lemma דִּלִילָה first vowel, corrected to דְּלִילָה; from דָּלַל; languishing; Delilah, a Philistine woman; Delilah.
Transliteration:Dᵉlîylâh
Pronunciation:del-ee-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun דְּלִילָה (Dᵉlîylâh), `{{H1807}}`, is derived from the root דָּלַל (dālal), `{{H1809}}`, which carries the primary meaning "to hang down," and by extension, "to be low," "to be languid," "to be weak," or "to be impoverished." Thus, the name Delilah itself suggests a nuance of "languishing," "weak," or perhaps "delicate." While a proper noun refers to a specific individual, its etymology can often provide a subtle commentary or foreshadowing regarding the character's nature or actions within the biblical narrative. In this case, the name's inherent meaning of "weakness" or "languishing" starkly contrasts with Samson's immense strength, yet ironically, it is through Delilah that his strength is brought low.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name דְּלִילָה (Dᵉlîylâh) appears exclusively within the book of Judges, specifically in chapter 16. She is introduced as a woman from the Valley of Sorek, with whom Samson falls in love ([[Judges 16:4]]). The Philistine lords, seeking to subdue Samson, approach Delilah and offer her a substantial sum of silver—eleven hundred pieces from each of them—if she can discover the secret of his great strength ([[Judges 16:5]]). Delilah repeatedly presses Samson for this information, employing various tactics of emotional manipulation and persistent nagging. She attempts to bind him with fresh bowstrings ([[Judges 16:7]]), new ropes ([[Judges 16:11]]), and by weaving his hair into the loom ([[Judges 16:13]]). Each time, Samson deceives her, yet her relentless pressure, described as "vexing his soul even to death" ([[Judges 16:16]]), eventually wears him down. Finally, he reveals that his strength lies in his Nazirite vow, specifically his uncut hair ([[Judges 16:17]]). Delilah then orchestrates his capture, having his hair shaved while he sleeps, leading to his immediate loss of strength, blinding, and imprisonment by the Philistines ([[Judges 16:19]]-[[Judges 16:21]]). Her actions are driven by mercenary motives and a clear loyalty to her own people, the Philistines, who are perennial enemies of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for דְּלִילָה (Dᵉlîylâh) is its root, דָּלַל (dālal), `{{H1809}}`. This root is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe a state of being brought low or weak, such as Israel being "greatly impoverished" (דָּלַל) by Midian ([[Judges 6:6]]) or the proud being "brought low" (דָּלַל) by the Lord ([[Isaiah 25:11]]). This connection underscores the irony of Delilah's role in "languishing" or "weakening" Samson.
Other related concepts include:
* **Betrayal and Deception:** Words such as בָּגַד (bagad), `{{H898}}`, "to deal treacherously," and רָמָה (ramah), `{{H7411}}`, "to deceive," resonate with Delilah's actions.
* **Temptation and Seduction:** Delilah embodies the destructive power of seduction and persistent temptation, leading to the downfall of one consecrated to God.
* **Compromise:** Samson's repeated capitulation to Delilah's demands illustrates the dangers of spiritual compromise and the gradual erosion of divine boundaries.
* **Philistine Oppression:** Delilah is an agent of the Philistines, representing the ongoing conflict and spiritual warfare between Israel and its pagan adversaries during the period of the Judges.
### Theological Significance
Delilah's narrative carries profound theological weight. Firstly, she serves as a powerful, albeit unwitting, instrument in God's sovereign plan. Despite her malicious intent and the Philistines' desire to crush Israel's champion, God uses her actions to bring about Samson's ultimate, redemptive act of judgment against the Philistines ([[Judges 16:28]]-[[Judges 16:30]]). This highlights God's ability to orchestrate His purposes even through human sin, rebellion, and the actions of His enemies.
Secondly, Delilah's story stands as a stark cautionary tale regarding the destructive power of temptation and the insidious nature of sin. Samson's repeated yielding to her pressure, despite clear warnings and his own previous deceptions, illustrates how persistent compromise can gradually erode spiritual strength and lead to catastrophic consequences. His physical blindness after his capture mirrors his spiritual blindness to Delilah's true intentions and the dangers of his own desires.
Finally, the account underscores the broader theme of spiritual decline and moral compromise prevalent during the period of the Judges, where Israel often succumbed to the influences of surrounding pagan cultures. Delilah, a Philistine woman, represents the allure and danger of unholy alliances and the seduction that can lead God's consecrated ones away from their divine calling.
### Summary
The Hebrew proper noun דְּלִילָה (Dᵉlîylâh), `{{H1807}}`, derived from the root דָּלַל (dālal) `{{H1809}}` ("to languish, be weak"), identifies the Philistine woman who plays a pivotal role in the downfall of Samson. Appearing exclusively in [[Judges 16]], Delilah is portrayed as a mercenary agent of the Philistine lords, tasked with uncovering the secret of Samson's miraculous strength. Her relentless emotional manipulation and betrayal ultimately lead Samson to reveal his Nazirite vow, resulting in his capture, blinding, and humiliation. The etymology of her name, suggesting "languishing" or "weakness," ironically foreshadows the weakening and eventual downfall she orchestrates for Samson. Theologically, Delilah's narrative is a potent illustration of God's sovereignty, using even the malicious intentions of His enemies to fulfill His purposes. It also serves as a profound cautionary tale against the dangers of persistent temptation, spiritual compromise, and the destructive consequences of yielding to unholy alliances.
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