Judges 16:9

Authorized King James Version

Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָֽאֹרֵ֗ב
Now there were men lying in wait
to lurk
#2
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
abiding
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
לָהּ֙
H0
#4
בַּחֶ֔דֶר
with her in the chamber
an apartment (usually literal)
#5
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר
And she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֥ים
unto him The Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#8
עָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
be upon thee Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#10
יִנָּתֵ֤ק
And he brake
to tear off
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַיְתָרִ֔ים
the withs
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#13
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
יִנָּתֵ֤ק
And he brake
to tear off
#15
פְּתִֽיל
as a thread
twine
#16
הַנְּעֹ֙רֶת֙
of tow
something shaken out, i.e., tow (as the refuse of flax)
#17
בַּֽהֲרִיח֣וֹ
when it toucheth
properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)
#18
אֵ֔שׁ
the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#19
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
נוֹדַ֖ע
was not known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#21
כֹּחֽוֹ׃
So his strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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