Bible Strands
Judges 16:9
While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Delilah calls out to Samson from the chamber while Philistine men lie hidden, alerting him that his captors have arrived.
The words — The Hebrew term אֹרֵב (’o.rev) denotes the hidden ambushers sitting in the chamber, emphasizing their concealed readiness to strike.
The thread — The imagery of sudden destruction parallels the psalmist’s description of thorns swept away by fire before they can feel heat (Psalms 58:9).
Why it lands — The text records Samson’s effortless breaking of the cords and notes that his strength source remained unknown, demanding recognition that divine power operates independently of human awareness.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
Cross-references
- Psalms 58:9 Before your pots can feel the burning thorns—whether green or dry—He will sweep them away.