אָלַץ

אָלַץ

to press

Definition

The Hebrew verb אָלַץ (ʼâlats) means to press, urge, or compel someone persistently. It carries the sense of applying strong, often psychological or emotional, pressure to force a particular action or decision. In its sole biblical occurrence, Judges 16:16, it describes how Delilah 'pressed' Samson daily with her words until he was wearied to death, ultimately revealing the secret of his strength. This pressing is not physical but a relentless, wearing-down form of persuasion.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Judges 16:16, within the narrative of Samson and Delilah. It describes Delilah's persistent, nagging verbal pressure on Samson to disclose the source of his strength. The context is one of intimate betrayal and psychological manipulation, where repeated urging leads to a fatal lapse in judgment. The usage highlights a form of coercion that is verbal, emotional, and relentless.

Etymology

אָלַץ is a primitive root. Its fundamental meaning relates to applying pressure or compulsion. Cognates in other Semitic languages suggest meanings of urging or pressing. The root itself does not appear to be derived from another Hebrew verb, indicating its basic, core sense of forceful insistence.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word offers a profound insight into the nature of temptation and spiritual compromise. Delilah's 'pressing' of Samson illustrates how persistent, wearying pressure—often from a close relationship—can erode resolve and lead to catastrophic sin and the breaking of a Nazirite vow (Judges 13:5). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Judges 16 by highlighting the active, aggressive nature of the temptation Samson faced, which was more than simple nagging but a campaign to exhaust his will. In the ancient Near Eastern context, particularly in narratives like Judges, persistent verbal pressure was a recognized form of social manipulation, especially within domestic or intimate settings. Delilah's actions would be understood as a form of psychological warfare, exploiting a personal relationship to achieve a strategic goal (handing Samson over to the Philistines). The 'wearying to death' expresses a cultural understanding of extreme mental and emotional exhaustion. לָחַץ (lachats, H3905) — to press, distress, often with a more physical or oppressive connotation. דָּחַק (dachaq, H1765) — to thrust, crowd, press; often used for physical pressing or narrow straits. פָּתַח (pathach, H6605) — to open, persuade; focuses on the result of persuasion rather than the pressure applied.

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