Judges 1:6 Meaning and Explanation
“But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Adonibezek flees, is captured, and has his thumbs and great toes cut off.
What Does Judges 1:6 Mean?
The defeated king tries to escape, but he is pursued, seized, and subjected to a brutal maiming: his thumbs and great toes are cut off. In the ancient world this was a deliberate act, crippling a warrior so he could never again grip a sword or stand firm in battle, and humiliating a ruler before his people.
The harshness of the scene is not glossed over, and the next verse reveals why it is recorded. What looks at first like mere cruelty is shown to be the turning back of Adonibezek's own practice upon himself. Scripture lets the deed stand plainly, trusting the reader to hear the king's own confession that follows, where the meaning of this judgment becomes clear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 1:6
What does Judges 1:6 mean?
Adonibezek flees, is captured, and has his thumbs and great toes cut off.