Judges 16:26

Authorized King James Version

And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שִׁמְשׁ֜וֹן
And Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַנַּ֨עַר
unto the lad
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#5
הַמַּֽחֲזִ֣יק
that held
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#6
בְּיָדוֹ֮
him by the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
הַנִּ֣יחָה
Suffer
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
#8
אוֹתִי֒
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
וַֽהֲימִשֵׁ֙נִי֙
me that I may feel
to touch
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָֽעַמֻּדִ֔ים
the pillars
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
#12
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
הַבַּ֖יִת
whereupon the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#14
נָכ֣וֹן
standeth
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#15
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
וְאֶשָּׁעֵ֖ן
that I may lean
to support one's self
#17
עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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