Judges 16:25 (KJV)

What does Judges 16:25 mean?

Judges 16:25 describes how the Philistines, in a festive and drunken mood, called Samson out of prison to entertain them, mocking him as a defeated enemy. They brought Samson from his prison cell and placed him between the pillars of their temple as part of their celebration.

The verse takes place during a large Philistine gathering in their temple, where they are celebrating their victory over Samson. The Philistines command that Samson be brought out to "make sport" of him, meaning they want to use him for their amusement and humiliation. The scene sets up the dramatic moment where Samson is positioned between the pillars, which becomes crucial for what happens next in the story.

The Hebrew behind Judges 16:25

• "merry" (טוֹב, tov, H2896): This word is often translated as "good" or "happy," but here it means the people were in high spirits, likely due to drinking and celebrating. It highlights the mocking, careless atmosphere of the gathering.
• "make us sport" / "sport" (שָׂחַק, sachaq, H7832; צָחַק, tsachaq, H6711): Both words carry the sense of laughter, mocking, or making fun. The Philistines wanted Samson to be an object of ridicule, not just simple entertainment.
• "pillars" (עַמּוּד, ammud, H5982): The pillars are the main supports of the temple. Placing Samson between them is not just a random detail—it foreshadows the destruction he will bring.

Why Judges 16:25 matters

• This verse makes clear that the Philistines saw Samson not as a threat, but as a powerless figure to be mocked, which sets up the surprise of what follows.
• The detail about the pillars is crucial, as it prepares the reader for the dramatic climax when Samson brings the temple down.
• Understanding the original words for "sport" shows the depth of Samson's humiliation; he is not just performing but is being openly ridiculed by his enemies.