complete verse (Judges 16:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Judges 16:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “Samson said to Delilah, ‘If a person ties me with new ropes that have never yet been used, I shall become weak like any man.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He said to her — "If someone were to tie me up with new ropes that had not been used, I would become weak like other people."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Samson said, ‘If I will-be-tied-up with a new rope/chain/cord that has- not ever -been-used, my strength will- now -be just like the other men.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Samson replied, ‘If someone ties me with new ropes, ones that have never been used, I will be as weak as other men.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Judges 16:11

And he said to her: Following the pattern in the first incident (verse 16.7), Samson offers another explanation of how he can be bound. He again uses a condition-consequence structure. Most languages will retain the pronouns here, but if needed, full names can be used. The general verb said may be rendered “answered” (Contemporary English Version, New American Bible) or “replied” (New Living Translation, New Jerusalem Bible).

If they bind me with new ropes that have not been used: This time Samson suggests new ropes are the secret to making him weak. The Hebrew expression for If they bind me is stronger than the one in verse 16.7. Here it is literally “If binding they bind me,” which means “If they bind me very tightly/securely.” Many versions miss this emphasis (Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation), but translators should try to express it. The pronoun they could refer to the Philistines, but it more likely has a general meaning, for example, “If someone binds me very tightly.”

With new ropes that have not been used is literally “with new ropes that work has not been done with them.” In place of fresh bowstrings, this time Samson suggests he be tied up with new ropes (see verse 15.13). Since they have never been used, these ropes have not had a chance to weaken. Ropes are usually made of several strands, so they are stronger than bowstrings. We can say “with ropes that have just been made and have never been used” or “with new ropes that no one has ever used.” However, once again the audience knows that Samson is not telling the truth.

Then I shall become weak, and be like any other man: See verse 16.7.

Translation models for this verse are:

• And he replied to Delilah, “If people bind me tightly with new ropes that have never been used, then I will become weak, just like any other man.”

• Samson told her that if he was tied up with new, unused ropes, he would only be as strong as other human beings.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Judges 16:11

16:11a He replied, “If they tie me up with new ropes that have never been used,

He said, “If someone ties me with new ropes that have never been used
-or-
He answered, “If they tie me with new ropes that no one has ever used

16:11b I will become as weak as any other man.”

I will become as weak as other men.”
-or-
I will become weak like other people.”

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