And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock.
They said to him, 'No, we won't kill you. But we will tie you up tightly and hand you over to them.' So they tied him up with two new ropes and brought him up from the cliff.
The men of Judah promised Samson they wouldn't kill him, but they would tie him up and surrender him to the Philistines.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the period when the Philistines ruled over Israel and Samson had been causing them trouble through his supernatural strength. The men of Judah, fearing Philistine retaliation against their community, decided to capture their own champion Samson and turn him over to their oppressors rather than support him in fighting for their freedom.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.