Judges 16:2 (KJV)

What does Judges 16:2 mean?

Judges 16:2 tells how the people of Gaza learned that Samson was in their city, so they surrounded the place where he was staying and waited quietly all night by the city gate, planning to kill him at dawn. The verse shows the careful and determined effort of the Gazites to capture Samson by setting an ambush.

The verse takes place after Samson arrives in Gaza, a Philistine city, and word quickly spreads among the locals (the Gazites) about his presence. The people organize themselves to trap him, choosing to stay silent and hidden through the night, hoping to catch him off guard in the morning. This sets up the tension for what will happen next in Samson’s story.

The Hebrew behind Judges 16:2

• "compassed him in" (סָבַב, savav): This word means to surround or encircle. The Gazites didn’t just watch Samson—they completely surrounded the area, showing how seriously they took the threat he posed.
• "laid wait" (אֲרָב, arav): This word means to lie in ambush or set a trap. The verse emphasizes that the Gazites were not acting openly but were hiding, ready to attack Samson by surprise.
• "were quiet" (חָרַשׁ, charash): This word can mean to be silent or still. The Gazites’ silence through the night highlights their patience and determination, as they waited for the perfect moment to strike.

Why Judges 16:2 matters

• The verse shows the level of fear and respect the Philistines had for Samson, as it took a coordinated effort to try to capture him.
• By describing the Gazites’ careful planning and silence, the verse builds suspense for the reader, setting up the dramatic events that follow.
• This moment connects to the larger story of Samson’s conflicts with the Philistines, showing how his presence alone caused alarm and led to desperate measures from his enemies.