דְּלִילָה

דְּלִילָה

Delilah, a Philistine woman

Definition

Delilah is the Philistine woman from the Sorek Valley who became Samson's lover and ultimately betrayed him (Judges 16:4). Her name, derived from a root meaning 'to languish' or 'to weaken,' is fitting, as she is the agent through which Samson's supernatural strength is drained and he is physically and spiritually weakened. In the biblical narrative, she is exclusively portrayed as the manipulative figure who persistently coaxes Samson to reveal the secret of his strength, leading to his capture by the Philistines (Judges 16:5-20). The text does not assign her any other role or identity beyond this central, tragic function in the Samson cycle.

Biblical Usage

The name Delilah is used only in the Book of Judges, specifically in chapter 16, where it appears six times. Its usage is entirely narrative, identifying the character within the story of Samson's downfall. Every occurrence is directly tied to her actions of questioning, deceiving, and finally delivering Samson to the Philistine lords (e.g., Judges 16:6, 16:10, 16:18). There is no symbolic or additional usage elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Etymology

The name Delilah (דְּלִילָה) is a feminine proper noun derived from the Hebrew root דָּלַל (dālal, H1809), which means 'to hang down,' 'to be low,' or 'to languish.' This etymology suggests a sense of weakness or languishing, which is ironically central to her story—she is the means by which the mighty Samson is brought low. It may be a descriptive name or one with prophetic or thematic undertones for her narrative role.

Semantic Range

Delilah's story is theologically significant as a stark narrative about temptation, betrayal, and the consequences of breaking a sacred vow (the Nazirite vow). She embodies the danger of foreign entanglements and misplaced trust, a recurring theme in Judges (cf. Judges 14-16). Understanding her Hebrew name's connection to 'weakness' enriches the reading by highlighting the ironic reversal: the strong man is weakened by the one whose name implies languishing. Her role underscores the book's theme of Israel's cyclical unfaithfulness, as Samson's personal failure mirrors national apostasy. As a Philistine woman, Delilah operated within a culture hostile to Israel. Her actions—negotiating a price with Philistine rulers (Judges 16:5)—reflect a mercenary aspect not uncommon in ancient narratives of betrayal. Her persistent questioning of Samson may also reflect cultural expectations of gendered persuasion or wiles. The story presents her not as a complex character with motives explored, but primarily as an instrument of Samson's downfall, a narrative device common in heroic tales to showcase the hero's fatal flaw. There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Thematically, one might contrast her with: אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâ, H802) — the generic Hebrew word for 'woman' or 'wife,' whereas Delilah is a specific, named agent of betrayal.

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