone fighter against the Philistines, acting outside of a formal army or support system.
• The mention of the rock Etam connects to the larger narrative, showing Samson's need for refuge and setting up the next events in his conflict with the Philistines.