Judges 16:4

KJV

¶ And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name [was] Delilah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass afterward {H310}, that he loved {H157} a woman {H802} in the valley {H5158} of Sorek {H7796}, whose name {H8034} was Delilah {H1807}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, he fell in love with a woman who lived in the Sorek Valley, whose name was D'lilah.

Berean Standard Bible

Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:4 marks a pivotal and tragic turning point in the narrative of Samson, the divinely empowered judge of Israel. Despite a history of personal failures and national complications stemming from his involvement with Philistine women, Samson once again succumbs to his carnal desires, developing a deep affection for a woman named Delilah from the strategically significant Valley of Sorek. This verse sets the ominous stage for Samson's ultimate betrayal, the catastrophic loss of his Nazirite strength, and his subsequent capture by the Philistines, powerfully illustrating the perilous consequences of spiritual compromise and misplaced affection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 16:4 immediately follows Samson's audacious and defiant escape from Gaza, where he tore away the city gates and carried them to Hebron, a dramatic display of his immense strength even after a morally questionable encounter with a harlot ([Judges 16:1-3](/judges/16-1-3 "Judges 16:1-3 - Samson's Escape from Gaza")). This recurring pattern of Samson's personal moral failures contrasting sharply with his divine empowerment is a central motif throughout his narrative in the book of Judges. His initial marriage to a Philistine woman in Timnah ([Judges 14](/judges/14 "Judges 14 - Samson's Marriage in Timnah")) also ended in betrayal and conflict, yet he persistently gravitates towards intimate relationships with women from Israel's primary oppressors. The introduction of Delilah in this verse represents the culmination of this destructive and self-defeating pattern, directly leading to the unraveling of his Nazirite vow and his eventual downfall, serving as the climactic and tragic turning point of Samson's personal narrative within the broader cycle of Israel's apostasy and divine deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "valley of Sorek" (Nahal Sorek) was a fertile wadi that functioned as a natural borderland between the Israelite territory of Judah and the Philistine pentapolis. Its strategic location meant that interactions, both peaceful and hostile, between Israelites and Philistines were common and often fraught with tension. The Philistines were the dominant oppressors of Israel during Samson's era, and their constant presence and pervasive cultural influence posed a significant and ongoing threat to Israel's spiritual distinctiveness and covenant fidelity. For an Israelite judge, consecrated to God through a Nazirite vow, to engage in a deeply intimate relationship with a woman from this enemy territory—especially one who would prove to be an agent of their adversaries—was a profound act of cultural, national, and spiritual compromise. Such intermarriages and intimate relationships were frequently forbidden or strongly discouraged in the Old Testament due to the inherent risk of idolatry, assimilation, and the erosion of Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several crucial themes prevalent not only in the book of Judges but also throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **spiritual compromise** and the **danger of misplaced affection**. Samson, despite his extraordinary calling and divinely bestowed strength, consistently allows his carnal desires to override his spiritual discernment and commitment to God. His "love" for Delilah is portrayed as an infatuation that blinds him to obvious and repeated dangers, powerfully illustrating how personal weakness and unbridled passion can undermine even the most potent divine gifts and callings. Secondly, it highlights the **insidious nature of sin** and its **gradual, escalating progression**. Samson's repeated compromises, from his initial marriage in Timnah to his encounter in Gaza and now to his entanglement in Sorek, vividly demonstrate how unaddressed desires and unchecked patterns of disobedience can lead to increasingly severe consequences, ultimately culminating in spiritual and physical enslavement. Finally, it subtly touches upon the overarching theme of **divine sovereignty amidst human failure**, as God's ultimate purposes for delivering Israel from the Philistines would indeed be achieved, even through Samson's tragic and costly end, demonstrating God's ability to work through flawed instruments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **loved (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** This primitive root signifies having affection for someone, whether sexually or otherwise. In the context of Samson's character and his previous relationships, this "love" for Delilah appears to be rooted in strong physical attraction and passionate infatuation rather than a deep, covenantal bond based on mutual respect, shared values, or spiritual compatibility. It is a desire that blinds him to obvious dangers and ultimately leads to his downfall, highlighting the destructive potential of affections not guided by wisdom or divine principle.
* **Delilah (Hebrew, _Dᵉlîylâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "languishing" (from H1807, which itself comes from H1809, "to dangle, be weak, languish"), the name "Delilah" is profoundly ironic and serves as a powerful instance of **nominative determinism**. Given her pivotal role in Samson's downfall, her very name foreshadows her function as the instrument of Samson's weakening, enfeeblement, and ultimate betrayal. She embodies the seductive power that can lead to spiritual and physical ruin, causing strength to languish.
* **Sorek (Hebrew, _Sôwrêq'_):** This geographical name literally means "a vine" or "choice vine." The "valley of Sorek" was a fertile region known for its vineyards. This detail is highly symbolic, especially in relation to Samson's Nazirite vow, which strictly prohibited him from consuming any product of the vine (e.g., wine, grapes, even grape seeds or skins) and from cutting his hair, which was the visible sign of his consecration to God ([Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow")). The "choice vine" imagery subtly hints at the temptation and spiritual "intoxication" that would lead Samson astray, ultimately resulting in the cutting of his hair—the symbolic "severing" of his connection to his vow—much like a vine is cut.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass afterward":** This phrase serves as a narrative bridge, linking the current event to Samson's previous exploits, specifically his audacious escape from Gaza. It signifies a continuation of his life's trajectory, which is notably marked by a recurring pattern of engaging with Philistine women despite the negative and often violent consequences. This opening suggests a troubling lack of learning or repentance from past mistakes, setting the ominous stage for an even more devastating and ultimately fatal encounter.
* **"that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek":** This clause introduces both the object of Samson's affection and the critical geographical setting. The verb "loved" (as discussed above) indicates a powerful emotional or physical attraction that drives Samson's actions. The "valley of Sorek" is a crucial detail, placing the woman in a border region that was likely Philistine territory or under their strong influence, thereby underscoring the ongoing spiritual and national compromise inherent in Samson's repeated choices to pursue relationships with women from Israel's enemies.
* **"whose name [was] Delilah":** The explicit naming of Delilah in this verse immediately signals her profound importance and distinguishes her from previous, often unnamed, women in Samson's life (like the harlot in Gaza). By giving her a name, the narrative elevates her role from a casual encounter to that of a significant, named antagonist. Her name itself, potentially meaning "weakener" or "betrayer," serves as a potent and chilling foreshadowing of her pivotal and destructive role in Samson's narrative, marking her as the instrument of his downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 16:4 is rich in **foreshadowing**, as the introduction of Delilah and the specific setting in the Valley of Sorek immediately signals impending doom for Samson. The audience, well aware of Samson's previous failures with Philistine women and the inherent dangers of such entanglements, anticipates the tragic outcome of this new relationship. There is also profound **irony** at play: Samson, a judge endowed with superhuman strength by God specifically to deliver Israel from its Philistine oppressors, is repeatedly undone by his own moral weakness and carnal desires, particularly for women from those very enemies. His immense physical might is rendered useless by his spiritual and emotional frailty. The verse also functions as a critical point in a **pattern of repetition**, reinforcing Samson's consistent inability to control his passions and exercise spiritual discernment, leading him into compromising relationships that ultimately threaten his divine calling and his life. Finally, the **symbolism** of the "valley of Sorek" (literally, "valley of the choice vine") subtly alludes to Samson's Nazirite vow, which prohibited grape products, creating a poignant and ironic backdrop for his spiritual decline and the eventual cutting of his hair, which was the visible sign of his consecration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:4 serves as a stark and enduring warning against the dangers of spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of unbridled desire. Samson's tragic story powerfully illustrates that even those uniquely gifted and called by God are not immune to temptation and the devastating consequences of consistently yielding to sin. His "love" for Delilah, rooted in infatuation and carnal appetite rather than godly wisdom, highlights the critical importance of discernment in all relationships and the imperative to guard one's heart against influences that can subtly erode spiritual integrity and commitment. The narrative underscores that while God's ultimate purposes will prevail, personal disobedience carries severe and often tragic consequences, leading to personal bondage, suffering, and a diminished witness. It reminds believers that true strength lies not merely in physical prowess or gifted abilities, but in unwavering faithfulness, obedience, and a disciplined heart that prioritizes God's will above all personal desires.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samson's tragic trajectory, culminating in his entanglement with Delilah, offers timeless and sobering lessons for every believer across generations. This verse calls us to a profound and honest self-examination regarding the true affections of our hearts and the discerning choices we make, particularly in our relationships. It is a powerful reminder that our greatest vulnerabilities often lie not in overt external threats, but in unaddressed internal desires, unchecked passions, and subtle compromises that gradually erode our spiritual foundations. We are challenged to consider what "valleys of Sorek" might exist in our own lives—places, relationships, or even habits that, while initially appearing attractive, harmless, or even beneficial, carry the insidious potential to subtly erode our spiritual commitments, compromise our walk with God, and ultimately lead to spiritual or moral downfall. True spiritual strength is not merely about avoiding overt sin, but about cultivating a disciplined heart that vigilantly guards against the gradual creep of compromise and diligently seeks divine wisdom in all its affections and choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to spiritual compromise, echoing Samson's pattern of misplaced affection and unbridled desire?**
* **How do my current relationships and closest associations align with my spiritual values and commitments, and are there any "Delilahs" (influences that subtly weaken or betray my walk with God) that I need to prayerfully address?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment, self-control, and discipline in my desires and choices, particularly concerning romantic or intimate relationships?**
* **Am I taking seriously the "small" compromises or seemingly insignificant indulgences in my life, understanding that they can incrementally lead to greater spiritual vulnerability and potentially devastating consequences?**

### FAQ
**Was Delilah a Philistine?**

Answer: While the biblical text does not explicitly state Delilah's ethnicity, her residence in the "valley of Sorek," a border region frequently under Philistine control and influence, strongly suggests she was either Philistine or at least deeply sympathetic to their cause. The fact that the Philistine lords directly approach her to betray Samson ([Judges 16:5](/judges/16-5 "Judges 16:5 - Philistine Lords Bribe Delilah")) further supports her alignment with Israel's enemies. Given Samson's consistent and destructive pattern of being drawn to Philistine women (his wife in Timnah, the harlot in Gaza), it is overwhelmingly probable that Delilah continued this pattern of dangerous entanglement.

**Why did Samson keep falling for Philistine women despite the dangers?**

Answer: Samson's repeated attraction to Philistine women highlights a tragic and persistent flaw in his character: a profound struggle with carnal desires, a lack of spiritual discernment, and a failure to learn from past consequences. Despite his divine calling and supernatural strength, he consistently allowed his physical appetites and personal passions to override his Nazirite vows and his sacred role as Israel's judge and deliverer. This pattern demonstrates the powerful and often blinding grip of temptation and the human tendency to repeat destructive behaviors, even when the negative consequences are painfully evident. It underscores that even divinely empowered individuals are profoundly vulnerable to personal weakness and the allure of forbidden desires, a theme echoed in the lives of other biblical figures who struggled with similar issues, such as King Solomon, whose foreign wives led him into idolatry ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry Through Foreign Wives")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson's tragic story, particularly his entanglement with Delilah, serves as a poignant and powerful contrast that ultimately points us to the perfect obedience, unwavering faithfulness, and uncompromised strength of Jesus Christ. Samson, despite his miraculous physical strength, was ultimately weakened and betrayed by his own carnal desires and misplaced affections, leading to his capture, humiliation, and the loss of his anointing. He was a deliverer who himself desperately needed deliverance from his own sin and self-indulgence. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true and greater Deliverer, faced every conceivable temptation ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")) yet never succumbed to sin, perfectly fulfilling the will of His Father in every regard. While Samson's strength was physical, temporary, and ultimately compromised, Christ's power is spiritual, eternal, and absolute, demonstrated not by tearing down city gates but by conquering sin and death on the cross. Unlike Samson, who was ensnared by a "love" that led to betrayal and bondage, Christ's love for His Church, His bride, is pure, self-sacrificial, and eternally faithful ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Where Samson's personal failures led to his eyes being gouged out and a life of physical bondage, Christ, through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, opened the eyes of the spiritually blind and set the captives free from the bondage of sin and death ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Ministry of Liberation")). Samson's story, therefore, underscores humanity's desperate need for a Savior whose strength is not compromised by human weakness, a need perfectly met in the unblemished life and atoning work of Jesus, the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world.

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.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 10:6

¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Proverbs 22:14

¶ The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

1 Kings 11:1

¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

Proverbs 23:27

For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit.

Proverbs 26:11

¶ As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.

Proverbs 27:22

¶ Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him.

Nehemiah 13:26

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.