King James Version

What Does Judges 16:8 Mean?

Judges 16:8 in the King James Version says “Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with t...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Judges 16:8 · KJV

Context

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

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.

Read Judges 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.

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 · 12 words
וַיַּֽעֲלוּ1 of 12

“brought up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לָ֞הּ2 of 12
H0
סַרְנֵ֣י3 of 12

“Then the lords”

H5633

an axle

פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים4 of 12

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

שִׁבְעָ֛ה5 of 12

“to her seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יְתָרִ֥ים6 of 12

“withs”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

לַחִ֖ים7 of 12

“green”

H3892

fresh, i.e., unused or undried

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 12
H834

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

לֹֽא9 of 12
H3808

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

חֹרָ֑בוּ10 of 12

“which had not been dried”

H2717

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

וַתַּֽאַסְרֵ֖הוּ11 of 12

“and she bound”

H631

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

בָּהֶֽם׃12 of 12
H0

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 16:8 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 16:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 7:26

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