Judges 16:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֔יהָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִם

H518

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

יַֽאַסְר֙וּנִי֙

H631

me fast

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

יַֽאַסְר֙וּנִי֙

H631

me fast

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

בַּֽעֲבֹתִ֣ים

H5688

ropes

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

חֲדָשִׁ֔ים

H2319

with new

new

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

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

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#10

נַעֲשָׂ֥ה

H6213

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

#11

בָהֶ֖ם

#12

מְלָאכָ֑ה

H4399

that never were occupied

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

#13

וְחָלִ֥יתִי

H2470

then shall I be weak

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

#14

וְהָיִ֖יתִי

H1961

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

#15

כְּאַחַ֥ד

H259

and be as another

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

#16

הָֽאָדָֽם׃

H120

man

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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