Judges 16:11
Samson, a judge in Israel’s history around the late 11th century B.C., continues his deceptive game when Delilah demands to know the source of his incredible strength. In this verse, he changes his story yet again: *So he said to her, “If they bind me tightly with new ropes which have not been used, then I will become weak and be like any other man.”* (v.11). By suggesting fresh ropes, Samson pretends that these constraints could rob him of power, stalling Delilah’s efforts to discover his true secret. This scene takes place in the land of the Philistines, possibly near the Valley of Sorek—an area located in the lowlands that separated Israelite territory from Philistine territory.
Samson’s evasive explanation not only demonstrates his overconfidence but also reveals how the Lord’s calling on his life is being tested by personal temptations (Judges 13:5; Judges 16:4–5, NASB-95). Rather than guarding the divine blessing of his strength, Samson seems to toy with it, exposing himself to spiritual and physical risk. This contrasts with the New Testament principle of turning away from temptation, as modeled by Jesus when He resisted every lure presented to Him (Matthew 4:1–11, NASB-95). Samson’s half-truths show the tension between relying on God’s gift and feeling entitled to it.
By this point in the narrative, Samson’s flirtation with danger highlights how neglecting one’s devotion to God can lead to vulnerability. These new ropes, which “have not been used,” symbolize the fresh attempts that evil forces use to bind those who are chosen. Ultimately, Samson’s destiny—like Israel’s as a whole—depends on whether he will humble himself before God or allow his pride and disobedience to continue eroding his divine mandate.
Samson’s humor and deception toward Delilah foreshadow the eventual betrayal that will test his covenant with God.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 4:12-16 meaning. This passage describes the climactic battle between Barak’s forces and Sisera’s army. Deborah urges Barak to act, affirming that God has already secured victory. As Barak leads his men into battle, God intervenes, routing Sisera’s forces. Sisera flees on foot while his entire army is destroyed.
- Revelation 19:11-16 meaning. John sees the moment of Jesus’s second coming. In contrast to Christ’s first advent (that of a poor suffering servant, born in a stable, riding a donkey), now Christ comes down from Heaven on a white horse, His eyes flaming with fire, crowned with many crowns, His robe dipped in blood, and armies of heaven following Him on white horses. He comes to judge and to wage war on His enemies, a sword proceeding from His mouth. He will rule with a rod of iron, and will crush the antichrist and his followers like grapes in a wine press. He is the King of all kings, and the Lord over all lords.
- Deuteronomy 16:18-20 meaning. Moses deals with the practical applications of the fifth commandment. Though the commandment refers to honoring parents (Exodus 20:12), the larger principle centers around authority. This discussion on authority extends to Deuteronomy 18:22.