Overview
The Bible addresses delilah across 15 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges. Closely related themes include Valleys, Philistines, Weaving and Nazarites. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Samson and Delilah.
Key Bible verses about delilah
Old Testament
Judges
And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. in: or, by the brook
And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver. afflict: or, humble
And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.
And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. green: or, new cords: Heb. moist another: Heb. one
Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them. green: or, new cords: Heb. moist
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. toucheth: Heb. smelleth
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.
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. that never: Heb. wherewith work hath not been done
Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread.
And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.
And she fastened it with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web.
And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.
And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; vexed: Heb. shortened
That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.
And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand.
People in the Bible and delilah
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying delilah for yourself
- Begin with Judges 16:4, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Samson and Delilah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Valleys, Philistines, Weaving and Nazarites.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about delilah?
The Bible addresses delilah across 15 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges. Closely related themes include Valleys, Philistines, Weaving and Nazarites. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Samson and Delilah.
How many Bible verses are about delilah?
The Bible references delilah in 15 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention delilah?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Judges 16:4: “And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. in: or, by the brook”
Which people in the Bible are associated with delilah?
Samson and Delilah.
Preach & teach
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