### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Dᵉlîylâh** `{{H1807}}`, meaning **languishing**, is the name of a Philistine woman. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, exclusively within the narrative of Samson in the book of Judges. Her story is one of affection, deception, and the eventual downfall of one of Israel's judges.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Dᵉlîylâh** `{{H1807}}` is introduced as a **woman** `{{H802}}` in the valley of **Sorek** `{{H7796}}` whom **Samson** `{{H8123}}` **loved** `{{H157}}` [[Judges 16:4]]. Her role quickly becomes clear as she repeatedly questions Samson about the secret of his **great** `{{H1419}}` **strength** `{{H3581}}`, asking how he could be **bound** `{{H631}}` and **afflicted** `{{H6031}}` [[Judges 16:6]]. After multiple attempts where Samson misleads her, **Dᵉlîylâh** `{{H1807}}` accuses him of having **mocked** `{{H2048}}` her and told her **lies** `{{H3577}}` ([[Judges 16:10]], [[Judges 16:13]]). Ultimately, when Samson reveals all his **heart** `{{H3820}}` to her, she **sent** `{{H7971}}` for the Philistine **lords** `{{H5633}}`, leading to his capture [[Judges 16:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narrative surrounding Delilah:
* `{{H157}}` **ʼâhab** (to have affection for): This root establishes the initial relationship between Samson and Delilah, as the text states he **loved** `{{H157}}` her [[Judges 16:4]].
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (vigor, strength, power): This represents the central object of Delilah's quest. Her persistent questioning is focused on discovering the source of Samson's great **strength** `{{H3581}}` [[Judges 16:6]].
* `{{H2048}}` **hâthal** (to deride; by implication, to cheat): This word captures the manipulative nature of their dialogue. Delilah repeatedly accuses Samson, saying "thou hast **mocked** me" ([[Judges 16:10]], [[Judges 16:13]]), while she herself is deceiving him.
### Theological Significance
The narrative of **Dᵉlîylâh** `{{H1807}}` carries significant thematic weight within the story of Samson.
* **Betrayal for Gain:** Delilah's actions are motivated by the promise of **money** `{{H3701}}` from the Philistine **lords** `{{H5633}}`. After Samson finally **told** `{{H5046}}` her the truth, she immediately **sent** `{{H7971}}` for them, demonstrating a clear betrayal [[Judges 16:18]].
* **The Power of Deception:** The interactions between Samson and Delilah are a contest of deceit. She repeatedly accuses him of telling her **lies** `{{H3577}}`, while her own questions are a pretense to **afflict** `{{H6031}}` him ([[Judges 16:6]], [[Judges 16:10]]).
* **Vulnerability of the Heart:** Samson’s ultimate downfall comes not from a loss of physical power, but from a moment of emotional vulnerability when he **told** `{{H5046}}` Delilah "all his **heart** `{{H3820}}`" [[Judges 16:18]]. This act of trust is immediately exploited.
### Summary
In summary, **Dᵉlîylâh** `{{H1807}}` is a pivotal figure in the downfall of **Samson** `{{H8123}}`. Her name is tied exclusively to her role as the Philistine **woman** `{{H802}}` who used affection and persistent deception to uncover the secret of Samson's **great** `{{H1419}}` **strength** `{{H3581}}`. By feigning hurt and accusing him of telling **lies** `{{H3577}}`, she manipulated him into revealing his vulnerability, leading directly to his capture by the Philistine **lords** `{{H5633}}`. Her story serves as a stark illustration of betrayal and the consequences of misplaced trust.
TRV