Judges 16:9
Judges 16:9 in Multiple Translations
While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown.
Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
Now she had liers-in-wait abiding in the inner chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withes, as a string of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
Now she had men waiting secretly in the inner room; and she said to him, The Philistines are on you, Samson. And the cords were broken by him as a twist of thread is broken when touched by a flame. So the secret of his strength did not come to light.
Having arranged for men to hide in her bedroom ready to attack him, she shouted out, “Samson, the Philistines are here to get you!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a thread snaps when a flame touches it. So nobody found out where his strength came from.
(And she had men lying in wayte with her in the chamber) Then she said vnto him, The Philistims be vpon thee, Samson. And hee brake the cordes, as a threede of towe is broken, when it feeleth fire: so his strength was not knowen.
And the ambush is abiding with her in an inner chamber, and she saith unto him, 'Philistines [are] upon thee, Samson;' and he breaketh the withs as a thread of tow is broken in its smelling fire, and his power hath not been known.
Now she had an ambush waiting in the inner room. She said to him, “The Philistines are on you, Samson!” He broke the cords as a flax thread is broken when it touches the fire. So his strength was not known.
(Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber.) And she said to him, The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he broke the withs as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
Men lying privately in wait with her, and in the chamber expecting the event of the thing, and she cried out to him: The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he broke the bands, as a man would break a thread of tow twined with spittle, when it smelleth the fire: so it was not known wherein his strength Jay.
Then she hid the men in one of the rooms in her house. Then while Samson was sleeping, she tied him up with the bowstrings. Then she called out, “Samson! The Philistines have come here to capture you!” But Samson snapped the bowstrings as easily as though they were strings that had been singed in a fire. So the Philistines did not find out what made Samson so strong.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 16:9
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 16:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/אֹרֵ֗ב
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
לָ/הּ֙
בַּ/חֶ֔דֶר
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלָ֔י/ו
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֥ים
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
וַ/יְנַתֵּק֙
אֶת
הַ/יְתָרִ֔ים
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יִנָּתֵ֤ק
פְּתִֽיל
הַ/נְּעֹ֨רֶת֙
בַּ/הֲרִיח֣/וֹ
אֵ֔שׁ
וְ/לֹ֥א
נוֹדַ֖ע
כֹּחֽ/וֹ
וְ/הָ/אֹרֵ֗ב
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
Conj | Art | V-Qal
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
לָ/הּ֙
Prep | Suff
בַּ/חֶ֔דֶר
cheder
H2315
chamber
Prep | N-ms
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֥ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
Shimshôwn
H8123
Samson
N-proper
וַ/יְנַתֵּק֙
nâthaq
H5423
to tear
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יְתָרִ֔ים
yether
H3499
remainder
Art | N-mp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יִנָּתֵ֤ק
nâthaq
H5423
to tear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
פְּתִֽיל
pâthîyl
H6616
cord
N-ms
הַ/נְּעֹ֨רֶת֙
nᵉʻôreth
H5296
tow
Art | N-fs
בַּ/הֲרִיח֣/וֹ
rûwach
H7306
to smell
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נוֹדַ֖ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
כֹּחֽ/וֹ
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 16:9
וְ/הָ/אֹרֵ֗ב
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
לָ/הּ֙
""
Prep | Suff
בַּ/חֶ֔דֶר
cheder
H2315
"chamber"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a private room or chamber, often the innermost part of a building. It is used in the Bible to describe a private space, like a bedroom or a parlour. The KJV translates it as 'inner chamber'.
Definition: chamber, room, parlour, innermost or inward part, within
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: ((bed) inner) chamber, innermost(-ward) part, parlour, [phrase] south, [idiom] within. See also: Genesis 43:30; 2 Chronicles 18:24; Psalms 105:30.
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
אֵלָ֔י/ו
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.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֥ים
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.
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
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.
וַ/יְנַתֵּק֙
nâthaq
H5423
"to tear"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Definition: 1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw away 1a2) to draw or pull off 1a3) to pull or tear away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out 1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped 1b3) to be separated 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to tear apart, snap 1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to draw away 1d2) to drag away 1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. See also: Leviticus 22:24; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 2:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
הַ/יְתָרִ֔ים
yether
H3499
"remainder"
Art | 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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
יִנָּתֵ֤ק
nâthaq
H5423
"to tear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Definition: 1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw away 1a2) to draw or pull off 1a3) to pull or tear away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out 1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped 1b3) to be separated 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to tear apart, snap 1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to draw away 1d2) to drag away 1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. See also: Leviticus 22:24; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 2:3.
פְּתִֽיל
pâthîyl
H6616
"cord"
N-ms
This word refers to a cord or thread, like something used for tying. It appears in Exodus 28:28, where it describes the threads used in priestly garments. It is a twisted thread or cord.
Definition: cord, thread (twisted)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband, thread, wire. See also: Genesis 38:18; Exodus 39:21; Ezekiel 40:3.
הַ/נְּעֹ֨רֶת֙
nᵉʻôreth
H5296
"tow"
Art | N-fs
Negoereth refers to tow, or the refuse of flax, which is the fibers that are shaken out when flax is beaten. It is mentioned in the Bible as a byproduct of the flax industry.
Definition: a strand of flax, tow (as shaken from flax when beaten)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: tow. See also: Judges 16:9; Isaiah 1:31.
בַּ/הֲרִיח֣/וֹ
rûwach
H7306
"to smell"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to smell or perceive, and is used in the Bible to describe how we sense and enjoy things, like a horse smelling its surroundings.
Definition: 1) (Hiphil) to smell, scent, perceive odour, accept 1a) of horse 1b) of delight (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: accept, smell, [idiom] touch, make of quick understanding. See also: Genesis 8:21; Judges 16:9; Psalms 115:6.
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
נוֹדַ֖ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כֹּחֽ/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.
Study Notes — Judges 16:9
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Context — Samson and Delilah
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.
10Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.” 11He replied, “If they tie me up with new ropes that have never been used, I will become as weak as any other man.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 58:9 | Before your pots can feel the burning thorns— whether green or dry— He will sweep them away. |
Judges 16:9 Summary
[Judges 16:9 shows us that Samson's strength came from God, and as long as he trusted in that power, he was unstoppable, much like the concept seen in Philippians 4:13, where we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. However, when he began to trust in himself, he became vulnerable to attack, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:12. This verse reminds us to always trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own abilities, and to be careful not to let pride and self-reliance take over, as warned in Proverbs 16:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samson snap the bowstrings so easily in Judges 16:9?
Samson was able to snap the bowstrings because the source of his strength, which was his hair and his covenant with God, remained intact, as seen in Judges 16:9, much like the strength of God that enabled Samson to accomplish great feats, as noted in Judges 14:6, where he tore a lion apart with his bare hands.
What can we learn from Delilah's actions in this verse?
Delilah's actions demonstrate the danger of deception and manipulation, as she tried to uncover the source of Samson's strength to benefit herself and the Philistines, similar to the deceit seen in Genesis 3:13, where Eve was deceived by the serpent.
Why did the Bible say 'the source of his strength remained unknown' in Judges 16:9?
The Bible states that 'the source of his strength remained unknown' because, despite Delilah's attempts to discover it, Samson's strength came from God, and only he knew the true reason for his abilities, as hinted at in Judges 13:25, where the Spirit of the Lord began to stir in Samson.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Samson?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Samson, as it shows his continued trust in God's power and his own strength, but also sets the stage for his eventual downfall, as seen in Judges 16:20, where Samson's hair is cut off, leading to his capture by the Philistines, much like the warnings given in Proverbs 16:18, about the dangers of pride and a fall.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own strength, rather than God's power?
- How can I, like Samson, trust in God's power and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
- What are some ways that I may be deceiving myself or others, and how can I seek honesty and integrity, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing the source of my strength, as noted in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:9
Now there were men lying in wait,.... Very likely some of the servants of the lords of the Philistines, who were placed privately on purpose, that when an opportunity offered, they might rush out,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:9
Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:9
With her in the chamber; with her, i.e. in the same house, in a chamber, i.e. in a secret chamber within her call. Nor is it strange that they did not fall upon him in his sleep; partly because they feared to awake a sleeping lion; and partly because they expect an opportunity for doing their work more certainly, and with less danger.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:9
Judges 16:9 Now [there were] men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines [be] upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.Ver. 9. Now there were men lying in wait.] But durst not for their ears show themselves, till the experiment should prove true, and they be sure to overcome him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:9
(9) Men lying in wait.—Literally, and the spy sat in the room for her, i.e., to help her. It is doubtful whether there was more than one spy, who could be easily concealed. It is implied that she bound Samson while he slept, as in Judges 16:19. When it toucheth the fire.—Literally, when it smelleth the fire. (See Note on Judges 15:14.) So in Job 14:9 : “through the scent of water it will bud.” Of course the writer leaves us to infer that the spy or spies did not appear, seeing that the plan had failed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:9
Verse 9. Men lying in wait] They probably did not appear, as Samson immediately broke his bonds when this bad woman said, The Philistines be upon thee.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:9
9. Men lying in wait — Hebrew, the lier in wait. She had a spy lying in ambush in an adjoining apartment, ready to take care of the fettered giant when it became evident that he was helpless.
Sermons on Judges 16:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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Samson, God's Superman by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the supernatural power of a man who is able to perform incredible feats. He mentions how this man uses the jawbone of an ass to defeat his en |