Judges 16:1 - Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a prostitute, and went in to her.

Generated Verse: Judges 16:1

What does "Judges 16:1" mean?


Judges 16:1 states: "Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a prostitute, and went in to her."

This verse is a straightforward statement that Samson, a Judge of Israel known for his immense strength, traveled to the Philistine city of Gaza and had sexual relations with a prostitute.

Here's a breakdown of what the verse implies:

Samson's Location: Gaza was a major Philistine city, and therefore enemy territory to Israel.
"Saw there a Prostitute": This indicates Samson encountered a woman offering sexual services.
"Went in to her": This is a euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse.

Significance and Interpretation:

This verse is often interpreted in a few ways:

Moral Failure: This is a common interpretation, highlighting Samson's weakness for women and his disregard for the moral standards expected of a Judge and a Nazirite. His actions were a violation of the covenant with God.
Strategic Reconnaissance: Some scholars suggest Samson's visit to Gaza might have had a strategic motive, possibly to gather information about the Philistines or test their defenses. However, the verse doesn't explicitly state this, and it's generally viewed as a secondary consideration.
Setting the Stage for Conflict: This event marks another escalation in the conflict between Samson and the Philistines, ultimately leading to the events of Samson's capture, imprisonment, and final act of vengeance.

In summary: The verse describes Samson's visit to Gaza and his engagement with a prostitute, highlighting his moral failings and the ongoing conflict with the Philistines. It sets the stage for the events leading to Samson's downfall.

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