Judges 16:8

KJV

Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430} brought up {H5927} to her seven {H7651} green {H3892} withs {H3499} which had not been dried {H2717}, and she bound {H631} him with them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The chiefs of the P'lishtim brought up to her seven fresh bowstrings which had not been dried, and she tied him up with them.

Berean Standard Bible

So the lords of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them.

American Standard Version

Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withes which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:8 details the Philistine lords' immediate response to Delilah's first attempt to uncover the secret of Samson's strength, bringing her the specific "seven green withs" Samson had deceptively claimed would render him weak. This verse marks a critical escalation in the narrative of Samson's betrayal, showcasing the Philistines' methodical approach to subduing their formidable enemy and Delilah's active participation in their scheme. It sets the stage for a series of escalating tests that highlight Samson's vulnerability to persistent temptation and the eventual tragic consequences of his compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the tragic narrative of Samson and Delilah, specifically following Delilah's initial agreement with the Philistine lords in [Judges 16:5](/judges/16-5 "Judges 16:5 - The Philistine Lords' Offer to Delilah") to betray Samson for a substantial sum of silver. After Delilah "pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death" ([Judges 16:16](/judges/16-16 "Judges 16:16 - Delilah's Persistent Harassment of Samson")), Samson, in a moment of playful deception, provides his first false answer in [Judges 16:7](/judges/16-7 "Judges 16:7 - Samson's First Deceptive Answer"), claiming that if he were bound with "seven green withs that were never dried," his strength would depart from him. Judges 16:8 immediately follows, demonstrating Delilah's swift and literal execution of Samson's deceptive instruction, underscoring her commitment to the Philistine agenda and the dangerous game Samson is playing. This immediate action sets up the test in [Judges 16:9](/judges/16-9 "Judges 16:9 - Samson Breaks the Bonds"), where Samson easily breaks the bonds, revealing Delilah's treachery and his own continued deception.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable sea people who had settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, frequently clashing with the Israelites, particularly during the period of the Judges. Their military and political dominance is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, and Samson's exploits represent a divinely empowered, albeit flawed, resistance. The use of "withs" (flexible branches or cords) was a common method of binding in the ancient world, used for livestock, prisoners, or securing goods. The mention of them being "green" and "not dried" suggests a specific type of fresh, pliable material, perhaps thought to be stronger or more resistant to snapping than brittle, dried cords. This detail reflects the practical knowledge of the time regarding materials and their properties, even as it serves Samson's deceptive narrative. The Philistine lords' direct involvement in bringing the materials highlights their vested interest and the high stakes of capturing Samson.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the broader narrative of Judges. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **deception and persistent testing**. Delilah's cunning and the Philistine lords' relentless pursuit of Samson's weakness are evident as they methodically follow up on every piece of information, even when it's a lie. This foreshadows the persistent nature of temptation that will ultimately lead to Samson's downfall. Secondly, the **superficiality of the first attempt** is starkly revealed. The "green withs" represent a physical, external means of control that is utterly inadequate against Samson's divinely granted strength. This initial, easily overcome test underscores the profound contrast between human limitations and the extraordinary, supernatural power bestowed by God. It subtly questions the true source of Samson's power; while Delilah and the Philistines focus on physical bonds, Samson's strength is rooted in his Nazarite vow and the enabling power of God's Spirit, which no mere physical restraint can contain, as seen in his earlier exploits in [Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit of the Lord Rushes Upon Samson") and [Judges 15:14](/judges/15-14 "Judges 15:14 - Samson Breaks New Ropes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Withs (Hebrew, _yeter_):** This term refers to a cord, rope, or bowstring. In this context, it denotes strong, flexible strands, likely made from plant fibers or pliable branches. The choice of this specific material, as suggested by Samson, points to a common binding agent in the ancient world, yet one that would prove utterly insufficient against his supernatural strength.
* **Green (Hebrew, _lach_):** Meaning "fresh," "moist," or "green," this adjective emphasizes the pliable, undried state of the "withs." The implication is that fresh, unseasoned materials might be stronger or more difficult to break than dried, brittle ones. This detail adds to the verisimilitude of Samson's deceptive claim, making it sound plausible to Delilah and the Philistines, even though it was a lie.
* **Bound (Hebrew, _'asar_):** This verb means "to bind," "to tie," or "to imprison." It signifies the act of physically restraining someone. Delilah's action of binding Samson with the "withs" directly fulfills Samson's deceptive instructions, highlighting her active participation in the Philistine plot and her immediate, literal response to his words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her":** This clause immediately follows Samson's deceptive revelation in the previous verse, indicating the Philistine lords' swift and direct involvement. Their action demonstrates their eagerness to test Samson's claim and their commitment to the plan to capture him. It also highlights Delilah's role as their agent, as they provide her with the specific materials needed for the test.
* **"seven green withs which had not been dried":** This specifies the exact materials Samson had mentioned. The number "seven" often carries symbolic weight in the Bible, suggesting completeness or perfection; here, it might imply a thorough or definitive attempt to bind Samson, according to his own false claim. The description "green" and "not been dried" emphasizes their freshness and pliability, making them seem like a robust, though ultimately inadequate, binding material.
* **"and she bound him with them":** This final clause describes Delilah's direct action. She immediately puts Samson's deceptive words into practice, demonstrating her resolve and the dangerous game Samson is playing. Her act of binding him is a literal fulfillment of his false condition, setting the stage for the dramatic reveal of his unbroken strength in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Samson, the man of immense, divinely-granted strength, allows himself to be bound by trivial, easily broken "green withs" based on his own deceptive words. The audience knows his true strength, making Delilah's earnest attempt and the Philistines' anticipation deeply ironic. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing** as this initial, failed attempt establishes a dangerous pattern of Samson revealing partial truths or outright lies, only for Delilah to test them. This escalating series of deceptions and tests ultimately leads to his genuine betrayal and capture, making this first instance a clear precursor to his eventual downfall. Furthermore, the "seven green withs" can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing human attempts to control or contain divine power through mundane means. These physical bonds are utterly incapable of restraining Samson's strength, which is rooted in a spiritual vow and God's enabling power, thus symbolizing the futility of human efforts against divine might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:8, while seemingly a straightforward narrative detail, underscores profound theological truths about the nature of strength, the insidious power of temptation, and the consequences of spiritual compromise. Samson's strength was not inherent to his physical being but was a direct result of his Nazarite vow and the enabling power of the Spirit of the Lord. His willingness to engage in this deceptive game with Delilah, even playfully, reveals a dangerous complacency and a disregard for the sacred source of his power. The Philistines' methodical approach, using a woman to exploit a man's weakness, reflects the spiritual warfare where the enemy persistently seeks to uncover and exploit vulnerabilities. This verse serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating how even those gifted by God can be susceptible to persistent temptation and how seemingly minor compromises can set a trajectory toward significant spiritual failure.

* [Proverbs 7:21-23](/proverbs/7-21 "Proverbs 7:21-23 - The Allure and Danger of the Adulteress")
* [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Warning Against Overconfidence")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation to Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 16:8 offers a sobering reflection on the subtle yet destructive nature of compromise and the dangers of playing with sin. Samson, despite his extraordinary strength and divine calling, allowed himself to be drawn into a perilous game of deception with Delilah. His initial lies, though seemingly harmless, created a pattern of engagement that normalized his vulnerability and emboldened his adversary. For us, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that persistent temptation, even when initially resisted, can wear down our defenses if we continue to entertain it. It highlights the importance of recognizing and fleeing from situations and relationships that seek to undermine our spiritual strength or uncover our weaknesses for nefarious purposes. True strength lies not in our ability to resist external pressures alone, but in our unwavering commitment to God's commands and our reliance on His power, rather than our own cleverness or resilience. We must be vigilant against the "daily pressing" of the world and our own desires, lest we, like Samson, find our spiritual vitality slowly eroded by compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be playing a dangerous "game" with temptation, even if I believe I'm in control?**
* **How do I identify and respond to individuals or situations that persistently seek to compromise my convictions or uncover my spiritual weaknesses?**
* **What is the true source of my spiritual strength, and am I actively nurturing that connection, or am I relying on my own abilities?**
* **What small compromises might I be making today that could potentially lead to greater spiritual vulnerability in the future?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samson give Delilah a false answer instead of simply refusing to tell her?**

Answer: Samson's behavior throughout his life, particularly in his interactions with women, suggests a certain recklessness and overconfidence in his own strength and cunning. He often played with danger, whether it was marrying a Philistine woman or engaging in riddles and wagers. In this instance, giving a false answer allowed him to maintain his secret while seemingly appeasing Delilah, perhaps believing he could control the situation or that his strength was invincible. It also highlights his moral decline and spiritual blindness, as he repeatedly toys with the very source of his divine power, rather than guarding it as sacred. This pattern of playful deception ultimately led him down a path of increasing vulnerability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson, in his strength and eventual betrayal, serves as a complex type of Christ, yet also highlights the profound superiority of our Savior. While Samson's strength was a gift tied to a vow and could be compromised by human weakness and deception, Christ's power is inherent, divine, and unassailable. Judges 16:8 shows Delilah and the Philistines attempting to bind Samson with physical cords, a futile effort against his divinely empowered might. This foreshadows the world's futile attempts to bind or control Christ. Though Jesus willingly submitted to human hands, allowing himself to be [bound and led away](/john/18-12 "John 18:12 - Jesus Bound and Led Away") to be crucified, His power was not diminished. He could have called [legions of angels](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels") to His defense, but He chose the path of self-sacrifice. Unlike Samson, who was betrayed by a woman he loved for money, Christ was betrayed by a disciple for silver, yet His betrayal led not to personal downfall but to the [redemption of humanity](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood"). Samson's physical strength could not be contained by "green withs," but Christ's divine power truly broke the bonds of death, rising victoriously from the grave ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Thus, Judges 16:8, in its depiction of a powerful figure seemingly bound by trivial means, points forward to the ultimate, willing submission of the Son of God, whose strength was not in resisting human bonds but in conquering sin and death through His obedient sacrifice.

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

Ecclesiastes 7:26

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.