Lexical Summary Sowreq: Choice vine, noble vine Original Word: שׂוֹרֵק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sorek The same as soreq; a vine; Sorek, a valley in Palestine -- Sorek. see HEBREW soreq Brown-Driver-Briggs II. שׂשׂרֵק (van d. H. ׳שׂוֺ׳) proper name, of a location in ׳נַ֫חַלשׂ Judges 16:4 (properly Wady of choice vines); — ᵐ5 Σωρηχ[κ]; probably Wady ‚urâr (GASmGeogr. 218 ff.), on north side of which is ruin Sûrîk, 3/4 hour west of ‚ur±ah (Zor±ah), Surveyiii. 53 GFMon the passage. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting The Valley of Sorek lies in the Shephelah—the low, rolling foothills that form the transition between the highlands of Judah and the coastal plain of the Philistines. The wadi descends westward toward the Mediterranean Sea, providing fertile soil and a moderate climate ideal for viticulture. It marked a strategic border zone: Israelite territory lay to the east, while Philistine cities such as Ekron and Ashdod lay to the west. Its very name, linked etymologically to premium grapevines, hints at the region’s celebrated vineyards. Biblical Occurrence Judges 16:4 records the sole appearance of the place name in Scripture: “Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.” Historical and Cultural Background 1. Viticulture and Trade: Archaeological surveys of the Shephelah have uncovered winepresses and storage jars dating to the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, confirming the valley’s reputation for choice grapes. Wine was both daily beverage and sacrificial offering (Numbers 28:7), creating economic links between Israelites and Philistines. Theological Themes 1. Nazarite Vow and Compromise: Samson was dedicated “to God from the womb” (Judges 13:5), bound by Numbers 6:2-4 to abstain from wine and grapes. His presence in a valley renowned for vineyards thus visually underscores his drift from consecration. The narrative’s geography preaches as powerfully as its dialogue. Typological and Christological Reflections 1. Contrast with the True Nazarite: Samson, an imperfect deliverer, breaks every aspect of his vow; Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills the ideal of separation unto God (Hebrews 7:26), conquering not merely Philistines but sin and death. Practical Ministry Implications • Guarding Boundaries: Modern disciples should heed the warning of venturing needlessly into environments that invite compromise (1 Corinthians 10:12). Related Scriptures Numbers 6:2-4; Judges 13:5; Judges 14:1-4; Judges 16:28-30; Isaiah 5:2; Jeremiah 2:21; Hebrews 7:26 Forms and Transliterations שֹׂרֵ֑ק שרק śō·rêq soRek śōrêqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 16:4 HEB: אִשָּׁ֖ה בְּנַ֣חַל שֹׂרֵ֑ק וּשְׁמָ֖הּ דְּלִילָֽה׃ NAS: in the valley of Sorek, whose name KJV: in the valley of Sorek, whose name INT: A woman the valley of Sorek name was Delilah |
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