Lexical Summary machalaphah: Change, Exchange, Replacement Original Word: מַחְלָפָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lock From chalaph; a ringlet of hair (as gliding over each other) -- lock. see HEBREW chalaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chalaph Definition a plait (of hair) NASB Translation locks (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַחֲלָפָה] noun feminine plait (of hair; so called from intertwining, passing through each other, of the strands) — Plural construct מַחְלְפוֺת ראֹשִׁי Judges 16:13, compare Judges 16:19. Topical Lexicon Word Family and Literary Function The term appears twice in the Samson narrative as a concrete noun for an individual braid in the seven-fold plait of Samson’s Nazirite hair (Judges 16:13, 19). Each use immediately precedes or accompanies an act of deception that aims to neutralize Samson’s consecration and draw Israel’s judge into Philistine captivity. The word therefore operates in the text as a tangible focal point of covenant strength, with its manipulation symbolizing the larger spiritual assault on the Lord’s appointed deliverer. Biblical Occurrences • Judges 16:13 – Delilah weaves one braid into the loom in a feigned test of Samson’s strength. Historical Context From the days of Moses, a Nazirite’s uncut hair embodied a visible pledge of lifelong holiness (Numbers 6:5). Samson’s parents were charged by the Angel of the LORD to raise him under that vow (Judges 13:3-5). Within Late Bronze–Iron Age culture, both Israelites and surrounding peoples regarded hair as a marker of identity, patron deity, and social standing. Cutting it without divine warrant was a grievous violation. Thus Delilah’s shearing of a single braid, followed by all seven, was more than an act of personal betrayal; it was a ritual severing of Samson’s covenant relationship with God. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. Covenant signs can be lost through incremental compromise. Delilah’s weaving of one lock appears harmless, yet it sets the stage for total desecration. “He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I will go out as before and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the LORD had left him” (Judges 16:20). Practical Application • Guarding signs of consecration: Whether baptismal confession, marital covenant, or ministerial calling, visible tokens of dedication require inner fidelity. Typological and Messianic Connections Samson’s forfeited locks prefigure Israel’s exile through covenant infidelity. His final act—stretching out his arms between two pillars—hints at the greater Deliverer who would willingly give His life to conquer the enemies of God’s people (Hebrews 2:14). Where Samson’s strength returned with growing hair, Christ’s power is inherent and eternal, ensuring final victory. Related Themes and Passages Numbers 6:1-8 – Charter of the Nazirite vow Deuteronomy 32:30 – The principle of one chasing a thousand, by divine empowerment Psalm 105:15 – The Lord’s protection over His consecrated ones Proverbs 5:3-5 – The perils of seductive persuasion 1 Corinthians 11:14-15 – Hair as a theological symbol of glory and order Revelation 3:11 – “Hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” Forms and Transliterations מַחְלְפ֣וֹת מַחְלְפ֥וֹת מחלפות machleFot maḥ·lə·p̄ō·wṯ maḥləp̄ōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 16:13 HEB: אֶת־ שֶׁ֛בַע מַחְלְפ֥וֹת רֹאשִׁ֖י עִם־ NAS: the seven locks of my hair KJV: the seven locks of my head INT: weave the seven locks of my hair with Judges 16:19 2 Occurrences |
    |