What is the meaning of Judges 16:11? He replied - Samson is speaking to Delilah in the Philistine city of the Valley of Sorek. His words are a conscious answer, not an off-hand remark. - Already twice (Judges 16:6-10) Delilah has pressed him for the secret of his strength; each time he has misled her. This third response shows a continued willingness to toy with danger while still keeping the real truth hidden. - Cross reference: Proverbs 13:3, “He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites ruin”. Samson’s careless speech contrasts sharply with the wisdom urged elsewhere in Scripture. If they tie me up with new ropes - Samson chooses “new ropes” as the next phony condition. Earlier, the men of Judah had bound him with “two new ropes” (Judges 15:13); he snapped those easily. By repeating the same material, Samson proves that he remembers the past yet assumes Delilah will not. - The statement hints that Samson sees his own deliverance as automatic, taking God’s empowerment for granted (Judges 15:14-15). - Cross reference: Romans 6:1-2 warns against assuming continued grace while persisting in reckless behavior: “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not!”. Samson is skirting that line. that have never been used - “Never been used” stresses freshness and supposed unbreakability. Culturally, objects set apart for a single purpose often carried special significance (Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3). - Delilah will interpret this as a legitimate vulnerability. Samson counts on God’s past miracles and assumes a mere object—new ropes—cannot hold him. - Cross reference: Psalm 33:16-17 reminds, “No king is saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.” Depending on ritual novelty rather than the Lord always fails. I will become as weak as any other man - Samson’s claim is a lie, yet it foreshadows what will shortly happen when he reveals his Nazarite vow (Judges 16:17). The phrase “as weak as any other man” underscores the truth that Samson’s strength is entirely from God, not innate. - His casual mention of weakness shows how lightly he holds the sacred trust placed on him from birth (Judges 13:5). - Cross reference: John 15:5, “Apart from Me you can do nothing,” echoes the principle that divine power, not human might, sustains God’s servants. summary Samson’s third deceptive answer to Delilah highlights a man trifling with holy gifts. He speaks carelessly, leans on God’s past deliverances, and imagines he controls the outcome. Judges 16:11 warns believers against presuming upon grace, cherishing secret sin, and flirting with temptation. Real strength comes from humble dependence on the Lord, not from clever words or outward symbols. |
    |