King James Version
What Does Judges 16:7 Mean?
“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. green: or, new cords: Heb. moist another: Heb. one”
Context
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. afflict: or, humble
6
And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.
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. green: or, new cords: Heb. moist another: Heb. one
8
Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them. green: or, new cords: Heb. moist
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
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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 *(Psalm 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.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 16:7 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 16:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge