Keraia
Judges 16

Judges 16:9

Samson and Delilah · Judges 16:4–14
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Translations

Modern
While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And they were lying in wait, staying with her in the room. And she said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson.” And he broke the bowstrings as a strand of yarn breaks at its touching the fire. And his power was not known.
Latin
…latentibus apud se insidiis, et in cubiculo finem rei expectantibus: clamavitque ad eum: Philisthiim super te, Samson. Qui rupit vincula, quomodo si rumpat quis filum de stuppæ tortum putamine, cum odorem ignis acceperit: et non est cognitum in quo esset fortitudo ejus.

Original

Hebrew
English
While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown.

Notes

Judges 16:4–22

Samson's downfall and defeat by Delilah, the temptress, is a universally appealing tragedy.

Judges 16:1–31

This last chapter of Samson's complicated history does not involve his role as a judge. Samson abandoned his calling and eventually lost his gifts. Only in his final encounter, when he prayed to the Lord again, did he regain any of his heroic stature.

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson, who gets more attention in the book of Judges than any other judge, is more mysterious than Jephthah. Samson shows great inspiration as a leader. He also represents the unstoppable move toward chaos, which shows the need for a more organized society under a godly ruler.

Theme notes and profiles

Samson The Philistines

People

Samson: Israelite judge with great strength from God

Places

Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Delilah Judges, Book of Philistia, Philistines Samson Tribe of Dan

Topics

Conspiracy: Delilah, Against Samson Deception: Delilah Deceives Samson Delilah: Samson's Mistress Friends: False Friends: Delilah Was False to Samson Samson: Cohabits with Delilah, a Prostitute; Her Machinations with the Philistines to Overcome Him Tow: (A Piece of String) Women: Delilah, in Her Conspiracy Against Samson