Judges 16:5
Judges 16:5 in Multiple Translations
The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver. ”
And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
And the chiefs of the Philistines came up to her, and said to her, Make use of your power over him and see what is the secret of his great strength, and how we may get the better of him, and put bands on him, so that we may make him feeble; and every one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.
The Philistine leaders approached her, saying, “See if you can seduce him and get him to show you the secret of his incredible strength, and find out how we can overpower him and tie him up so he can't do anything. We'll all give you eleven hundred shekels of silver each.”
Vnto whome came the princes of the Philistims, and said vnto her, Entise him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what meane we may ouercome him, that we may binde him, and punish him, and euery one of vs shall giue thee eleuen hundreth shekels of siluer.
and the princes of the Philistines come up unto her, and say to her, 'Entice him, and see wherein his great power [is], and wherein we are able for him — and we have bound him to afflict him, and we — we give to thee, each one, eleven hundred silverlings.'
The lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Entice him, and see in which his great strength lies, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and we will each give you eleven hundred pieces of silver.”
And the lords of the Philistines came to her, and said to her, Entice him, and see in what his great strength lieth , and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
And the princes of the Philistines came to her, and said: Deceive him, and learn of him wherein his great strength lieth, and how we may be able to overcome him, to bind and afflict him: which if thou shalt do, we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
The Philistine leaders went to her and said, “Find out from Samson what makes him so strong. And find out how we can subdue him and tie him up securely. If you do that, each of us will give you 1,100 pieces of silver.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 16:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 16:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעֲל֨וּ
אֵלֶ֜י/הָ
סַרְנֵ֣י
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְרוּ
לָ֜/הּ
פַּתִּ֣י
אוֹת֗/וֹ
וּ/רְאִי֙
בַּ/מֶּה֙
כֹּח֣/וֹ
גָד֔וֹל
וּ/בַ/מֶּה֙
נ֣וּכַל
ל֔/וֹ
וַ/אֲסַרְנֻ֖/הוּ
לְ/עַנֹּת֑/וֹ
וַ/אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙
נִתַּן
לָ֔/ךְ
אִ֕ישׁ
אֶ֥לֶף
וּ/מֵאָ֖ה
כָּֽסֶף
וַ/יַּעֲל֨וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלֶ֜י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
סַרְנֵ֣י
çeren
H5633
lord
N-mp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לָ֜/הּ
Prep | Suff
פַּתִּ֣י
pâthâh
H6601
to open wide
V-Piel-Impv-2fs
אוֹת֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וּ/רְאִי֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
בַּ/מֶּה֙
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
כֹּח֣/וֹ
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms | Suff
גָד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וּ/בַ/מֶּה֙
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Prep | Part
נ֣וּכַל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וַ/אֲסַרְנֻ֖/הוּ
ʼâçar
H631
to bind
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cp | Suff
לְ/עַנֹּת֑/וֹ
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Conj | Pron
נִתַּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
לָ֔/ךְ
Prep | Suff
אִ֕ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶ֥לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וּ/מֵאָ֖ה
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Conj | Adj
כָּֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 16:5
וַ/יַּעֲל֨וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אֵלֶ֜י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
סַרְנֵ֣י
çeren
H5633
"lord"
N-mp
An axle was a rod that connected wheels together, but it can also mean a peer or equal. In the Bible, this word is used to describe something that holds things together. The axle of a wheel was crucial for its function and stability.
Definition: lord, ruler, tyrant
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lord, plate. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 12:20.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ֜/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
פַּתִּ֣י
pâthâh
H6601
"to open wide"
V-Piel-Impv-2fs
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
אוֹת֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וּ/רְאִי֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בַּ/מֶּה֙
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
כֹּח֣/וֹ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms | Suff
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
גָד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וּ/בַ/מֶּה֙
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נ֣וּכַל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/אֲסַרְנֻ֖/הוּ
ʼâçar
H631
"to bind"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cp | Suff
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
לְ/עַנֹּת֑/וֹ
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
וַ/אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Conj | Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
נִתַּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ֔/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
אִ֕ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶ֥לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וּ/מֵאָ֖ה
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Conj | Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
כָּֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
Study Notes — Judges 16:5
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- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:5
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:5
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 16:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:5
- Sermons on Judges 16:5
Context — Samson and Delilah
3But Samson lay there only until midnight, when he got up, took hold of the doors of the city gate and both gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. Then he put them on his shoulders and took them to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron.
4Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.
5The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver. ”
6So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me the source of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” 7Samson 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 13:3 | from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; |
| 2 | Judges 14:15 | So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?” |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 6:9–10 | Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. |
| 4 | Proverbs 2:16–19 | It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits. None who go to her return or negotiate the paths of life. |
| 5 | Proverbs 7:21–27 | With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 6:15–18 | Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:24–26 | to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. |
| 8 | Numbers 22:17–18 | for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’” But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. |
| 9 | Judges 3:3 | the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. |
| 10 | Genesis 33:16 | So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir, |
Judges 16:5 Summary
[The Philistines wanted to know the secret of Samson's strength so they could capture him and control him, and they offered Delilah a lot of money to help them, as stated in Judges 16:5. This shows how the world will often try to understand and exploit our strengths for their own gain. But as Christians, we are called to trust in God's power and strength, as stated in Psalm 28:7-8, and to seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as stated in Colossians 1:10. By trusting in God's power, we can avoid the pitfalls of trusting in human strength, and live a life that is strong in the Lord, as stated in Ephesians 6:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines want to know the source of Samson's strength?
The Philistines wanted to know the source of Samson's strength so they could overpower him and subdue him, as stated in Judges 16:5, similar to how the Israelites wanted to know the source of God's power in Exodus 33:18-19.
How much money did the Philistines offer Delilah to betray Samson?
The Philistines offered Delilah eleven hundred shekels of silver each, as stated in Judges 16:5, a significant amount of money that would have been a strong temptation for her.
What can we learn from the Philistines' actions in this verse?
We can learn that the world will often try to understand and exploit our strengths for their own gain, as seen in Judges 16:5, but as Christians, we are called to trust in God's power and strength, as stated in Psalm 28:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Samson?
This verse is a key part of the story of Samson, as it shows how the Philistines sought to defeat him, and how Delilah's betrayal ultimately led to his downfall, as seen in Judges 16:15-22, serving as a warning about the dangers of trusting in human strength rather than God's power, as stated in Jeremiah 17:5-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trusting in my own strength rather than God's power?
- How can I be more mindful of the temptations and pressures of the world around me, and seek to trust in God's power instead?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of Samson's story to my own life, and avoid the pitfalls of trusting in human strength rather than God's power?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and strength, and seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as stated in Colossians 1:10?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:5
And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her,.... Having heard that Samson kept company with her, she being a noted strumpet, like Lais among the Grecians.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:5
And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:5
The lords of the Philistines; the lords of their five principal cities, who seem to have been united together at this time in one aristocratical government; or at least were leagued together against him as their common enemy. To afflict him; to chastise him for his injuries done to us. They mean to punish him severely, as they did; but they express it in mild words, lest the horror of it might move her to pity him. Pieces of silver, i.e. shekels, as that phrase is commonly used, as ,85 .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:5
Judges 16:5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength [lieth], and by what [means] we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred [pieces] of silver.Ver. 5. Entice him, and see wherein, &c.] Two engines they use against Samson, Muliere et Munere: these were as bad as those two great pieces of ordnance cast by Alphonsus, duke of Ferrara, the one whereof he called the Earthquake, and the other Grandiabolo, or the great devil. That we may bind him to afflict him.] Or, To humble him. They would not say to kill him, lest that should sound harsh in her ears who had entertained him for her paramour, and pretended love to him, but only to tame him, and take him a link lower, as they say. Eleven hundred pieces of silver.] Which is held to be more than a thousand pounds. Wicked men care not what they part with, nor how they lavish out of the bag, for the satisfying of their lusts. Haman offered ten thousand talents to have the Jews rooted out. Decius Mundus, a nobleman of Rome, offered Paulina six thousand pounds for one night’ s lodging with her, as Josephus reporteth. Lib. xviii, cap. 4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:5
(5) The lords of the Philistines.—The five “satraps.” (See Note on Judges 3:3.) If she were what Josephus asserts, the Philistines might both get access to her, and tempt the cupidity of an unprincipled and degraded mind. Had she been of their own race, threats would probably have been even more effectual with her than with the lady of Timnath (Judges 13:15). The LXX. here begin to call the Philistines allophuloi, or “aliens.” Entice him.—See Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 2:18-19. Wherein his great strength lieth.—Rather, wherein his strength is great. They attributed his strength to some amulet which might be removed. Eleven hundred pieces of silver.—That is, “eleven hundred silver shekels.” The same sum recurs in Judges 17:2 as the amount laid by for the construction of teraphim by the mother of Micah. If the five lords each gave 1,100 shekels, the amount would be nearly two talents of silver (Exodus 38:25-26)—a most enormous bribe for that age, and especially to such a woman as Delilah. It may be regarded as an almost conclusive proof that Milton is mistaken in making her a Philistine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:5
Verse 5. See wherein his great strength lieth] They saw that his stature was not remarkable: and that, nevertheless, he had most extraordinary strength; therefore they supposed that it was the effect of some charm or amulet. The lords of the Philistines were the five following: Gaza, Gath, Askelon, Ekron, and Ashdod. All these considered Samson as a public enemy; and they promised this bad woman a large sum of money if she would obtain from him the important secret wherein his strength lay, that, depriving him of this supernatural power, they might be able to reduce him to bondage.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:5
5. his great strength lieth] his strength is great; render similarly in Judges 16:6; Judges 16:15. eleven hundred pieces of silver] in uncoined metal, calculated by the scales (Genesis 23:16): a large bribe when multiplied by five (Judges 3:3). The odd number means a full thousand, cf. Judges 17:2. In Judges 14:15 the Philistines work upon the woman’s fear; now they appeal to the cupidity of the courtezan.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 16:5
And the lords of the Philistines - See Judges 3:3 note. His great strength lieth - Rather, “wherein his strength is great.” Eleven hundred pieces of silver - The greatness of the bribe offered to
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:5
5. Entice him — The same demand put upon his first female betrayer.Judges 14:15.
Sermons on Judges 16:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The False Gospel of Prosperity by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's c |
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(Basics) 46. the Love of Money Is Evil by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of a girl's change of heart towards two different young men to illustrate how our love for money and material things can be replaced by a |
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(Basics) 47. Give Back What Belongs to Others by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dangers of the love of money and material possessions. He references the story of Zacchaeus, who repented and decided to return four tim |
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Prove Me Now - Part 7 by Keith Daniel | This sermon addresses the destructive nature of alcoholism and the responsibility of Christians, especially preachers, to avoid causing others to stumble by their actions. It empha |
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Backslidings of Balaam by Charles Banna | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of falling into covetousness and pride, using the example of Balaam who was led astray by these sins. It highlights the importance of fleeing fro |
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Sanctification by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking and standing for truth in a world filled with misinformation. He highlights that while there is an abundance of in |
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How Om Runs - a Simple Lifestyle by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving and generosity in the life of a Christian. He starts by discussing the reasons why Christians should give, including |