Judges 16:5

KJV

And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength [lieth], and by what [means] we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred [pieces] of silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430} came up {H5927} unto her, and said {H559} unto her, Entice {H6601} him, and see {H7200} wherein his great {H1419} strength {H3581} lieth, and by what means we may prevail {H3201} against him, that we may bind {H631} him to afflict {H6031} him: and we will give {H5414} thee every one {H376} of us eleven hundred {H505}{H3967} pieces of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The chiefs of the P'lishtim went up to her and said, "Coax him into telling you where his great strength comes from and how we can overcome him, so that we can tie him up and subdue him. If you do, each of us will give you 1,100 pieces of silver."

Berean Standard Bible

The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.”

American Standard Version

And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:5 details the clandestine meeting between the five lords of the Philistines and Delilah in the Valley of Sorek. Driven by their desperate need to subdue Samson, Israel's formidable judge, they propose a lucrative scheme: Delilah is to "entice" Samson and uncover the secret source of his immense strength. Their ultimate goal is to bind him, rendering him powerless for affliction and humiliation. For this act of profound betrayal, each Philistine lord pledges an extraordinary sum of eleven hundred pieces of silver, highlighting the high value they placed on Samson's capture and the corrupting power of greed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 16:5 is a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of Samson, immediately following his audacious act of carrying off the gates of Gaza to Hebron ([Judges 16:1-3](/judges/16-1 "Judges 16:1-3 - Samson and the Gates of Gaza")). This display of supernatural strength further exasperated the Philistines, setting the stage for their calculated plot. The introduction of Delilah in [Judges 16:4](/judges/16-4 "Judges 16:4 - Samson's Love for Delilah") marks a significant shift from Samson's previous encounters with Philistine women, as Delilah is presented as a direct instrument of the Philistine leadership. This verse initiates the strategic deception that will lead to Samson's capture, forming the climax of his personal narrative and foreshadowing his ultimate downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable, technologically advanced (iron weaponry) people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, frequently clashing with the Israelites during the period of the Judges. Their society was organized under five major city-states, each ruled by a "lord" (Hebrew: _seren_), who acted collectively in matters of significant strategic importance, such as subduing Samson. The "eleven hundred pieces of silver" represented an immense fortune in an era where silver was the primary medium of exchange, weighed out rather than minted. This sum underscores the Philistine's desperation to neutralize Samson, who had become a singular, devastating threat to their dominance over Israel. The Valley of Sorek, located between Philistine territory and the Israelite tribal lands, served as a strategic and often contested border region, making it a fitting setting for this clandestine negotiation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **corrupting power of temptation and greed**, as Delilah's willingness to betray Samson is directly tied to the staggering financial incentive offered by the Philistine lords. Secondly, it underscores the **vulnerability of even the divinely gifted** when moral and spiritual discipline are lacking; Samson's physical prowess is contrasted with his susceptibility to sensual indulgence and manipulative women, a recurring pattern in his life (cf. [Judges 14:1-3](/judges/14-1 "Judges 14:1-3 - Samson's First Philistine Wife")). Finally, the Philistine's desire to "bind him to afflict him" reveals the theme of **strategic malice and the enemy's intent to humiliate God's chosen**, a motif seen throughout the Old Testament in the struggles between Israel and its adversaries (e.g., [Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8 "Exodus 1:8-14 - Oppression in Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Entice (Hebrew, _pāthâh'_):** This verb carries the connotation of opening up, persuading, or seducing, often with an element of deception or trickery. In biblical usage, it can describe a simple persuasion (e.g., [Proverbs 1:10](/proverbs/1-10 "Proverbs 1:10 - Enticed by Sinners")), but frequently implies a cunning psychological manipulation leading to moral compromise or downfall (e.g., [Exodus 22:16](/exodus/22-16 "Exodus 22:16 - Seduction and Marriage")). Here, it perfectly captures the Philistine's intent for Delilah to use her allure and cunning to uncover Samson's secret, rather than overt force.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _kōaḥ'_):** This term denotes physical power, vigor, or might. In Samson's context, it is explicitly linked to his divine empowerment through the Spirit of the Lord ([Judges 13:25](/judges/13-25 "Judges 13:25 - The Spirit of the Lord Begins to Stir Samson")). The Philistines, though aware of his extraordinary feats, do not understand its source, believing it to be a discoverable secret rather than a supernatural gift tied to his Nazarite vow. Their quest is to find the "wherein" (_bammâ_), the exact physical or magical locus of this power.
* **Pieces of silver (Hebrew, _kesef'_):** While simply referring to silver, the context of "eleven hundred pieces" from each of the five lords (totaling 5,500) makes this a staggering sum. This was not a small bribe but an immense fortune, reflecting the Philistines' desperate valuation of Samson's capture. It highlights the corrupting influence of wealth and its capacity to incite profound betrayal, echoing the later betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas' Betrayal")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her,"**: This clause establishes the direct involvement of the highest Philistine authorities. The "lords" (_seranim_) were the rulers of the five major Philistine city-states (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron), indicating a unified, coordinated, and highly significant effort to deal with Samson. Their personal visit to Delilah underscores the gravity of the situation and the importance they placed on her cooperation.
* **"and said unto her, Entice him,"**: The Philistine lords immediately articulate their primary objective for Delilah: to use her charm and influence to draw Samson into a trap. The word "entice" (_pāthâh_) implies a seductive persuasion, a psychological manipulation designed to extract information without Samson's awareness of the underlying malicious intent.
* **"and see wherein his great strength [lieth],"**: This reveals the Philistine's central enigma: the source of Samson's unparalleled power. They do not understand its divine origin or its connection to his Nazarite vow; instead, they perceive it as a secret that can be uncovered, perhaps a physical object, a ritual, or a specific condition. Their aim is to pinpoint the exact "wherein" (_bammâ_), the precise locus or method of his strength.
* **"and by what [means] we may prevail against him,"**: This clause states the practical purpose of discovering the secret: to find a way to overcome Samson. "Prevail" (_hitgaqqēp_) means to overpower, subdue, or gain mastery. Once they know the secret, they believe they can devise a strategy to neutralize his power effectively and permanently.
* **"that we may bind him to afflict him:"**: The ultimate goal is not merely to defeat Samson but to capture him and inflict suffering. "Bind" (_ʔāsar_) signifies physical restraint, rendering him helpless. "Afflict" (_ʿānâh_) implies humiliation, torment, and prolonged suffering, suggesting a desire for revenge and public degradation rather than a swift execution. This reveals their deep-seated animosity and desire to break Samson's spirit.
* **"and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred [pieces] of silver."**: This is the staggering incentive offered to Delilah. The sum of 1,100 pieces of silver from each of the five lords totals 5,500 pieces, an astronomical amount that would have guaranteed Delilah immense wealth and security for life. This colossal bribe underscores the Philistines' desperation, the perceived threat Samson posed, and the profound corrupting power of money, which Delilah readily accepts.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 16:5 is rich in **Foreshadowing**, as the Philistines' explicit desire to "bind him to afflict him" directly anticipates Samson's eventual capture, blinding, and forced labor in the Philistine prison. The immense sum of silver offered to Delilah serves as powerful **Symbolism** for the corrupting power of greed and betrayal, a motif that recurs throughout biblical narratives. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of the divine source of Samson's strength and his Nazarite vow, while the Philistines (and Delilah) are desperately searching for a physical or magical secret. This contrast heightens the tragic tension of Samson's eventual downfall, which is brought about not by superior Philistine strength, but by his own moral weakness exploited through cunning **Manipulation**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse vividly illustrates the insidious nature of temptation and the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise. The Philistine lords, representing the forces hostile to God's people, do not confront Samson directly with military might but employ a subtle, deceptive strategy, targeting his known weaknesses. The immense bribe offered to Delilah underscores the spiritual principle that the enemy is often willing to pay a high price to derail God's purposes and bring down His chosen instruments. Samson's story, initiated by a divine calling and extraordinary gifting, becomes a cautionary tale of how even great strength can be rendered impotent by unchecked desires and a lack of discernment. It highlights the constant spiritual battle where internal vulnerabilities are often exploited by external adversaries, leading to bondage and affliction.

* [Proverbs 7:21-23](/proverbs/7-21 "Proverbs 7:21-23 - The Allure of the Adulteress")
* [Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas' Betrayal for Money")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober and Watchful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 16:5 serves as a profound warning for believers across all generations. It powerfully reminds us that spiritual warfare is not always overt; often, the most dangerous attacks come through subtle temptations, personal weaknesses, and the allure of worldly gain. Samson's downfall was not due to a lack of physical strength, but a failure of spiritual discipline and discernment, particularly in his relationships. We must be acutely aware of our own vulnerabilities and the specific areas where we are most susceptible to compromise. Just as the Philistines sought to "entice" Samson by exploiting his desires, our spiritual adversary constantly seeks to identify and exploit our weaknesses, offering alluring "pieces of silver" in various forms—be it wealth, pleasure, power, or approval—to draw us away from our calling and into bondage. Vigilance, self-control, and a deep commitment to God's Word are essential to guard against such insidious schemes, ensuring that our strengths are not turned into liabilities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Philistine lords" or external pressures in your life that seek to exploit your weaknesses?**
* **In what areas are you most susceptible to "enticement" or subtle forms of temptation?**
* **What "pieces of silver" (worldly gains or desires) might tempt you to compromise your faith or calling?**
* **How can you cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the enemy's deceptive tactics?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Philistines offer such an enormous sum of money?**

Answer: The Philistines offered an unprecedented sum of 5,500 pieces of silver (1,100 from each of the five lords) because Samson represented an existential threat to their dominance over Israel. His individual strength had repeatedly humiliated their military, destroyed their crops, and challenged their authority (e.g., [Judges 15:4-5](/judges/15-4 "Judges 15:4-5 - Samson's Fox Attack") and [Judges 16:3](/judges/16-3 "Judges 16:3 - Samson Carries Gaza's Gates")). He was a one-man army, and conventional military tactics had failed. Therefore, they were desperate to neutralize him by any means necessary, and a massive financial incentive was deemed a worthwhile investment to secure his capture and restore their control. The sum reflects the extraordinary value they placed on his incapacitation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Samson's story is a tragic narrative of a divinely gifted man brought low by his own moral failings and the cunning of his enemies, it also contains echoes and foreshadowings of Christ. The betrayal of Samson for a massive sum of silver by one he loved finds its ultimate, infinitely more profound fulfillment in the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot for a mere thirty pieces of silver ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas' Betrayal")). Unlike Samson, who was physically strong but spiritually weak, Jesus was the embodiment of both divine power and perfect obedience. He was "delivered up" not because of His own sin or weakness, but by God's predetermined plan for the salvation of humanity ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan for Jesus' Crucifixion")). The Philistines' desire to "bind him to afflict him" foreshadows the suffering and humiliation Christ endured at the hands of His enemies, culminating in His crucifixion. However, where Samson's binding led to his temporary defeat and death, Christ's binding and death on the cross were the very means by which He triumphed over sin and death, securing eternal freedom for all who believe ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Thus, Samson's story, marked by human failure and divine judgment, ultimately points to the perfect Lamb of God, who, though betrayed and afflicted, became the ultimate deliverer.

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

Judges 14:15

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? [is it] not [so]?

Joshua 13:3

From Sihor, which [is] before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, [which] is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Proverbs 2:16

To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

Proverbs 2:19

None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

Matthew 26:15

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.