Bible Dictionary
WITHES, WITHS, GREEN
Green withes were fresh, moist cords or probably gut bowstrings used by Delilah to bind Samson. Their freshness made them suitable for binding while still flexible and strong.
Definition
Green withes were fresh, moist, flexible cords, probably made from gut and suitable for use as bowstrings. The term translated “green” means fresh, sappy, or moist rather than necessarily green in color.
Biblical Usage
Delilah used green withes to bind Samson. The passage’s margin explains them as new bowstrings or new moist cords.
Historical Background
The material was probably a moist gut of the kind used for bowstrings. Related terms elsewhere mean bowstrings or cords.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>withs, (yetharim lachim, margin "new bowstrings," the King James Version margin "new (moist) cords" (Jud 16:7); Septuagint neura hugra): The material with which Samson was bound by Delilah (Jud 16:8) was probably some moist "gut" such as was used for bowstrings. Compare metharim, "bowstrings" (Ps 21:12; yether, Job 30:11; Ps 11:2); lahim, translated "green," means "fresh," "sappy" or "moist."</p>