Dictionary Home / J

Jawbone

biblical_object theological_term standard

The donkey’s jawbone Samson used as a weapon in Judges 15. The object matters mainly as part of the narrative of God’s deliverance, not as a theological concept in itself.

At a Glance

A narrative object in Judges 15: a donkey’s jawbone used by Samson to defeat Philistines.

Key Points

Description

“Jawbone” in a Bible dictionary normally refers to the jawbone of a donkey that Samson found and used to defeat a large number of Philistines in Judges 15:15-17. The emphasis of the passage is not on the object as though it had special power in itself, but on the Lord’s empowering of Samson in the context of Israel’s conflict with the Philistines. Because the term is tied to a specific narrative episode rather than to a major doctrine, it is best treated as a biblical object or story-related entry. Care should also be taken to distinguish the jawbone itself from Ramath-lehi, the place-name associated with the event.

Biblical Context

Samson’s victory with the jawbone comes after a cycle of conflict with the Philistines in Judges 14–15. The text presents the event as another example of the Spirit-enabled strength God gave Samson for Israel’s deliverance.

Historical Context

The Philistines were a major foe of Israel during the judges period. The jawbone episode reflects the improvised nature of ancient warfare and the way the narrative emphasizes God’s victory through unlikely means.

Jewish and Ancient Context

The Hebrew wording behind the account includes a wordplay connected with jawbone and the place-name Ramath-lehi. The narrative functions as a memorial to the event rather than as an object of veneration.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The Hebrew word behind the scene is leḥî, meaning “jawbone.” The narrative also plays on the name Ramath-lehi, usually understood in connection with the jawbone episode.

Theological Significance

The account underscores God’s power to deliver through ordinary or unlikely means. The weapon is incidental; the Lord is the true source of Samson’s success.

Philosophical Explanation

The jawbone illustrates the biblical pattern that effectiveness does not depend on the apparent adequacy of the instrument but on the sovereign help of God. A common object can become the means of a decisive event without acquiring inherent power.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat the jawbone as if it had magical or sacramental significance. The passage is narrative, not doctrinal, and the object should not be confused with the place-name Ramath-lehi. The emphasis belongs on Samson’s God-given strength and the Philistine defeat.

Major Views

Readers generally agree that the term refers to the donkey’s jawbone used by Samson. The main interpretive distinction is between the object itself and the related place-name in the same narrative.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should not be used to support superstition, object-veneration, or claims of intrinsic power in holy objects. Its doctrinal significance is limited to the narrative witness to God’s deliverance.

Practical Significance

God may use humble, unexpected means to accomplish his purposes. Believers should look beyond the instrument to the Lord who gives strength and victory.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Jawbone

↑ Top