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So the secret of his strength was not discovered. <a href="/nlt/judges/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> She had hidden some men in one of the inner rooms of her house, and she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” But Samson snapped the bowstrings as a piece of string snaps when it is burned by a fire. So the secret of his strength was not discovered. <a href="/esv/judges/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now she had men lying in ambush in an inner chamber. And she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he snapped the bowstrings, as a thread of flax snaps when it touches the fire. So the secret of his strength was not known. <a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown. <a href="/kjv/judges/16.htm">King James Bible</a> Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known. <a href="/nkjv/judges/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Now men were lying in wait, staying with her in the room. And she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he broke the bowstrings as a strand of yarn breaks when it touches fire. So the secret of his strength was not known. <a href="/nasb_/judges/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now she had men prepared for an ambush in an inner room. And she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he tore the tendons to pieces just like a thread of flax is torn apart when it comes too close to fire. So his strength was not discovered. <a href="/nasb/judges/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now she had men lying in wait in an inner room. And she said to him, &#8220The Philistines are upon you, Samson!&#8221 But he snapped the cords as a string of tow snaps when it touches fire. So his strength was not discovered. <a href="/nasb77/judges/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now she had men lying in wait in an inner room. And she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he snapped the cords as a string of tow snaps when it touches fire. So his strength was not discovered. <a href="/lsb/judges/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now she had men lying in wait, sitting in an inner room. And she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he snapped the cords as a string of tinder snaps when it touches fire. So his strength was still not known. <a href="/amp/judges/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now she had men lying in ambush in an inner room. And she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he broke the cords as a string of tow breaks when it touches fire. So [the secret of] his strength was not discovered. <a href="/csb/judges/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> While the men in ambush were waiting in her room, she called out to him, “Samson, the Philistines are here! ” But he snapped the bowstrings as a strand of yarn snaps when it touches fire. The secret of his strength remained unknown. <a href="/hcsb/judges/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> While the men in ambush were waiting in her room, she called out to him, &#8220Samson, the Philistines are here!&#8221 But he snapped the bowstrings as a strand of yarn snaps when it touches fire. The secret of his strength remained unknown. <a href="/asv/judges/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now she had liers-in-wait abiding in the inner chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withes, as a string of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known. <a href="/erv/judges/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now she had liers in wait abiding in the inner chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withes, as a string of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known. <a href="/gwt/judges/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Some men were hiding in the bedroom waiting for her [to tie him up]. Then she said to him, "Samson, the Philistines are attacking!" Samson snapped the bowstrings as a thread snaps when it touches fire. So no one found out why he was so strong. <a href="/gnt/judges/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> She had some men waiting in another room, so she shouted, "Samson! The Philistines are coming!" But he snapped the bowstrings just as thread breaks when fire touches it. So they still did not know the secret of his strength. <a href="/isv/judges/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, some kidnappers were hiding inside an inner room, waiting for her signal. So she told him, "The Philistines are attacking you!" But he snapped the cords as one might break a burned candle wick. So his secret remained undiscovered. <a href="/msb/judges/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, ?Samson, the Philistines are here!? But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown. <a href="/net/judges/16.htm">NET Bible</a> They hid in the bedroom and then she said to him, "The Philistines are here, Samson!" He snapped the bowstrings as easily as a thread of yarn snaps when it is put close to fire. The secret of his strength was not discovered. <a href="/nheb/judges/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now she had an ambush waiting in the inner room. She said to him, "The Philistines are on you, Samson." He broke the cords, as a string of tow is broken when it touches the fire. So his strength was not known. <a href="/wbt/judges/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> (Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber.) And she said to him, The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he broke the withs as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known. <a href="/web/judges/16.htm">World English Bible</a> Now she had an ambush waiting in the inner room. She said to him, “The Philistines are on you, Samson!” He broke the cords as a flax thread is broken when it touches the fire. So his strength was not known. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the ambush is abiding with her in an inner chamber, and she says to him, “Philistines [are] on you, Samson!” And he breaks the cords as a thread of tow is broken in its touching fire, and his power has not been known. <a href="/ylt/judges/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the ambush is abiding with her in an inner chamber, and she saith unto him, 'Philistines are upon thee, Samson;' and he breaketh the withs as a thread of tow is broken in its smelling fire, and his power hath not been known. <a href="/slt/judges/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And lying in wait dwelling by her in the chamber. And she will say to him, Philisteim upon thee, Samson. And he will tear away the cords as a thread of tow will be torn away in its smelling the fire. And his strength was not known.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Men lying privately in wait with her, and in the chamber expecting the event of the thing, and she cried out to him: The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he broke the bands, as a man would break a thread of tow twined with spittle, when it smelleth the fire: so it was not known wherein his strength Jay. <a href="/cpdv/judges/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, those hiding in ambush with her, in the bedroom, were expecting the end of the matter. And she cried out to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he broke the cords, as one would break a thread of flax, twisted for cutting and singed by fire. And so it was not known wherein lay his strength. <a href="/nabre/judges/16.htm">New American Bible</a> She had men lying in wait in the room, and she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he snapped the bowstrings as a thread of tow is snapped by a whiff of flame; and his strength remained unexplained. <a href="/nrsvce/judges/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> While men were lying in wait in an inner chamber, she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he snapped the bowstrings, as a strand of fiber snaps when it touches the fire. So the secret of his strength was not known.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now there were men lying in wait in her inner chamber. And she said to him, The Philistines have come upon you, Samson. And he broke the bowstrings as a thread of tow is broken when it touches the fire. So his strength was not disturbed. <a href="/hpbt/judges/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the ambush waited for him in an inner room, and she said to him: “The Philistines have come upon you, Samson!” And he broke off the strings like a cord of linen is broken whenever it smells of fire, and his power was not shaken<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now she had liers-in-wait abiding in the inner chamber. And she said unto him: 'The Philistines are upon thee, Samson.' And he broke the bowstrings as a string of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known. <a href="/sep/judges/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the liers in wait remained with her in the chamber; and she said to him, the Philistines are upon thee, Sampson: and he broke the cords as if any one should break a thread of tow when it has touched the fire, and his strength was not known. <a href="/parallel/judges/16-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4780" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Samson and Delilah</a> …8So the lords of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them. 9<a href="/hebrew/693.htm" title="693: wə·hā·’ō·rêḇ (Conj-w, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lie in wait. A primitive root; to lurk.">While the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">were hidden</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">in her</a> <a href="/hebrew/2315.htm" title="2315: ba·ḥe·ḏer (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A chamber, room. From chadar; an apartment.">room,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">she called out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8123.htm" title="8123: šim·šō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A deliverer of Isr. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite.">“Samson,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines are</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">here!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5423.htm" title="5423: way·nat·têq (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pull, draw, or tear away, apart, or off. A primitive root; to tear off.">But he snapped</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: hay·ṯā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">the bowstrings</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">like</a> <a href="/hebrew/6616.htm" title="6616: pə·ṯîl- (N-msc) -- Cord, thread. From pathal; twine.">a strand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5296.htm" title="5296: han·nə·‘ō·reṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Tow (for making thread). From na'ar; something shaken out, i.e. Tow.">of yarn</a> <a href="/hebrew/5423.htm" title="5423: yin·nā·ṯêq (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To pull, draw, or tear away, apart, or off. A primitive root; to tear off.">seared</a> <a href="/hebrew/7306.htm" title="7306: ba·hă·rî·ḥōw (Prep-b:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to blow, i.e. Breathe; only to smell or (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">by a flame.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: kō·ḥōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">So the source of his strength</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">remained unknown.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: nō·w·ḏa‘ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially."></a> 10Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/14-6.htm">Judges 14:6</a> and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. <a href="/judges/15-14.htm">Judges 15:14</a> When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands. <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Judges 13:5</a> For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Judges 14:19</a> Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house, <a href="/judges/15-7.htm">Judges 15:7-8</a> And Samson told them, “Because you have done this, I will not rest until I have taken vengeance upon you.” / And he struck them ruthlessly with a great slaughter, and then went down and stayed in the cave at the rock of Etam. <a href="/judges/15-15.htm">Judges 15:15-16</a> He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men. / Then Samson said: “With the jawbone of a donkey I have piled them into heaps. With the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men.” <a href="/judges/13-24.htm">Judges 13:24-25</a> So the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him. / And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. <a href="/judges/14-3.htm">Judges 14:3</a> But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.” <a href="/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3</a> Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines.” <a href="/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11</a> In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied. <a href="/judges/15-20.htm">Judges 15:20</a> And Samson judged Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines. <a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32</a> And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-37</a> David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a> So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10</a> The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said to him, The Philistines be on you, Samson. And he broke the thongs, as a thread of wick is broken when it touches the fire. So his strength was not known.toucheth.<a href="/psalms/58-9.htm">Psalm 58:9</a> Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/24-2.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Bowstrings</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Brake</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/judges/8-28.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Chamber</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Close</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Easily</a> <a href="/judges/13-18.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Piece</a> <a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Room</a> <a href="/judges/16-7.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-20.htm">Snapped</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-52.htm">String</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Thongs</a> <a href="/joshua/2-18.htm">Thread</a> <a href="/judges/11-39.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/joshua/19-27.htm">Touches</a> <a href="/joshua/19-26.htm">Toucheth</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-17.htm">Tow</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">Twist</a> <a href="/judges/16-2.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/judges/9-43.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Withes</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Withs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/psalms/21-12.htm">Bowstrings</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Brake</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-15.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Chamber</a> <a href="/judges/20-34.htm">Close</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/judges/20-43.htm">Easily</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/judges/19-27.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/judges/19-5.htm">Piece</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Room</a> <a href="/judges/16-10.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Snapped</a> <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">String</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Thongs</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Thread</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-7.htm">Touches</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-7.htm">Toucheth</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-31.htm">Tow</a> <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Twist</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/judges/16-7.htm">Withes</a> <a href="/judges/16-7.htm">Withs</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 16</div>1. <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city</a> 4. <a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, entices Samson</a> 6. <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Thrice she is deceived</a> 15. <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">At last she overcomes him</a> 21. <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">The Philistines take him, and put out his eyes</a> 22. <a href="/judges/16-22.htm">His strength renewing, he pulls down the house upon the Philistines and dies</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>While the men were hidden in her room This phrase indicates a premeditated ambush. The Philistines, enemies of Israel, were often in conflict with the Israelites during the time of the Judges. Delilah's room, likely a private and secure place, was used for this deceitful plan. The Philistines' reliance on stealth and deception reflects their desperation to capture Samson, who had been a significant threat to them.she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” Delilah's cry is a signal of betrayal. Her actions are reminiscent of other biblical betrayals, such as Judas betraying Jesus. This moment highlights the theme of trust and betrayal, a recurring motif in Scripture. Delilah's allegiance to the Philistines over Samson underscores the cultural and political tensions between the Israelites and the Philistines.But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. Samson's supernatural strength is evident here, as he easily breaks the bowstrings. This strength is a gift from God, linked to his Nazirite vow. The imagery of yarn seared by a flame suggests something fragile and easily destroyed, emphasizing the futility of human efforts against divine empowerment. This act foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's power over human schemes.So the source of his strength remained unknown. The Philistines' failure to discover the source of Samson's strength points to the mystery and divine nature of his power. This concealment is significant, as it prolongs the narrative tension and highlights the theme of divine mystery. The source of strength being unknown can be seen as a type of Christ, whose divine nature and mission were often misunderstood by those around Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a> A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God tied to his Nazirite vow. 2. <a href="/topical/d/delilah.htm">Delilah</a> A woman from the Valley of Sorek whom Samson loved. She was bribed by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> A group of people who were enemies of Israel and sought to capture and subdue Samson. 4. <a href="/topical/v/valley_of_sorek.htm">Valley of Sorek</a> The location where Delilah lived and where the events of this chapter took place. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_hidden_men.htm">The Hidden Men</a> Philistine men who were lying in wait to capture Samson once his strength was compromised.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> Samson's relationship with Delilah shows the peril of compromising one's values and commitments. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by worldly temptations. <a href="/topical/t/the_deceptive_nature_of_sin.htm">The Deceptive Nature of Sin</a> Delilah's betrayal highlights how sin can appear attractive but ultimately leads to destruction. Christians must be vigilant and discerning in their relationships and choices. <a href="/topical/g/god's_strength_in_our_weakness.htm">God's Strength in Our Weakness</a> Despite Samson's failures, God continued to work through him. This reminds us that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and He can use us despite our shortcomings. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Samson's account underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. His strength was tied to his Nazirite vow, and breaking it led to his downfall. Obedience to God is crucial for spiritual strength and victory. <a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_accountability.htm">The Need for Accountability</a> Samson lacked accountability, which contributed to his downfall. Christians are encouraged to seek accountability within the body of Christ to help guard against sin and temptation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 16</a> <a href="/q/could_one_person_topple_a_temple_alone.htm">In Judges 16:29-30, is it plausible that a single person could topple a temple by pushing two pillars?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_samson_trust_delilah_again.htm">In Judges 16:4-20, why would Samson keep trusting Delilah after she repeatedly betrayed him?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_samson_carry_a_city_gate.htm">In Judges 16:1-3, how could Samson realistically carry away an entire city gate on his shoulders?</a> <a href="/q/summarize_hannah's_prayer_story..htm">What defines the Delilah spirit?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Men lying in wait.--Literally, and the spy sat in the room for her, i.e., to help her. It is doubtful whether there was more than one spy, who could be easily concealed. It is implied that she bound Samson while he slept, as in <a href="/judges/16-19.htm" title="And she made him sleep on her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.">Judges 16:19</a>.When it toucheth the fire.--Literally, when it smelleth the fire. (See Note on <a href="/judges/15-14.htm" title="And when he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily on him, and the cords that were on his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.">Judges 15:14</a>.) So in <a href="/job/14-9.htm" title="Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.">Job 14:9</a> : "through the scent of water it will bud." Of course the writer leaves us to infer that the spy or spies did not appear, seeing that the plan had failed.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - There were men lying in wait - literally, and the liers in wait were abiding for her in the chamber. She had hid some three or four men in the chamber unknown to Samson, that they might be ready to fall upon him should his strength really have departed from him. The word for liers in wait is in the singular number, but is to be taken collectively, as in <a href="/judges/20-33.htm">Judges 20:33, 36-38</a>. In <a href="/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37</a> it is joined to a plural verb. It is to be presumed that through some concerted signal the liers in wait did not discover themselves. <a href="/commentaries/judges/16-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>While the men וְהָאֹרֵ֗ב (wə·hā·’ō·rêḇ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_693.htm">Strong's 693: </a> To lie in wait were hidden יֹשֵׁ֥ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in her לָהּ֙ (lāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> room, בַּחֶ֔דֶר (ba·ḥe·ḏer) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2315.htm">Strong's 2315: </a> A chamber, room she called out, וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Samson, שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן (šim·šō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> Samson -- a deliverer of Israel the Philistines [are] פְּלִשְׁתִּ֥ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia here!” עָלֶ֖יךָ (‘ā·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against But he snapped וַיְנַתֵּק֙ (way·nat·têq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5423.htm">Strong's 5423: </a> To pull, draw, or tear away, apart, or off the bowstrings הַיְתָרִ֔ים (hay·ṯā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope like כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that a strand פְּתִֽיל־ (pə·ṯîl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6616.htm">Strong's 6616: </a> Cord, thread of yarn הַנְּעֹ֙רֶת֙ (han·nə·‘ō·reṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5296.htm">Strong's 5296: </a> Something shaken out, tow breaks יִנָּתֵ֤ק (yin·nā·ṯêq) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5423.htm">Strong's 5423: </a> To pull, draw, or tear away, apart, or off when it touches בַּהֲרִיח֣וֹ (ba·hă·rî·ḥōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7306.htm">Strong's 7306: </a> Accept, smell, touch, make of quick understanding the flame. אֵ֔שׁ (’êš) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire So the source of his strength כֹּחֽוֹ׃ (kō·ḥōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> A small reptile (of unknown species) remained unknown. וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/16-9.htm">Judges 16:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/16-9.htm">OT History: Judges 16:9 Now she had an ambush waiting (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/16-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 16:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 16:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/16-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 16:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 16:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>