Judges 16:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקַּ֣ח
therefore took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
דְּלִילָה֩
Delilah
delilah, a philistine woman
#3
עֲבֹתִ֨ים
ropes
something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage
#4
חֲדָשִׁ֜ים
new
new
#5
וַתַּֽאַסְרֵ֣הוּ
and bound
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#6
בָהֶ֗ם
H0
#7
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר
him therewith and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֵלָיו֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֤ים
unto him The Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#10
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן
be upon thee Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#12
וְהָֽאֹרֵ֖ב
And there were liers in wait
to lurk
#13
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
abiding
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
בֶּחָ֑דֶר
in the chamber
an apartment (usually literal)
#15
וַֽיְנַתְּקֵ֛ם
And he brake
to tear off
#16
מֵעַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
זְרֹֽעֹתָ֖יו
them from off his arms
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#18
כַּחֽוּט׃
like a thread
a string; by implication, a measuring tape

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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