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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Samson answered her, &#8220If anyone ties me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I&#8217ll become as weak as any other man.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Samson replied, “If I were tied up with seven new bowstrings that have not yet been dried, I would become as weak as anyone else.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson told her, “If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become as weak as any other man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings, not yet dried, then I shall become weak, and be like any <i>other</i> man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh <i>animal</i> tendons that have not been dried, then I will become weak and be like any <i>other</i> man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Samson said to her, &#8220If they bind me with seven fresh cords that have not been dried, then I will become weak and be like any other man.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh cords that have not been dried, then I shall become weak and be like any <i>other</i> man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh cords that have not been dried, then I will become weak and be like any <i>other</i> man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh cords (tendons) that have not been dried, then I will be weak and be like any [other] man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson told her, “If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become weak and be like any other man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson told her, &#8220If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become weak and be like any other man.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withes that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Samson answered, "If someone ties me up with seven new bowstrings that have never been dried, it will make me just as weak as anyone else." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withes that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Samson told her, "If someone ties me up with seven new bowstrings that are not dried out, I will be like any other man."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Samson answered, "If they tie me up with seven new bowstrings that are not dried out, I'll be as weak as anybody else." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Samson replied, "If I'm tied up with seven green cords that have never been dried out, then I'll become weak and just like any other human being."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson told her, ?If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become as weak as any other man.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to her, "If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become weak and be just like any other man."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to her, "If they bind me with seven green cords that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Samson said to her, If they bind me with seven green withs, that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven green cords that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Samson says to her, “If they bind me with seven green cords which have not been dried, then I have been weak, and have been as one of mankind.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Samson saith unto her, 'If they bind me with seven green withs which have not been dried, then I have been weak, and have been as one of the human race.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Samson will say to her, If they shall bind me with seven moist cords that were not dried, and I was weak and shall be as another man.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Samson answered her: If I shall be bound with seven cords made of sinews not yet dry, but still moist, I shall be weak like other men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Samson answered her, “If I will be bound with seven cords, made of sinews not yet dry, but still damp, I will be weak like other men.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not dried,” Samson answered her, “I shall grow weaker and be like anyone else.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings that are not dried out, then I shall become weak, and be like anyone else.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Samson said to her, If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings that were never dried, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Samson said to her, “If they will bind me with seven green bow strings that have not been dried, I will be weakened, and it happens I am as one man”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Samson said unto her: 'If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as any other man.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Sampson said to her, If they bind me with seven moist cords that have not been spoiled, then shall I be weak and be as one of ordinary men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/16-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4761" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Samson and Delilah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me the source of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><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/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">told her,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/631.htm" title="631: ya·’as·ru·nî (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: 1cs) -- To tie, bind, imprison. A primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle.">they tie me up</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: bə·šiḇ·‘āh (Prep-b:: Number-ms) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">with seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3892.htm" title="3892: la·ḥîm (Adj-mp) -- Moist, fresh, new. From an unused root meaning to be new; fresh, i.e. Unused or undried.">fresh</a> <a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: yə·ṯā·rîm (N-mp) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">bowstrings</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">have not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2717.htm" title="2717: ḥō·rå̄·ḇū (V-Pual-Perf-3cp) -- To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill. Or chareb; a primitive root; to parch i.e. to desolate, destroy, kill.">been dried,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2470.htm" title="2470: wə·ḥā·lî·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence to be weak, sick, afflicted; or to grieve, make sick; also to stroke, entreat.">I will become as weak</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yî·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: kə·’a·ḥaḏ (Prep-k:: Number-msc) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">as any</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">other man.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>So the lords of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-6.htm">Judges 14:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/15-14.htm">Judges 15:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Judges 13:5</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Judges 14:19</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/15-7.htm">Judges 15:7-8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/15-15.htm">Judges 15:15-16</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/6-5.htm">Numbers 6:5</a></span><br />For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Numbers 6:2-3</a></span><br />“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, / he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-35</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">1 Samuel 17:50</a></span><br />Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9</a></span><br />But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm">1 Kings 19:8</a></span><br />So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8</a></span><br />“He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32-34</a></span><br />And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Samson said to her, If they bind me with seven green thongs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.</p><p class="hdg">if they bind</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/16-10.htm">Judges 16:10</a></b></br> And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-17.htm">1 Samuel 19:17</a></b></br> And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">1 Samuel 21:2,3</a></b></br> And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed <i>my</i> servants to such and such a place… </p><p class="hdg">green withs, or new cords.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/16-5.htm">Bind</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Bow-Cords</a> <a href="/psalms/21-12.htm">Bowstrings</a> <a href="/judges/15-14.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/joshua/5-1.htm">Dried</a> <a href="/judges/6-40.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/numbers/31-46.htm">Human</a> <a href="/genesis/43-9.htm">I'll</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-24.htm">Knotted</a> <a href="/judges/15-15.htm">New</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-6.htm">Race</a> <a href="/judges/15-13.htm">Round</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Thongs</a> <a href="/genesis/49-11.htm">Ties</a> <a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/judges/16-9.htm">Withes</a> <a href="/judges/16-9.htm">Withs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/16-11.htm">Bind</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Bow-Cords</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Bowstrings</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Dried</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/judges/16-11.htm">Human</a> <a href="/judges/16-11.htm">I'll</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Knotted</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">New</a> <a href="/judges/16-11.htm">Race</a> <a href="/judges/16-11.htm">Round</a> <a href="/judges/16-9.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Thongs</a> <a href="/judges/16-11.htm">Ties</a> <a href="/judges/16-11.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Withes</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Withs</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, entices Samson</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Thrice she is deceived</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-15.htm">At last she overcomes him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-21.htm">The Philistines take him, and put out his eyes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-22.htm">His strength renewing, he pulls down the house upon the Philistines and dies</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Samson told her</b><br>Samson's interaction with Delilah is a pivotal moment in his narrative. This phrase highlights the beginning of his downfall due to his vulnerability and trust in Delilah, a Philistine woman. The context of Samson's life shows a pattern of personal weaknesses, particularly in relationships with women, which ultimately lead to his capture. This interaction is a reflection of the broader theme of Israel's struggle with idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.<p><b>If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried</b><br>The use of "seven" is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or perfection. The choice of "fresh bowstrings" suggests a material that is strong and flexible, yet not fully processed, indicating a deceptive strength. This reflects Samson's own deceptive strength, which is not rooted in physical bindings but in his Nazirite vow. The mention of bowstrings, typically made from animal tendons, also connects to the cultural practices of the time, where such materials were common in weaponry and tools.<p><b>I will become as weak as any other man</b><br>Samson's statement reveals his awareness of his unique strength, which sets him apart from other men. This strength is a divine gift, linked to his Nazirite vow, which includes abstaining from cutting his hair. The phrase foreshadows his eventual downfall when he reveals the true source of his strength to Delilah. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the loss of divine favor, a recurring theme in the history of Israel. Samson's eventual weakness parallels the spiritual weakness that comes from turning away from God's commandments.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a></b><br>A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God tied to his Nazirite vow.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/delilah.htm">Delilah</a></b><br>A woman from the Valley of Sorek whom Samson loved. She was used by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>The enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges, who sought to capture and subdue Samson.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/v/valley_of_sorek.htm">Valley of Sorek</a></b><br>The location where Delilah lived and where Samson frequently visited her.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_fresh_bowstrings.htm">Seven Fresh Bowstrings</a></b><br>The deceptive method Samson first mentioned to Delilah as a way to weaken him, symbolizing incomplete or false strength.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Samson's willingness to entertain Delilah's questions shows how small compromises can lead to significant downfalls.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_deception.htm">The Power of Deception</a></b><br>Delilah's persistence and Samson's eventual succumbing highlight the destructive power of deceit and manipulation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Samson's account reminds believers to remain vigilant in their spiritual commitments and to guard against complacency.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_grace.htm">God's Sovereignty and Grace</a></b><br>Despite Samson's failures, God used him to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that God's plans can prevail even through human weakness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Samson's eventual capture and humiliation serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_use_flawed_samson.htm">In Judges 16, why would God continue to work through Samson despite his moral failings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_spirit_understand_everything.htm">Is long hair a woman's glory?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Green withs.</span>--The meaning of the words is uncertain. Probably the LXX. and the Vulg. are right in taking them to mean <span class= "ital">moist, i.e., fresh sinews </span>(<a href="/psalms/11-2.htm" title="For, see, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow on the string, that they may privately shoot at the upright in heart.">Psalm 11:2</a>) (LAX., <span class= "ital">Neurais hugrais; </span>Vulg., <span class= "ital">Nerviceis funibus necdum siccis et adhuc humentibus</span>)<span class= "ital">. </span>Josephus says "vine shoots," but fresh vine shoots would be ridiculously inadequate. The number <span class= "ital">seven </span>is used as the sacred number implying perfectness; and it is one of the signs that even thus early Samson is playing about on the confines of his secret.<p><span class= "bld">As another man.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">as one man, i.e., </span>as an ordinary man.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As another man</span> - literally, as one of men, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> of mankind, not different from other men. As regards the word rendered <span class="accented">withs</span>, it is not certain whether strings of cat-gut are not meant In <a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2</a> the same word is used of a bow-string. The word rendered <span class="accented">green</span> means <span class="accented">fresh</span> or new, and might be equally applied to catgut strings or withs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/16-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Samson</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(šim·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samson -- a deliverer of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">told her,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they tie me up</span><br /><span class="heb">יַאַסְרֻ֗נִי</span> <span class="translit">(ya·’as·ru·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_631.htm">Strong's 631: </a> </span><span class="str2">To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with seven</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשִׁבְעָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(bə·šiḇ·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fresh</span><br /><span class="heb">לַחִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3892.htm">Strong's 3892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fresh, unused, undried</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bowstrings</span><br /><span class="heb">יְתָרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ṯā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> </span><span class="str2">An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">been dried,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹרָ֑בוּ‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·rā·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2717.htm">Strong's 2717: </a> </span><span class="str2">To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will become as weak</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחָלִ֥יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥā·lî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2470.htm">Strong's 2470: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be weak or sick</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as any</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאַחַ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’a·ḥaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">other man.”</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָדָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/16-7.htm">Judges 16:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/16-7.htm">OT History: Judges 16:7 Samson said to her If they bind (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/16-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 16:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 16:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/16-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 16:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 16:8" /></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>