Judges 16:8
Judges 16:8 in Multiple Translations
So the lords of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them.
Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.
Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withes which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.
So the chiefs of the Philistines gave her seven new bow-cords which had never been made dry, and she had them tightly knotted round him.
The Philistine leaders brought her seven supple bowstrings that hadn't dried out, and she tied him up with them.
And the princes of the Philistims brought her seuen greene cordes that were not dry, and she bound him therewith.
And the princes of the Philistines bring up to her seven green withs which have not been dried, and she bindeth him with them.
Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green cords which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.
Then the lords of the Philistines brought to her seven green withs, which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.
And the princes of the Philistines brought unto her seven cords, such is he spoke of, with which she bound him;
So after Delilah told that to the Philistine leaders, they brought seven new bowstrings to Delilah.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 16:8
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 16:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעֲלוּ
לָ֞/הּ
סַרְנֵ֣י
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
שִׁבְעָ֛ה
יְתָרִ֥ים
לַחִ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לֹא
חֹרָ֑בוּ
וַ/תַּאַסְרֵ֖/הוּ
בָּ/הֶֽם
וַ/יַּעֲלוּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לָ֞/הּ
Prep | Suff
סַרְנֵ֣י
çeren
H5633
lord
N-mp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
שִׁבְעָ֛ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
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
וַ/תַּאַסְרֵ֖/הוּ
ʼâçar
H631
to bind
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
בָּ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 16:8
וַ/יַּעֲלוּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
לָ֞/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
סַרְנֵ֣י
çeren
H5633
"lord"
N-mp
An axle was a rod that connected wheels together, but it can also mean a peer or equal. In the Bible, this word is used to describe something that holds things together. The axle of a wheel was crucial for its function and stability.
Definition: lord, ruler, tyrant
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lord, plate. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 12:20.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
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.
שִׁבְעָ֛ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
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.
וַ/תַּאַסְרֵ֖/הוּ
ʼâçar
H631
"to bind"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | 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.
בָּ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Judges 16:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Samson and Delilah
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. 10Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:26 | And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a net, and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is ensnared. |
Judges 16:8 Summary
This verse is about how the Philistines tried to capture Samson by using seven fresh bowstrings to tie him up, just like he had told Delilah would make him weak. But what's important to remember is that our strength comes from God, not from our own abilities or circumstances, as seen in Psalm 28:7. We should be careful not to let others deceive or manipulate us, and instead trust in God's power and protection, as promised in Psalm 91:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines bring Delilah seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried?
The Philistines brought Delilah seven fresh bowstrings because Samson had told her that he could be tied up with them, as stated in Judges 16:7, and they wanted to test his strength and subdue him.
What was the purpose of using fresh bowstrings that had not been dried?
The purpose of using fresh bowstrings was to see if Samson's strength would be compromised by being bound with them, as he had suggested in Judges 16:7, and to ultimately capture him.
Did Delilah actually believe that the seven fresh bowstrings would subdue Samson?
It is unclear whether Delilah believed that the seven fresh bowstrings would subdue Samson, but she did go along with the plan to test his strength, as seen in Judges 16:8, and later tried to get him to reveal the true source of his strength in Judges 16:10.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Delilah and the Philistines?
This verse reveals that Delilah and the Philistines were cunning and deceitful, as they worked together to try to capture Samson, similar to the way that Satan tries to deceive us, as warned in 1 Peter 5:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be allowing others to 'tie me up' with their expectations or pressures, and how can I break free from those bonds?
- In what ways do I try to hide my true weaknesses or struggles from others, and how can I be more open and honest with those around me?
- What are some 'fresh bowstrings' that the enemy may be using to try to bind me, and how can I resist them through my faith in God?
- How can I be more discerning about the people and influences in my life, and make sure that I am not being deceived or manipulated by others?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:8
Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her,.... To the chamber where she was with Samson, she having acquainted them with what he had told her: seven green withs, which had not been dried;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:8
Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them. She bound him with them - probably in a sportive manner, to try whether he was jesting or in earnest.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:8
Judges 16:8 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.Ver. 8. And she bound him with them.] So heathen histories tell us of Hercules, that he was miserably enslaved and abused by his mistress, Omphale Queen of Lydia. Amantes amentes. How was Antony befooled by Cleopatra, and the Persian kings by their concubines, being captivarum suarum captivi! they commanded the whole world, but were commanded by those minions. Plutarch.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:8
8. she bound him] When he was asleep, as we may infer from Judges 16:14; Judges 16:19. What Samson proposed in jest, Delîlah carried out in earnest.
Sermons on Judges 16:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Backslidings of Balaam by Charles Banna | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of falling into covetousness and pride, using the example of Balaam who was led astray by these sins. It highlights the importance of fleeing fro |
|
The New Quest and Law of Life. 7:1-29 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher embarks on a new quest to discover 'the Good' in a high law for life under the sun, possibly found in the fear of God. He seeks wisdom a |