Original Word: אָלַץ
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: alats
Pronunciation: ah-lats
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-lats')
KJV: urge
NASB: urged
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to press

urge

A primitive root; to press -- urge.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to urge
NASB Translation
urged (1).

[אָלַץ] verb Pi`el urge (Aramaic , Samaritan ) 3 feminine singular וַתְּאַלֲצֵהוּ Judges 16:6 ("" הֵצִיקָה לוֺ בִדְבָרֶיהָ).

אַלְקוּם see I. אַל.

Semantic Sphere and Core Idea

The verb אָלַץ portrays a force that is applied until resistance is broken. Its color is one of relentless coercion—mental, verbal, or emotional—rather than physical violence. The word stands in the orbit of ideas such as pressing, urging, vexing, and importuning. Whenever it appears, the emphasis is on wearisome persistence that brings the victim to the point of capitulation or despair.

Canonical Occurrence: Judges 16:16

“And day after day she pressed him and urged him with her words, so that his soul grew weary to the point of death.” (Judges 16:16)

Delilah’s tactics illustrate the essence of אָלַץ. She applies systematic pressure on Samson, not by sword or spear, but by words. Each appeal chips away at his resolve until his inner strength collapses. The Hebrew narrative underscores how spiritual compromise often begins with tolerating small, repeated concessions rather than a single dramatic fall.

Historical Setting

Samson’s ministry unfolds during the Philistine domination of Israel. While Samson possesses extraordinary physical might, Judges 16 exposes a spiritual vulnerability to charm and persistent persuasion. Delilah is functioning as an instrument of Philistine strategy—an espionage operative executing psychological warfare. Her weapon is not iron but unceasing entreaty. Thus the lone occurrence of אָלַץ is also a commentary on Israel’s larger struggle: internal erosion frequently precedes external defeat.

Theological Implications

1. Persistence of Temptation: The episode marks how sin rarely presents itself only once (compare Genesis 39:10; Proverbs 7:13-15). It circles, probes, and presses.
2. Volitional Responsibility: Samson is not a helpless victim. The text balances Delilah’s external pressure with Samson’s internal negligence toward his Nazirite calling (Numbers 6:5).
3. The Enemy’s Strategy: Judges 16 anticipates the New Testament warning, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8) by showing that the enemy may roar or whisper—both intend to exhaust faith.

Parallel Concepts in Scripture

• Proverbs 27:15 compares a contentious spouse to “a constant dripping,” echoing the attritional aspect of אָלַץ.
• Proverbs 7 sketches the seductive woman whose “smooth talk” leads to downfall; the vocabulary differs, but the dynamic is identical.
• Luke 18:1-8 portrays the persistent widow whose importunity moves an unjust judge—illustrating that relentless urging can, in righteous contexts, be commended when directed toward God rather than man.

Applications for Ministry and Discipleship

• Spiritual Resilience: Teach believers to identify subtle, repetitive temptations. Samson’s account proves that anointing does not substitute for vigilance.
• Setting Boundaries: Pastoral counseling should highlight the wisdom of limiting proximity to voices that continually wear down conviction (Psalm 1:1).
• Prayer as Counter-Pressure: Jesus instructs, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40). Persistent prayer is heaven’s answer to persistent temptation.
• Accountability: Community support counters isolation, the condition that made Samson’s secret meetings with Delilah both possible and perilous (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Christological and New Covenant Resonance

In Gethsemane the Savior is “pressed” (literally, olive-pressed) under the weight of impending wrath, yet He resolves, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Where Samson yielded to coercion, Jesus stands firm, providing the model and the enabling grace for believers to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Homiletical Themes

1. “Death by Drip”: How small compromises become spiritual collapse.
2. “Voices at the Gate”: Guarding the heart from persuasive intrusions (Proverbs 4:23).
3. “The Strength of Saying No”: Empowered by the Spirit to withstand relentless appeal (Galatians 5:16-17).

Summary

אַָלַץ captures the grinding force of repeated pressure that seeks to overpower the will. Its solitary appearance in Judges 16:16 magnifies its message: persistent coercion, if tolerated, disarms even the strongest. Scripture answers with an equally persistent call to steadfastness, watchfulness, and prayer, all anchored in the triumph of Christ, who withstood every assault and now supplies strength to His people.

וַתְּאַֽלֲצֵ֑הוּ ותאלצהו vattealaTzehu wat·tə·’a·lă·ṣê·hū wattə’alăṣêhūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts