Judges 16:22

KJV

¶ Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit the hair {H8181} of his head {H7218} began {H2490} to grow again {H6779} after {H834} he was shaven {H1548}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, after the hair on his head had been cut off, it began growing back again.

Berean Standard Bible

However, the hair of his head began to grow back after it had been shaved.

American Standard Version

Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:22 serves as a subtle yet profound turning point in the tragic saga of Samson. Following his devastating betrayal by Delilah, the loss of his Nazarite strength, his blinding, and his subsequent imprisonment by the Philistines, this verse quietly declares the physiological regrowth of his hair. Far from a mere physical detail, it subtly signals the enduring patience and redemptive grace of God, hinting at the possibility of Samson's spiritual renewal and the potential for divine purpose to yet be fulfilled, even in the depths of human failure and humiliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 16:22 immediately follows the devastating climax of Samson's moral decline and physical humiliation. In the preceding narrative, specifically [Judges 16:1-21](/judges/16-1-21 "Judges 16:1-21 - Samson's Betrayal and Capture"), Samson, repeatedly compromised by Delilah, finally reveals the secret of his strength—his uncut hair, a visible sign of his Nazarite vow. Upon this revelation, his hair is shaven, his strength departs, and he is easily overpowered by the Philistines. They gouge out his eyes, bind him with bronze shackles, and force him to grind grain in the prison at Gaza. This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial narrative pivot, shifting the tone from utter despair and defeat to a subtle glimmer of hope and divine intervention, setting the stage for Samson's final, redemptive act described later in the chapter, particularly in [Judges 16:28-31](/judges/16-28-31 "Judges 16:28-31 - Samson's Final Prayer and Death"). It underscores that even in profound failure, God's overarching plan for His people endures.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samson was a Nazarite from birth, a special vow to God outlined in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"). This vow included abstaining from wine, not touching dead bodies, and most critically for Samson, not cutting his hair. His long hair was not the source of his strength itself, but rather the visible sign of his consecrated relationship with God, and it was God who empowered him as long as he remained obedient to the vow. The Philistines were a formidable, technologically advanced, and idolatrous people who oppressed Israel during the period of the Judges. Gaza was one of their five major cities, serving as a significant Philistine stronghold. For Samson, a former judge and Israel's champion, to be blinded and forced into manual labor (grinding grain was often a task for women or slaves) in a Philistine prison was the ultimate public humiliation and a testament to Israel's spiritual decline and the consequences of disobedience to their covenant God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Patience and Grace**, demonstrating that even after profound disobedience and the breaking of a sacred vow, God's mercy is not immediately or completely withdrawn. It introduces **Hope in Humiliation**, suggesting that even in the lowest depths of despair and consequence, there can be a path towards restoration and renewed purpose. The verse also subtly reinforces the **Nature of True Strength**, indicating that Samson's power was never inherent in his hair but was a divine gift contingent on his obedience and consecration to God. As his hair grows, it symbolizes the potential for renewed dedication and, consequently, renewed divine empowerment. Furthermore, it speaks to **Consequences and Potential for Restoration**, illustrating that while sin carries severe consequences, it does not necessarily preclude God's redemptive work or a final opportunity for an individual to fulfill their divine calling, as seen in Samson's ultimate act in [Judges 16:28-30](/judges/16-28-30 "Judges 16:28-30 - Samson's Final Act of Vengeance"). The narrative of Samson's life, including this pivotal moment, serves as a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, a pattern evident throughout [the book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hair (Hebrew, _sêʻâr'_):** While literally referring to the physical strands on his head, in Samson's narrative, his hair was the visible, outward sign of his Nazarite vow and his consecration to God. Its growth was not merely a physiological process but a symbolic representation of the potential for his vow to be renewed, and with it, the potential for God's empowering presence to return. The cutting of his hair signified the breaking of his vow and the departure of his strength; its regrowth, therefore, symbolized the possibility of renewed dedication and divine favor.
* **began (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This verb, often translated "to begin," indicates the initiation of a process. Its use here signifies that the regrowth was not instantaneous but a gradual, unfolding event. This gradualism is significant, suggesting a period of time for reflection, perhaps repentance, and a quiet, internal spiritual renewal for Samson even in his suffering. It implies God's patient work in preparing Samson for his final, divinely purposed act, rather than an immediate restoration of his former power.
* **grow again (Hebrew, _tsâmach'_):** This verb means "to sprout," "to grow," or "to spring up," often used for plants emerging from the ground. Its application to Samson's hair emphasizes a natural, organic process of renewal. The "again" highlights the reversal of his shaven state, pointing to a potential reversal of his spiritual condition and the return of God's favor, even after profound failure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Howbeit":** This introductory word, often overlooked, serves as a powerful adversative conjunction. It immediately sets up a contrast with the preceding verses, which detail Samson's complete downfall, humiliation, and imprisonment. It signals that despite the seemingly irreversible consequences of his sin, God's redemptive purpose is not entirely thwarted. It's a divine "nevertheless" or "but God."
* **"the hair of his head":** This specific reference is crucial. It points directly to the physical sign of his Nazarite vow, the very thing whose absence had signified his spiritual and physical weakness. The focus is not on his eyes, which remain blinded, nor his chains, which remain binding, but on the symbol of his covenant relationship with God, indicating that the core of his consecration, though broken, was not beyond divine restoration.
* **"began to grow again":** This phrase describes a natural, physiological process, yet it carries immense theological weight. It is not an immediate, miraculous restoration of his strength, but a gradual, quiet re-establishment of the outward sign of his consecration. This gradualism suggests a period of waiting, perhaps repentance, and God's patient work in preparing Samson for his final purpose. It implies that God was not finished with Samson, despite his profound failures.
* **"after he was shaven":** This concluding phrase grounds the verse in the immediate past, reminding the reader of the humiliation and loss Samson had just endured. It highlights the stark contrast between his shaven, powerless state and the nascent regrowth, underscoring the profound shift in his circumstances and God's enduring grace. It emphasizes that this new growth is a direct consequence of, and a divine response to, his previous state of brokenness.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 16:22 is rich in literary devices, most notably **Symbolism**, **Understatement**, and **Foreshadowing**. The **Symbolism** of Samson's hair is paramount; it is not merely physical hair but represents his Nazarite vow, his dedication to God, and the source of his divinely-empowered strength. Its regrowth is a powerful symbol of potential spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of his covenant relationship with God, even if only partially. The verse employs profound **Understatement**; the simple declaration "Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven" is presented as a straightforward physiological observation, yet its implications are monumental. It quietly signals a dramatic shift in Samson's fate and God's ongoing involvement, without explicit theological commentary. This understated delivery makes the potential for hope and restoration even more impactful, allowing the reader to grasp the profound spiritual significance beneath the mundane observation. Finally, the verse functions as clear **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Samson's eventual return to strength and his final, significant act against the Philistines in [Judges 16:28-30](/judges/16-28-30 "Judges 16:28-30 - Samson's Final Act"). It subtly prepares the reader for the climax of Samson's story, where God uses even a broken vessel for His purposes, demonstrating His sovereign hand even amidst human frailty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:22 powerfully illustrates the enduring nature of God's grace and patience, even in the face of profound human failure and disobedience. It demonstrates that while sin brings severe consequences, it does not necessarily sever God's redemptive purposes or His willingness to work with those who have fallen. Samson's hair regrowth symbolizes a divine invitation to repentance and renewed consecration, affirming that God's covenant faithfulness often outlasts human unfaithfulness. It offers a profound message of hope: even when we are at our lowest, stripped of our former glory and abilities due to our own choices, God remains capable of initiating a process of restoration and preparing us for future usefulness in His kingdom. It underscores that true strength is not self-generated but divinely bestowed upon those who, however imperfectly, seek to align themselves with God's will. This quiet verse speaks volumes about God's relentless pursuit of His purposes, even through flawed instruments.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease")
* [Psalm 51:10-12](/psalms/51-10-12 "Psalm 51:10-12 - A Prayer for Cleansing and Restoration")
* [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Where Sin Increased, Grace Abounded All the More")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 16:22 offers a profound beacon of hope for every believer who has experienced significant failure, compromise, or spiritual barrenness. It reminds us that our deepest falls do not necessarily mark the end of God's work in our lives or our potential for usefulness to Him. Just as Samson's hair began to grow again, this verse encourages us to recognize the subtle, often quiet, ways God continues to work in our brokenness. It's a call to humility and patient waiting, understanding that true restoration is a process, not an instant fix. It challenges us to look beyond our present humiliation or despair and trust in God's unfailing grace, which can redeem even our most grievous mistakes and prepare us for new purposes. Our strength, like Samson's, is ultimately found not in our own abilities or outward signs, but in our obedient reliance on God, who can restore what was lost and empower us for His glory, even in our weakness. This verse invites us to consider what "spiritual hair" might need to "grow again" in our own lives—perhaps a neglected discipline, a broken vow, or a lost sense of purpose—and to trust God's patient hand in that process of renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced significant failure or a sense of "loss of strength" due to your own choices or circumstances?**
* **How does the idea of God's patience and grace, as seen in Samson's story, offer you hope and encouragement in those specific areas?**
* **What "spiritual hair" might need to "grow again" in your life, symbolizing a renewed dedication, obedience, or consecration to God?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of patient waiting and trust in God's restorative work, even when the process is slow, unseen, or requires enduring present difficulties?**

### FAQ
**Was Samson's strength literally in his hair?**

Answer: No, Samson's strength was not inherently in his hair itself, but rather in his obedient relationship with God, of which his uncut hair was the visible sign and symbol of his Nazarite vow. The Nazarite vow, detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"), was a special consecration to God that included specific prohibitions, one of which was not cutting the hair. As long as Samson honored this vow, God empowered him with supernatural strength. When his hair was cut, it was not the physical act that removed his strength, but the breaking of his vow and the accompanying departure of God's Spirit from him ([Judges 16:20](/judges/16-20 "Judges 16:20 - Samson's Strength Departs")). The regrowth of his hair in [Judges 16:22](/judges/16-22 "Judges 16:22 - Samson's Hair Begins to Grow Again") symbolized the potential for renewed consecration and God's willingness to restore His empowering presence.

**Does this verse imply Samson repented of his sins?**

Answer: While the verse itself does not explicitly state Samson's repentance, it strongly implies God's continued grace and the opening of a door for his spiritual renewal. The regrowth of his hair, a symbol of his vow, suggests that God was not finished with him and was preparing him for a final act. Samson's subsequent prayer in [Judges 16:28](/judges/16-28 "Judges 16:28 - Samson's Final Prayer")—where he cries out to the Lord, acknowledging God's power and asking for strength one last time—is a clear indication of a returning to God in humility and dependence, which is a form of repentance. The verse, therefore, sets the stage for his ultimate turning back to God, even in his brokenness and humiliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 16:22, with its subtle whisper of hope amidst profound failure, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Samson, a judge appointed by God to deliver Israel, ultimately failed due to his own moral compromises, yet God in His grace still used him for a final, redemptive act. This foreshadows Christ, the perfect Judge and Deliverer, who never failed. While Samson's strength was tied to a physical sign and a vow he ultimately broke, Christ's power is inherent and eternal, founded on His perfect obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). The "regrowth" of Samson's hair, symbolizing a second chance and renewed purpose, points to the profound new creation and spiritual restoration offered through Christ. In Him, there is not just a gradual regrowth, but a radical transformation where "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Christ's sacrifice on the cross fully atones for our failures, including those as profound as Samson's, offering not just a return to a previous state but a completely new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing for us a restoration far greater than any physical or symbolic regrowth, leading us into eternal communion with God, a promise that God "who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Work Completed")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 107:13

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saved them out of their distresses.

Psalms 107:14

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

Psalms 106:44

Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:

Psalms 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Leviticus 26:44

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I [am] the LORD their God.

Deuteronomy 32:36

For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.