Did Samson look physically strong?

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Jul 22, 2014
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#1
Did Samson look physically strong?

I know some have claimed that the Bible is silent on such a matter, but I am calling on all Bereans to see whether or not that is truly the case or not. I am going to do my own personal study on this to see myself.
 
Dec 1, 2014
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#2
We know that JESUS was 'comely' and not movie star or run-way material. All characters in the bible were as human as any other human. David was described as handsome and ruddy, Sarah (Abraham's wife) was extremely beautiful and becoming, People then fell in love over looks as much as we do today. Yes, Biblical characters "swooned"! lol They were 'smooth' or 'hairy', they were extravigant, they were miserly. Eli, the prophet, was described as 'old and heavy'. Nebecaneezer lived, acted and looked like an ox for 7 years. What can I say..people are people..even today.they either take good care of themselves, or they don't. Bereans do not have all the answers! LOL
 
Jul 22, 2014
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We know that JESUS was 'comely' and not movie star or run-way material. All characters in the bible were as human as any other human. David was described as handsome and ruddy, Sarah (Abraham's wife) was extremely beautiful and becoming, People then fell in love over looks as much as we do today. Yes, Biblical characters "swooned"! lol They were 'smooth' or 'hairy', they were extravigant, they were miserly. Eli, the prophet, was described as 'old and heavy'. Nebecaneezer lived, acted and looked like an ox for 7 years. What can I say..people are people..even today.they either take good care of themselves, or they don't. Bereans do not have all the answers! LOL
I raised this point because by understanding such a thing (Whether the Scriptures be silent or not silent on such a matter), helps us to always be guided more and more into the truth of God's Word so as to glorify Jesus Christ and train others in righteousness.

As for your statement about the Bereans: I am talking about a believer having the attitude and heart of a Berean. For one, they were open minded. Two, they search the Scriptures to see whether those things be so or not. I am asking believers to search the Scriptures on this matter. Surely it is not wrong to ask believers to research this matter. So I am having a hard time understanding why you would laugh in regards to this topic. For me, the knowledge of God's Word or the study of His Word is never a laughing matter.
 
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Miri

Guest
#4
Hi Jason the following in the "by faith" chapter suggests Samsons strength
came from his faith. Sunday school children are taught his strength came
from his long hair, but IMO his long hair was just a symbol of his anointing
from God.

I always feel a little sorry for Samson, he was clearly anointed and chosen
by God, but I don't think he fully achieved all that God intended for him.
He wasted that anointing, but then at the end of his life imprisoned and
humiliated, he called on the name of the Lord again and the anointing came
giving him strength once again.

As to whether he looked physically strong, I don't believe the Bible says
either way. But bearing in mind that the people of bible times had
no modern day transport, machinery, agricultural machinery etc.
I think the people of the bible must have generally been fitter and more
athletic looking than modern day man.

Look at the disciples they rowed all night to catch fish and control the boat.
I don't know about you but I would have been dead after 10 minutes of rowing!


Hebrews 11:32-40 NKJV
[32] And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and
Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:
[33] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained
promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] quenched the violence of fire,
escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became
valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens
. [35] Women
received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not
accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.
[36] Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains
and imprisonment.

[37] They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were
tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins
and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented- [38] of whom the
world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens
and caves of the earth. [39] And all these, having obtained a good
testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, [40] God having
provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect
apart from us.
 
May 3, 2013
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#5
If he was strong, it would draw more ppl to "him" than the one you thought. :p

At least, to pull off a couple of columns, he could be somewhat large but, do that thread broght attention on Jesus and His plans?

Not trolling! But signing off this subject. (Sorry)
 
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Feb 21, 2012
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#6
Did Samson look physically strong?

I know some have claimed that the Bible is silent on such a matter, but I am calling on all Bereans to see whether or not that is truly the case or not. I am going to do my own personal study on this to see myself.
Maybe he didn't LOOK physically strong -

Judges 16:8-10 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them. 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.And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.

I believe that the strength he relied upon was in "his hair" for they only overcame him when his hair was cut - Delilah kept asking him what was the secret of his great strength . . . He said If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me and I would become as weak as any other man. 13:5 . . . You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the body is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb . . . . So except for his hair he would be the same as any other man.
 

SolidGround

Senior Member
Jan 15, 2014
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#7
Based on the context of the passages about Sampson, I doubt that he looked like Hercules.
It would undercut the basis of why the Philistines were looking for his source of strength.
If it was displayed physically, why look for another source?
This does not mean he was a toothpick, but that he was far stronger than he looked.
 
B

bowharp

Guest
#8
Did Samson look physically strong?

I know some have claimed that the Bible is silent on such a matter, but I am calling on all Bereans to see whether or not that is truly the case or not. I am going to do my own personal study on this to see myself.
You are going to look into Samson's physical strength...You're kidding, right? You know someone who has Samson's DNA sample?
 
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p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
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#9
If someone here was an actual eye witness, and saw Sampson in person, spoke with him and such, I'd be interested in their comments.......everything else is simple speculation.
 

valiant

Senior Member
Mar 22, 2015
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#10
You are going to look into Samson's physical strength...You're kidding, right? You know someone who has Samson's DNA sample?
I can answer this one. I saw him in a movie. He looked pretty strong to me LOL A picture cannot lie. Hmmm.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
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#11
I can't comprehend a mindset that would ponder such a question.
I mean, we have all the treasures laid out before us on account of our God becoming a man and dying for our sins while the world is heading for hell in a Ferrari, and so we ponder the deep theological chesnut, "Did Samson look physically strong?". Lord have mercy on us.
 
V

Viligant_Warrior

Guest
#12
I can't comprehend a mindset that would ponder such a question.
I mean, we have all the treasures laid out before us on account of our God becoming a man and dying for our sins while the world is heading for hell in a Ferrari, and so we ponder the deep theological chesnut, "Did Samson look physically strong?". Lord have mercy on us.
I thought there had to be a double meaning or deep philosophical metaphor to the question when I saw it posted on the board. When I decided to find out what it was about ...

... I was immediately regretful of ever clicking the link.
 

breno785au

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2013
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Australia
#13
I can't comprehend a mindset that would ponder such a question.
I mean, we have all the treasures laid out before us on account of our God becoming a man and dying for our sins while the world is heading for hell in a Ferrari, and so we ponder the deep theological chesnut, "Did Samson look physically strong?". Lord have mercy on us.
But its another useless thing we can argue about lol
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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#15
Did Samson look physically strong?

I know some have claimed that the Bible is silent on such a matter, but I am calling on all Bereans to see whether or not that is truly the case or not. I am going to do my own personal study on this to see myself.
Why would all the Bereans waste their time on this?

Isn't there something better they could do with their time?
Let's see, what did the original Bereans do in Acts?

Oh, I know... they searched the scriptures to tell who was a false prophet!

Fun!
Let's do THAT!
 
P

psychomom

Guest
#16
I raised this point because by understanding such a thing (Whether the Scriptures be silent or not silent on such a matter), helps us to always be guided more and more into the truth of God's Word so as to glorify Jesus Christ and train others in righteousness.
sorry, what?

if 'the Scriptures be silent' on a matter, we know nothing.


or maybe i'm just tired.
 
Dec 26, 2012
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#17
Did Samson look physically strong?

I know some have claimed that the Bible is silent on such a matter, but I am calling on all Bereans to see whether or not that is truly the case or not. I am going to do my own personal study on this to see myself.

What difference would it make? :confused:

The strength that God gave him was beyond anything a normal man would have to begin with.
:rolleyes:
 
Jul 22, 2014
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#18
Why are some people here mocking in seeking out what the Scripture might say on this matter? You either want to do your homework on this with God's Word or you just want to throw around insults which is not edifying to the body of Christ.

In any event, thank you to those here who have responded with an actual serious reply that is kind, loving and respectful. I will keep searching on this matter all to the glory of God and Christ.
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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#19
Why are some people here mocking in seeking out what the Scripture might say on this matter? You either want to do your homework on this with God's Word or you just want to throw around insults which is not edifying to the body of Christ.

In any event, thank you to those here who have responded with an actual serious reply that is kind, loving and respectful. I will keep searching on this matter all to the glory of God and Christ.
1. It's a very silly topic.

2. You're kinda acting like it's a very serious and important topic.

3. When you add #1 and #2 together... you're going to end up with satire.


Don't think of it as "mocking".

Think of it as "friendly satire".
 
Jul 22, 2014
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#20
1. It's a very silly topic.

2. You're kinda acting like it's a very serious and important topic.

3. When you add #1 and #2 together... you're going to end up with satire.

Don't think of it as "mocking".

Think of it as "friendly satire".
First, on the point of mocking: Well, one can still be mocking and unkind and not realize that they are doing so (Which I believe to be the case here).

Second, all Scripture is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). So there is no trivial detail in God's Word. It is all there by God's design. You may think it doesn't mean anything, but I have learned in my study of the Scriptures over the years that even the most smallest details in God's Word has the biggest message. Take for example...

The Cross found in Israelite Camp Arrangement:



The Camp of Israel

And that is just the tip of the iceberg!