Definition: And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 16:11. It's a really powerful statement about resilience and the power of God. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is trapped and severely hindered – almost powerless – because they are bound by new, useless ropes that simply don’t exist . The speaker is saying he's so vulnerable and helpless that he becomes weak and unable to fight. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said unto her…” : This establishes who’s speaking – a powerful figure (likely a judge or leader). He's addressing a woman. “…If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied…” : This is the key part. "New ropes" symbolize new challenges, obstacles, or situations. “Never occupied” emphasizes that these ropes are completely absent – there’s nothing for them to use. It suggests a situation where there's no support or assistance available. “…then shall I be weak, and be as another man.” : This is the consequence of being trapped in this situation. “Weak” means he becomes vulnerable and unable to fight or defend himself. "As another man" – it’s a metaphor for becoming diminished, less capable, and possibly even powerless compared to someone else. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to the idea of being overwhelmed by adversity. It's about recognizing that sometimes we can be completely vulnerable when faced with difficult circumstances. It encourages us to: Be resilient: Don’t give up easily. Seek help: Don’t try to fight alone – there’s strength in asking for assistance. Focus on what you can control: Even when things seem hopeless, remember your strengths and capabilities. In short, it's a reminder that even when we feel trapped, we still have the potential to be strong despite being hindered. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (e.g., how it relates to the larger story of the book)?