Judges 16:7
Judges 16:7 in Multiple Translations
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.”
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.
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.
And Samson said to her, If seven new bow-cords which have never been made dry are knotted round me, I will become feeble and will be like any other man.
“If I'm tied up with seven supple bowstrings that haven't dried out, I'll become just as weak,” Samson told her.
Samson then answered vnto her, If they binde mee with seuen greene cordes, that were neuer dryed, then shall I bee weake, and be as an other man.
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.'
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.”
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.
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.
Samson said, “If someone ties me with seven new bowstrings, ones that are not dry yet, I will become as weak as other men.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 16:7
BAB
Word Study
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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 16:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן
אִם
יַאַסְרֻ֗/נִי
בְּ/שִׁבְעָ֛ה
יְתָרִ֥ים
לַחִ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לֹא
חֹרָ֑בוּ
וְ/חָלִ֥יתִי
וְ/הָיִ֖יתִי
כְּ/אַחַ֥ד
הָ/אָדָֽם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן
Shimshôwn
H8123
Samson
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יַאַסְרֻ֗/נִי
ʼâçar
H631
to bind
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
בְּ/שִׁבְעָ֛ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Prep | Adj
יְתָרִ֥ים
yether
H3499
remainder
N-mp
לַחִ֖ים
lach
H3892
fresh
Adj
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חֹרָ֑בוּ
chârab
H2717
to dry
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
וְ/חָלִ֥יתִי
châlâh
H2470
be weak
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/הָיִ֖יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כְּ/אַחַ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Prep | Adj
הָ/אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 16:7
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
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.
שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן
Shimshôwn
H8123
"Samson"
N-proper
Samson, meaning like the sun, was a Danite and a judge of Israel for 20 years. He was a Nazarite for life, and his story is first mentioned in Judges 13:24, where he is described as the son of Manoah.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.13.24; son of: Manoah (H4495); married to Delilah (H1807) Also named: Sampsōn (Σαμψών "Samson" G4546) § Samson = "like the sun" a Danite, son of Manoah, a Nazarite for life, and a judge of Israel for 20 years
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Samson. See also: Judges 13:24; Judges 15:16; Judges 16:30.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יַאַסְרֻ֗/נִי
ʼâçar
H631
"to bind"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | 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.
בְּ/שִׁבְעָ֛ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Prep | Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
יְתָרִ֥ים
yether
H3499
"remainder"
N-mp
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
לַחִ֖ים
lach
H3892
"fresh"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means fresh or moist, often describing plants or objects that are new or unused. It appears in Exodus and other books to describe the natural world. It signifies something that is not dried up or worn out.
Definition: 1) moist, fresh, new 1a) moist, fresh (of plants) 1b) new (of cords, sinews)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: green, moist. See also: Genesis 30:37; Judges 16:8; Ezekiel 21:3.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חֹרָ֑בוּ
chârab
H2717
"to dry"
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
וְ/חָלִ֥יתִי
châlâh
H2470
"be weak"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.
Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.
וְ/הָיִ֖יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/אַחַ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
הָ/אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Judges 16:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 16:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:7
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:7
- Sermons on Judges 16:7
Context — Samson and 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.”
8So the lords of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them. 9While 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 21:2–3 | “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission or charge. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.” |
| 2 | Romans 3:8 | Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved! |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 27:10 | who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” |
| 4 | Galatians 6:7 | Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:19 | Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. |
| 6 | Colossians 3:9 | Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, |
| 7 | Judges 16:10 | Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.” |
| 8 | Proverbs 17:7 | Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler! |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 19:17 | And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’” |
Judges 16:7 Summary
In Judges 16:7, Samson tells Delilah that if he is tied up with seven fresh bowstrings, he will become as weak as any other man. This statement is a test of Delilah's loyalty and intentions, and it reveals that Samson is trying to maintain control over his life and secrets. However, it also shows that Samson is vulnerable to temptation and willing to take risks, as seen in his relationship with Delilah. This verse reminds us that we all have areas of weakness and vulnerability, and that we need to be careful about who we trust and how we live our lives, as warned in Proverbs 28:26 andMatthew 10:16-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samson give Delilah a false answer about the source of his strength?
Samson gave Delilah a false answer to test her loyalty and to see if she would keep his secret, as seen in Judges 16:7, similar to how he tested her in Judges 16:6, and this is a pattern of behavior also seen in his interactions with his parents in Judges 14:2-4.
What are bowstrings and why are they significant in this verse?
Bowstrings are the strings used in a bow to propel an arrow, and in Judges 16:7, Samson tells Delilah that he will be weak if tied with seven fresh bowstrings, which were likely made of animal sinew, as mentioned in Joshua 2:6, and their freshness and lack of drying would make them more pliable and potentially stronger.
Is Samson's statement in this verse a lie or a test?
Samson's statement in Judges 16:7 can be seen as a test of Delilah's intentions, rather than a straightforward lie, as he is trying to gauge her loyalty and see if she will keep his secret, similar to how God tests the hearts of men in Deuteronomy 8:2 and 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
What does this verse reveal about Samson's character?
This verse reveals that Samson is trying to maintain control over his life and the secrets of his strength, but also that he is vulnerable to the charms of Delilah and willing to take risks, as seen in his previous interactions with her in Judges 16:4-6, and this pattern of behavior is also seen in his relationship with his parents in Judges 14:1-4, and is reminiscent of the warnings in Proverbs 5:1-14 about the dangers of seduction.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I am vulnerable to temptation, and how can I guard against them, as warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13?
- How can I balance the need for intimacy and trust in relationships with the need to maintain healthy boundaries, as seen in Matthew 7:6 and Proverbs 4:23?
- What are the consequences of compromising my values and integrity, even in small ways, as seen in the life of Samson and the warnings in Proverbs 28:18 and Romans 6:16?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and provision in my life, rather than relying on my own strength, as encouraged in Isaiah 40:28-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:7
And Samson said unto her,.... In answer to her pressing solicitations: if they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried; the word is sometimes used for nerves, and cords or ropes; but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:7
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. Bind me with seven green withs.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:7
Samson is guilty both of the sin of lying, though he dress up the lie in such circumstances as might make it most probable; and of great folly, in encouraging her inquiries, which he should at first have checked: but as he had forsaken God, so God had now forsaken him, and deprived him of common prudence; otherwise the frequent repetition and vehement urging of this question might easily have raised suspicion in him.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:7
Judges 16:7 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.Ver. 7. And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs.] This he said for a put off, or as intending to make himself sport with her. But he should have remembered that God’ s children will not lie.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:7
(7) Green withs.—The meaning of the words is uncertain. Probably the LXX. and the Vulg. are right in taking them to mean moist, i.e., fresh sinews (Psalms 11:2) (LAX., Neurais hugrais; Vulg., Nerviceis funibus necdum siccis et adhuc humentibus). Josephus says “vine shoots,” but fresh vine shoots would be ridiculously inadequate. The number seven 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. As another man.—Literally, as one man, i.e., as an ordinary man.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:7
Verse 7. Seven green withs] That is, any kind of pliant, tough wood, twisted in the form of a cord or rope. Such are used in many countries formed out of osiers, hazel, c. And in Ireland, very long and strong ropes are made of the fibres of bog-wood, or the larger roots of the fir, which is often dug up in the bogs or mosses of that country. But the Septuagint, by translating the Hebrew יתרים לחים yetharim lachim by νευραιςὑγραις, and the Vulgate by nerviceis funibus, understand these bonds to be cords made of the nerves of cattle, or perhaps rather out of raw hides, these also making an exceedingly strong cord. In some countries they take the skin of the horse, cut it lengthwise from the hide into thongs about two inches broad, and after having laid them in salt for some time, take them out for use. This practice is frequent in the country parts of Ireland and both customs, the wooden cord, and that made of the raw or green hide, are among the most ancient perhaps in the world. Among the Irish peasantry this latter species of cord is called the tug and is chiefly used for agricultural purposes, particularly for drawing the plough and the harrow, instead of the iron chains used in other countries.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:7
7. seven green withes] Follow marg.; similarly LXX and Vulgate The cords (cf. Psalms 11:2; Psalms 21:12) were to be made of fresh or moist gut. Elsewhere the adjective is applied to trees or fruit, hence the rendering of EV; withes = flexible twigs, esp. of willow; Josephus thinks of vine stalks. There may have been a magic charm in the number seven here and in Judges 16:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:7
7. Seven green withs — Or, seven moist cords. The rendering withs comes from Josephus’s statement that these cords were twisted of a vine, and the well-known fact that strings were often made of
Sermons on Judges 16:7
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With Nothing but God by B.B. Caldwell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and how God stripped him of his wealth and health to deliver him from the pitfalls of Phariseeism. The preacher emphasizes t |
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Christ in Us - Part 3 by Norman Grubb | This sermon emphasizes the concept of being a whole person in Christ, highlighting the idea that God has made each individual whole and good, but they may have been misled by exter |
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Chosen Vessel - Surviving Opposition From Within by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acting out of anger. He shares a story about Plato and his servant to illustrate the need for self-reflection and wise |
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Gethsemane - Ii: Blood Drawn, but No Atonement! by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gethsemane agony of Jesus Christ. He begins by reading Mark 14:32-42, which describes Jesus' deep sorrow and distress in the garden. The |
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2 Peter 3:16 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 3:16, emphasizing that the Apostle Paul wrote his epistles under divine wisdom, addressing themes such as the second coming of Christ and the challeng |
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(People God Uses) 03 Beware of Ambition by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hindered in worship by people standing in front of him during a church service. He emphasizes the importance of no |
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Miracles That Follow the Plow by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of breaking up the fallow ground and seeking the Lord. He believes that if people take action and cultivate their spiritual l |