Judges 16:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Delilah {H1807} said {H559} unto Samson {H8123}, Hitherto {H2008} thou hast mocked {H2048} me, and told {H1696} me lies {H3577}: tell {H5046} me wherewith thou mightest be bound {H631}. And he said {H559} unto her, If thou weavest {H707} the seven {H7651} locks {H4253} of my head {H7218} with the web {H4545}.

Complete Jewish Bible

D'lilah said to Shimshon, "Till now you've been making fun of me and telling me lies. Tell me what it takes to tie you up." He said, "If you weave the seven locks of my hair across thread on a loom."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me all along! Tell me how you can be tied up.” He told her, “If you weave the seven braids of my head into the web of a loom and tighten it with a pin, I will become as weak as any other man.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:13 captures the escalating tension and dangerous intimacy between Samson and Delilah, marking Delilah's third persistent attempt to uncover the secret of Samson's supernatural strength. Driven by the Philistine lords' promise of reward, Delilah confronts Samson with an accusation of deceit, demanding the true method by which he could be subdued. Samson, in turn, offers a deceptive yet dangerously close revelation, suggesting his strength could be neutralized if the seven locks of his hair were woven into a loom's web, hinting at the true source of his power and his Nazarite consecration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic narrative of Samson and Delilah in [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah"). Following two previous failed attempts by Delilah to extract Samson's secret, where he deliberately misled her with false methods of restraint (first with fresh bowstrings in [Judges 16:7](/judges/16-7 "Judges 16:7 - Samson's First Deception") and then with new ropes in [Judges 16:11](/judges/16-11 "Judges 16:11 - Samson's Second Deception")), this third exchange reveals Delilah's mounting frustration and Samson's increasing vulnerability. The narrative builds suspense with each failed attempt, drawing Samson closer to betraying the divine secret of his strength, which is inextricably linked to his Nazarite vow. The immediate verses show Delilah's manipulative persistence and Samson's dangerous game of testing her resolve.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges portrays a turbulent period in Israel's history, marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers (like the Philistines), and divine deliverance through judges. The Philistines, a powerful seafaring people settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan, were a constant threat to Israel's sovereignty. Their culture was distinct, often clashing with Israelite monotheism. In this context, Samson, as a judge, was a divinely appointed deliverer against Philistine oppression. Delilah, a Philistine woman, represents not only a personal temptation but also a national threat, acting as an agent for Israel's enemies. The concept of a Nazarite vow, as outlined in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"), was a specific form of consecration to God, involving abstinence from wine, avoidance of defilement by the dead, and crucially, never cutting one's hair. This vow was central to Samson's identity and strength, making his casualness with Delilah a profound act of spiritual compromise.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Samson and Delilah, particularly in [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah"), powerfully illustrates several key themes. **Persistent Temptation and Deception** are central, as Delilah relentlessly pursues her goal, using emotional manipulation and repeated questioning to wear down Samson's defenses. Her accusation, "Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies," underscores her manipulative strategy. **Compromise and Spiritual Vulnerability** are starkly evident in Samson's character. Despite his unparalleled physical strength and divine calling, his repeated engagement with Delilah's inquiries, even after experiencing her betrayal, reveals a profound spiritual and moral weakness. This willingness to "play with fire" ultimately leads to his downfall, demonstrating that even those greatly gifted by God can fall prey to their own desires and lack of discipline, echoing warnings found in passages like [Proverbs 6:27-28](/proverbs/6-27 "Proverbs 6:27-28 - Playing with Fire"). Finally, the **Symbolism of the Hair and Consecration** is paramount. Samson's mention of "the seven locks of my head" is the closest he has come to revealing the truth, directly referencing the visible sign of his lifelong Nazarite vow. The number seven often signifies completeness or perfection in biblical thought, subtly hinting at the entirety of his consecrated life and the totality of the vow he was dangerously close to violating, as detailed in [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - The Nazarite Vow Regarding Hair").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mocked (Hebrew, _talal'_):** The Hebrew verb תָּלַל ( _talal'_) means to mock, to trifle with, to make a fool of, or to scorn. Delilah's use of this word ("Hitherto thou hast mocked me") is a calculated emotional appeal, designed to shame Samson and pressure him into revealing the truth. It implies that Samson has treated her with contempt and disrespect, playing a dangerous game with her affections and her mission. This accusation highlights the psychological warfare at play, where Delilah attempts to shift the blame and guilt onto Samson for his deceptions.
* **Seven locks (Hebrew, _sheva' machl'fot'_):** The phrase שֶׁבַע מַחְלְפוֹת ( _sheva' machl'fot'_) refers specifically to the distinct braids or plaits of Samson's hair. This is not merely long hair but hair styled into specific, recognizable locks. The number "seven" is highly significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. For Samson, these seven locks were the visible sign of his lifelong Nazarite vow, a direct manifestation of his consecration to God. The cutting of these locks would signify the breaking of this sacred covenant and the removal of the source of his divine strength, as stipulated in [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - The Razor and the Nazarite's Head").
* **Web (Hebrew, _massekheth'_):** The Hebrew term מַסֶּכֶת ( _massekheth'_) refers to the warp of a loom – the threads stretched lengthwise through which the weft (cross-threads) is woven. Samson's suggestion implies that his hair would be integrated into the very fabric being woven on the loom, effectively binding him to the loom itself. This method of "binding" is a clever, yet ultimately dangerous, play on words and actions, as it brings him physically into contact with the very tools that would be used to sever his connection to his strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies:"** This opening clause reveals Delilah's intense frustration and manipulative strategy. Her accusation is designed to evoke guilt and pressure Samson into compliance. The repetition of his deceit ("mocked me, and told me lies") underscores her relentless pursuit of the truth, highlighting the emotional toll of their deceptive game and her unwavering commitment to her mission for the Philistine lords.
* **"tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound."** This is Delilah's direct and persistent demand. It cuts through the emotional accusation and returns to her core objective: discovering the secret to subdue Samson. The phrasing emphasizes her desire for control and mastery over him, reflecting the Philistines' overarching goal to neutralize their formidable enemy. Her focus remains solely on the means of his incapacitation.
* **"And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web."** Samson's response is a critical turning point. While still a deception, it is the closest he has come to revealing the true source of his strength. By mentioning "the seven locks of my head," he explicitly points to the very symbol of his Nazarite vow and divine power. The proposed method of "weaving... with the web" suggests a binding that is intricate and seemingly innocuous, yet it places his sacred hair in a vulnerable position, foreshadowing the ultimate act of betrayal and the severing of his consecration.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [Judges 16:13](/judges/16-13 "Judges 16:13 - Delilah's Third Attempt") employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Repetition** is evident in Delilah's persistent questioning and Samson's repeated deceptions, building a sense of escalating tension and inevitability. This pattern underscores the insidious nature of temptation and the wearing down of resistance. **Irony** pervades the entire narrative: Samson, a man of unparalleled physical strength, is paradoxically weak in character and vulnerable to the manipulations of a woman. His playful engagement with Delilah's demands, despite knowing her intentions, is deeply ironic given the gravity of his divine calling. **Foreshadowing** is present in Samson's mention of "the seven locks of my head," which directly hints at the true secret of his strength and the ultimate method of his undoing. This subtle revelation builds suspense for the reader who understands the significance of the Nazarite vow. Finally, **Symbolism** is crucial, particularly with "the seven locks of my head." The hair is not merely a physical attribute but a powerful symbol of Samson's consecration to God and the source of his divine strength. The number seven itself carries symbolic weight, representing completeness or divine order, emphasizing the totality of his vow that is now dangerously close to being compromised.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:13 profoundly illustrates the theological themes of covenant fidelity, the insidious nature of persistent temptation, and the devastating consequences of compromise. Samson's strength was a direct manifestation of God's Spirit and his covenant with God through the Nazarite vow. His casualness with the symbols of this vow demonstrates a progressive disregard for his divine calling and a dangerous testing of God's patience. The narrative serves as a stark warning against playing with sin and tolerating destructive influences, even when one possesses great spiritual gifts or strength. It highlights that true strength is not merely physical but spiritual and moral, rooted in unwavering devotion to God. The repeated failures of Samson underscore the human propensity for sin and the need for constant vigilance over one's heart and commitments.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Warning Against Overconfidence")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The interaction between Samson and Delilah in Judges 16:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent reminder that even individuals endowed with remarkable gifts or a powerful calling can be vulnerable to persistent temptation and compromise. Samson's repeated willingness to engage with Delilah's deceptive inquiries, despite knowing her true motives, illustrates the danger of playing with sin rather than fleeing from it. This passage challenges us to honestly assess the "Delilahs" in our own lives—whether they are relationships, habits, or desires—that subtly erode our spiritual commitments and draw us away from God's will. It underscores the critical importance of guarding our hearts, discerning destructive influences, and recognizing that true spiritual strength lies not in our own abilities, but in our unwavering consecration to God and our reliance on His power. We are called to be vigilant, to set firm boundaries, and to prioritize our covenant relationship with God above all else, lest we, like Samson, forfeit the source of our strength through seemingly small compromises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Delilahs" (temptations, relationships, habits) in your life are subtly eroding your spiritual commitments?**
* **How does Samson's repeated engagement with Delilah, despite knowing her intent, reflect a dangerous pattern of playing with sin?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be compromising your consecration to God, even in seemingly small ways?**
* **What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and strengthen your spiritual resolve against persistent temptations?**

### FAQ
**Why does Samson keep telling Delilah false secrets, and why does he eventually tell her the truth?**

Answer: Samson's repeated deception of Delilah, followed by his eventual revelation, highlights a complex interplay of arrogance, overconfidence, and a dangerous infatuation. Initially, Samson seems to be playing a game, perhaps believing he is invincible and can outwit Delilah. He enjoys the thrill of the chase and the attention, underestimating the seriousness of the situation and the depth of Delilah's manipulative intent. His strength had always saved him before, leading to a false sense of security. However, Delilah's relentless persistence, coupled with emotional manipulation ("How can you say, 'I love you,' when your heart is not with me?" as she says in [Judges 16:15](/judges/16-15 "Judges 16:15 - Delilah's Emotional Manipulation")), eventually wears him down. He prioritizes his desire to please her and end her incessant nagging over his sacred vow and divine calling. This demonstrates a tragic spiritual blindness and a failure to guard his heart, ultimately leading him to betray the secret of his strength, which was tied to his Nazarite vow, as described in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson, as a judge and deliverer for Israel, serves as a type of Christ, yet his story also starkly contrasts with the perfect Savior. Like Samson, Jesus was set apart by God from birth and empowered by the Spirit to deliver His people from their enemies. However, while Samson, despite his divine strength, succumbed to the weakness of his flesh and the allure of temptation, ultimately betraying his consecration and being led captive, Jesus Christ remained perfectly obedient to the Father in every respect. The "seven locks" of Samson's hair symbolized his consecration and the source of his strength, but this physical symbol could be cut, leading to his downfall. In contrast, the true strength of Christ was not dependent on an external sign but on His inherent divine nature and His perfect, unwavering obedience to God's will, even unto death on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death"). Samson's capture and blinding foreshadow the suffering of a deliverer, but his ultimate act of self-sacrifice, though flawed, points to the perfect, atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Where Samson's strength failed due to compromise, Christ's strength was manifested in His steadfastness, overcoming sin and death not by physical might, but by perfect love and obedience, securing eternal deliverance for all who believe, as celebrated in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.