King James Version

What Does Judges 16:11 Mean?

Judges 16:11 in the King James Version says “And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied , then shall I be weak, and be as ano...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied , then shall I be weak, and be as another man. that never: Heb. wherewith work hath not been done”

Judges 16:11 · KJV

Context

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. toucheth: Heb. smelleth

10

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.

11

And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied , then shall I be weak, and be as another man. that never: Heb. wherewith work hath not been done

12

Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread.

13

And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.

This verse belongs to the Samson cycle addressing Samson, Delilah, and final victory in death. Samson represents both the heights of God-empowered strength and the depths of human weakness through moral compromise. His Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) set him apart as holy to God, yet his persistent violations of this vow—contact with dead animals (14:8-9), seven-day feast (likely involving wine, 14:10), and finally revealing his hair's secret (16:17)—demonstrate progressive spiritual decline.

Theologically, Samson illustrates how spiritual gifts don't guarantee spiritual maturity. The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson repeatedly, giving superhuman strength, yet this empowerment didn't produce corresponding moral transformation. His attraction to Philistine women (14:1-3, 16:1, 16:4) directly violated God's command against intermarriage with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This demonstrates that God can use flawed instruments for His purposes, but this never excuses or endorses sin.

Samson's final prayer—"O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me" (16:28)—shows genuine repentance and renewed faith. His death accomplished more than his life (16:30), suggesting that even spectacular failure can be redeemed when we return to God. However, the tragedy is that Samson's potential was largely wasted through moral compromise. His story warns believers that consistent holy living, not merely spectacular spiritual experiences, characterizes faithful discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: The Book of Judges spans approximately 350-400 years (c. 1375-1050 BCE) during the Late Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age. This period saw the disintegration of major empires (Hittites, Mycenaeans) and weakening of Egyptian control over Canaan, creating a power vacuum filled by emerging peoples including Philistines (Sea Peoples), Aramaeans, and regional kingdoms. The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external oppression and internal chaos.

Cultural Context: This passage relates to Samson, Delilah, and final victory in death. Canaanite religion dominated the region, centered on Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), and Anat (war goddess). Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (Ras Shamra) have provided extensive information about Canaanite mythology and religious practices. Baal worship involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and fertility rites tied to agricultural seasons. Israel's persistent attraction to these gods demonstrates the strong cultural pressure to conform to surrounding nations' religious practices.

The material culture of this period shows gradual Israelite settlement in the Canaanite hill country, with simpler pottery and architecture than coastal Canaanite cities. Iron technology was beginning to spread, giving military advantage to peoples who mastered it (note the Philistines' iron monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The absence of centralized government during the judges period stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic city-states of Canaan and the imperial administration of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This political structure reflected Israel's theocratic ideal—God as king—yet the repeated cycles of apostasy showed this ideal required more than political structures; it demanded heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage about Samson, Delilah, and final victory in death reveal God's character in dealing with persistent human rebellion and incomplete obedience?
  2. What patterns of spiritual compromise or incomplete obedience in your own life mirror Israel's failures during the judges period?
  3. How does understanding the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance in Judges help you appreciate Christ's perfect and final deliverance from sin's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 16

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֔יהָ2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִם3 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יַֽאַסְר֙וּנִי֙4 of 16

“me fast”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

יַֽאַסְר֙וּנִי֙5 of 16

“me fast”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

בַּֽעֲבֹתִ֣ים6 of 16

“ropes”

H5688

something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage

חֲדָשִׁ֔ים7 of 16

“with new”

H2319

new

אֲשֶׁ֛ר8 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא9 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נַעֲשָׂ֥ה10 of 16
H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בָהֶ֖ם11 of 16
H0
מְלָאכָ֑ה12 of 16

“that never were occupied”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

וְחָלִ֥יתִי13 of 16

“then shall I be weak”

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

וְהָיִ֖יתִי14 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּאַחַ֥ד15 of 16

“and be as another”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הָֽאָדָֽם׃16 of 16

“man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 16:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 16:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 13:5Judges 15:13Ephesians 4:25Proverbs 29:25Proverbs 13:3

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Judges 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJudges Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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