Judges 16:7

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן

H8123

And Samson

shimshon, an israelite

אִם

H518

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

יַֽאַסְרֻ֗נִי

H631

unto her If they bind

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

בְּשִׁבְעָ֛ה

H7651

me with seven

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

יְתָרִ֥ים

H3499

withs

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

לַחִ֖ים

H3892

green

fresh, i.e., unused or undried

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#11

חֹרָ֑בוּ

H2717

that were never dried

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

#12

וְחָלִ֥יתִי

H2470

then shall I be weak

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

#13

וְהָיִ֖יתִי

H1961

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

#14

כְּאַחַ֥ד

H259

and be as another

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

#15

הָֽאָדָֽם׃

H120

man

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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