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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 16:17 Samson told her all that was in his heart: "My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother's womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/16-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/07_Jdg_16_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 16:17 - Delilah Discovers the Secret" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Samson told her all that was in his heart: My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother's womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/16-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/16-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/16-16.htm" title="Judges 16:16">◄</a> Judges 16:17 <a href="/judges/16-18.htm" title="Judges 16:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/judges/16.htm">New International Version</a> So he told her everything. &#8220No razor has ever been used on my head,&#8221 he said, &#8220because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother&#8217s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. “My hair has never been cut,” he confessed, “for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.” <a href="/esv/judges/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.” <a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.” <a href="/kjv/judges/16.htm">King James Bible</a> That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a rasor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. <a href="/nkjv/judges/16.htm">New King James Version</a> that he told her all his heart, and said to her, “No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So he told her all that was in his heart and said to her, “A razor has never come on my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will leave me and I will become weak and be like any other man.” <a href="/nasb/judges/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> So he told her all that was in his heart and said to her, &#8220A razor has never come on my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother&#8217s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will leave me and I will become weak and be like any other man.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So he told her all that was in his heart and said to her, “A razor has never come on my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will leave me and I shall become weak and be like any other man.” <a href="/lsb/judges/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So he told her all that was in his heart and said to her, “A razor has never come on my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will leave me and I will become weak and be like every other man.” <a href="/amp/judges/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then [finally] he told her everything that was in his heart and said to her, “A razor has never been used on my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I will become weak and be like any [other] man.” <a href="/csb/judges/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> he told her the whole truth and said to her, “My hair has never been cut, because I am a Nazirite to God from birth. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become weak and be like any other man.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> he told her the whole truth and said to her, &#8220My hair has never been cut, because I am a Nazirite to God from birth. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become weak and be like any other man.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon my head; for I have been a Nazirite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. <a href="/cev/judges/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Finally, Samson told her the truth. "I have belonged to God ever since I was born, so my hair has never been cut. If it were ever cut off, my strength would leave me, and I would be as weak as anyone else." <a href="/erv/judges/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazirite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. <a href="/gwt/judges/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Finally, he told her the truth. He told her, "Because I'm a Nazirite, no one has ever cut the hair on my head. I was dedicated to God before I was born. If my hair is ever shaved off, my strength will leave me. Then I'll be like any other man." <a href="/gnt/judges/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> that he finally told her the truth. "My hair has never been cut," he said. "I have been dedicated to God as a nazirite from the time I was born. If my hair were cut, I would lose my strength and be as weak as anybody else." <a href="/isv/judges/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> So he finally disclosed everything. He told her, "A razor has never touched my head, because I've been a Nazirite for God before I was born. If I am shaved, then my strength will abandon me and I will become weak like every human being." <a href="/msb/judges/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Samson told her all that was in his heart: ?My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother?s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.? <a href="/net/judges/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Finally he told her his secret. He said to her, "My hair has never been cut, for I have been dedicated to God from the time I was conceived. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me; I would become weak, and be just like all other men." <a href="/nheb/judges/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He told her all his heart, and said to her, "No razor has ever come on my head; for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother's womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will go from me, and I will become weak, and be like any other man." <a href="/wbt/judges/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That he told her all his heart, and said to her, There hath not come a razor upon my head; for I have been a Nazarite to God from my birth: if I be shaved, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. <a href="/web/judges/16.htm">World English Bible</a> He told her all his heart and said to her, “No razor has ever come on my head; for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will go from me and I will become weak, and be like any other man.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> that he declares all his heart to her, and says to her, “A razor has not gone up on my head, for I [am] a Nazarite to God from the womb of my mother; if I have been shaven, then my power has turned aside from me, and I have been weak, and have been as all of mankind.” <a href="/ylt/judges/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that he declareth to her all his heart, and saith to her, 'A razor hath not gone up on my head, for a Nazarite to God I am from the womb of my mother; if I have been shaven, then hath my power turned aside from me, and I have been weak, and have been as any of the human race.' <a href="/slt/judges/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will announce to her all his heart, and he will say to her, A razor came not up upon my head, for I am devoted to God from my mother's womb: if I were shaved, and my strength removed from me, and I was weak, and was as all men.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then opening the truth of the thing, he said to her: The razor hath never come upon my head, for I am a Nazarite, that is to say, consecrated to God from my mother's womb: if my head be shaven, my strength shall depart from me, and I shall become weak, and shall be like other men. <a href="/cpdv/judges/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then disclosing the truth of the matter, he said to her: “Iron has never been drawn across my head, for I am a Nazirite, that is, I have been consecrated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head will be shaven, my strength will depart from me, and I will be faint and will be like other men.” <a href="/nabre/judges/16.htm">New American Bible</a> So he told her all that was in his heart and said, “No razor has touched my head, for I have been a nazirite for God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I shall grow weaker and be like anyone else.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So he told her his whole secret, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head; for I have been a nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, then my strength would leave me; I would become weak, and be like anyone else.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So he told her all his heart, and said to her, There has never come a razor upon my head; for I have been a Nazarite to God from my mother's womb; if I be shaven, then my strength will depart from me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man. <a href="/hpbt/judges/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he revealed to her all his heart and said to her: “A razor has not gone up on my head because I am a Nazarite of God from the womb of my mother; if it is shaved, my power departs from me and I am weak and I am like any man”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he told her all his heart, and said unto her: 'There hath not come a razor upon my head; for I have been a Nazirite unto God from my mother's womb; if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.' <a href="/sep/judges/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Then he told her all his heart, and said to her, A razor has not come upon my head, because I have been a holy one of God from my mother's womb; if then I should be shaven, my strength will depart from me, and I shall be weak, and I shall be as all other men. <a href="/parallel/judges/16-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4887" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Delilah Discovers the Secret</a> …16Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death, 17<a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·geḏ- (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">Samson told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">her</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all that was</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">in his heart:</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">“My hair</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">has never</a> <a href="/hebrew/4177.htm" title="4177: mō·w·rāh (N-ms) -- A razor. From muwr in the sense of shearing; a razor.">been cut,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ā·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I have been</a> <a href="/hebrew/5139.htm" title="5139: nə·zîr (N-msc) -- One consecrated, devoted. Or nazir; from nazar; separate, i.e. Consecrated; hence an unpruned vine.">a Nazirite</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">to God</a> <a href="/hebrew/517.htm" title="517: ’im·mî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- A mother. A primitive word; a mother; in a wide sense (like 'ab).">from my mother’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/990.htm" title="990: mib·be·ṭen (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- From an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything.">womb.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/1548.htm" title="1548: gul·laḥ·tî (V-Pual-Perf-1cs) -- To be bald, shave, shave off. A primitive root; properly, to be bald, i.e. to shave; figuratively to lay waste.">I am shaved,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: ḵō·ḥî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">my strength</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: wə·sār (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">will leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2470.htm" title="2470: wə·ḥā·lî·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence to be weak, sick, afflicted; or to grieve, make sick; also to stroke, entreat.">and I will become as weak</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yî·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kə·ḵāl- (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">any</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">other man.”</a> 18When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her all that was in his heart, she sent this message to the lords of the Philistines: “Come up once more, for he has revealed to me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/6-5.htm">Numbers 6:5</a> For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long. <a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Numbers 6:2-21</a> “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, / he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. / All the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins. ... <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Judges 13:5</a> For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” <a href="/judges/13-7.htm">Judges 13:7</a> But he said to me, ‘Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. Now, therefore, do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb until the day of his death.’” <a href="/judges/13-3.htm">Judges 13:3-5</a> The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. / Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. / For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a> And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a> So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. <a href="/1_samuel/17-37.htm">1 Samuel 17:37</a> David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">1 Samuel 17:50</a> Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. <a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12</a> So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul. <a href="/1_samuel/18-28.htm">1 Samuel 18:28</a> When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">1 Samuel 28:15</a> Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” <a href="/1_samuel/28-18.htm">1 Samuel 28:18</a> Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today. <a href="/1_samuel/28-20.htm">1 Samuel 28:20</a> Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground, terrified by the words of Samuel. And his strength was gone, because he had not eaten anything all that day and night. <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">1 Samuel 31:4</a> Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That he told her all his heart, and said to her, There has not come a razor on my head; for I have been a Nazarite to God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.all his heart<a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a> A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.<a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12</a> If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.<a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Micah 7:5</a> Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.there hath<a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Judges 13:5</a> For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no rasor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.<a href="/numbers/6-5.htm">Numbers 6:5</a> All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no rasor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.<a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Acts 18:18</a> And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/13-24.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/judges/16-14.htm">Head</a> <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/judges/13-7.htm">Nazarite</a> <a href="/judges/13-7.htm">Nazirite</a> <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Razor</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-12.htm">Shaved</a> <a href="/numbers/6-19.htm">Shaven</a> <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/judges/16-13.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/judges/13-7.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ruth/2-11.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/judges/16-19.htm">Head</a> <a href="/judges/16-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ruth/1-8.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Nazarite</a> <a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Nazirite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">Razor</a> <a href="/judges/16-19.htm">Shaved</a> <a href="/judges/16-19.htm">Shaven</a> <a href="/judges/16-19.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-2.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/ruth/1-11.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 16</div>1. <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city</a> 4. <a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, entices Samson</a> 6. <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Thrice she is deceived</a> 15. <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">At last she overcomes him</a> 21. <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">The Philistines take him, and put out his eyes</a> 22. <a href="/judges/16-22.htm">His strength renewing, he pulls down the house upon the Philistines and dies</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Samson told her all that was in his heart: This phrase indicates a moment of vulnerability and trust. Samson, a judge of Israel, reveals his innermost secret to Delilah, a Philistine woman. This act of disclosure is significant as it shows Samson's emotional attachment and perhaps his overconfidence in his own invincibility. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. This moment foreshadows betrayal, reminiscent of other biblical figures who faced consequences after revealing their hearts, such as Joseph with his brothers.My hair has never been cut: Samson's uncut hair is a symbol of his Nazirite vow, a special commitment to God that included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting one's hair (<a href="/numbers/6.htm">Numbers 6:1-21</a>). The uncut hair is a physical manifestation of his dedication and separation unto God. This vow was a source of his supernatural strength, setting him apart for God's purposes. The cutting of hair in ancient cultures often symbolized a loss of identity or status, which is crucial in understanding the gravity of Samson's revelation.because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb: Samson's Nazirite vow was unique as it was divinely appointed before his birth, as announced by the angel to his mother (<a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Judges 13:5</a>). This lifelong dedication underscores the divine purpose and calling on Samson's life. The concept of being set apart from the womb is echoed in the lives of other biblical figures like Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a>) and John the Baptist (<a href="/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15</a>), indicating a special mission ordained by God.If I am shaved, my strength will leave me: Samson's strength is directly linked to his Nazirite vow, symbolized by his uncut hair. The act of shaving would signify a breach of this vow, leading to the loss of divine empowerment. This connection between physical actions and spiritual consequences is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. The conditional "if" suggests that Samson is aware of the consequences but perhaps underestimates the seriousness of his covenant with God.and I will become as weak as any other man: This phrase emphasizes the source of Samson's strength as divine rather than inherent. Without God's empowerment, Samson would be no different from any other person. This serves as a reminder of human dependency on God for strength and ability. The notion of becoming "as weak as any other man" also foreshadows the humbling of Samson, a theme prevalent in the lives of biblical leaders who rely on their own strength rather than God's, such as King Saul. It points to the ultimate need for reliance on God, a principle that finds its fulfillment in the New Testament through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who exemplified perfect dependence on the Father.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a> A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God as part of his Nazirite vow. 2. <a href="/topical/d/delilah.htm">Delilah</a> A woman from the Valley of Sorek who was used by the Philistines to discover the secret of Samson's strength. 3. <a href="/topical/n/nazirite_vow.htm">Nazirite Vow</a> A special vow of dedication to God, which included abstaining from cutting one's hair, consuming wine, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. 4. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The enemies of Israel during the time of the judges, who sought to subdue Samson and the Israelites. 5. <a href="/topical/v/valley_of_sorek.htm">Valley of Sorek</a> The location where Delilah lived and where Samson frequently visited, leading to his eventual downfall.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Samson's strength was tied to his obedience to the Nazirite vow. Disobedience led to his downfall. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a> Samson's failure to guard his heart against Delilah's manipulation serves as a warning to protect our own hearts from deceit. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_compromise.htm">The Consequences of Compromise</a> Samson's gradual compromise with Delilah shows how small concessions can lead to significant spiritual defeat. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_grace.htm">God's Sovereignty and Grace</a> Despite Samson's failures, God used him to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that God can work through our weaknesses. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a> Samson's reliance on his own strength rather than God highlights the danger of pride and self-reliance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 16</a> <a href="/q/how_can_hair_give_supernatural_strength.htm">In Judges 16:17, how can hair be the source of such supernatural strength from a scientific perspective? </a> <a href="/q/samson's_strength_source.htm">What was the source of Samson's strength?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_samson_trust_delilah_again.htm">In Judges 16:4–20, why would Samson keep trusting Delilah after she repeatedly betrayed him? </a> <a href="/q/what's_the_meaning_of_samson_and_delilah.htm">What is the meaning of Samson and Delilah's story?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - That he told her. This begins a new sentence. Read, And he told her. Any other man. Rather, like all men. Man, though singular in the Hebrew, is collective as in ver. 7, and as the lier in wait in vers. 9 and 12, and is properly rendered men in English. <a href="/commentaries/judges/16-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>he told וַיַּגֶּד־ (way·yag·geḏ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous her לָ֣הּ (lāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> all that was כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every in his heart: לִבּ֗וֹ (lib·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre “My hair רֹאשִׁ֔י (rō·šî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head has never לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no been cut, מוֹרָה֙ (mō·w·rāh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4177.htm">Strong's 4177: </a> A razor because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I [have been] אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I a Nazirite נְזִ֧יר (nə·zîr) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5139.htm">Strong's 5139: </a> Nazirite -- one consecrated, devoted to God אֱלֹהִ֛ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative from מִמֶּ֣נִּי (mim·men·nî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of my mother's אִמִּ֑י (’im·mî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_517.htm">Strong's 517: </a> A mother, ) womb. מִבֶּ֣טֶן (mib·be·ṭen) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_990.htm">Strong's 990: </a> The belly, the womb, the bosom, body of anything If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I am shaved, גֻּלַּ֙חְתִּי֙ (gul·laḥ·tî) Verb - Pual - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1548.htm">Strong's 1548: </a> To be bald, to shave, to lay waste my strength כֹחִ֔י (ḵō·ḥî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> A small reptile (of unknown species) will leave me, וְסָ֣ר (wə·sār) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside and I will become as weak וְחָלִ֥יתִי (wə·ḥā·lî·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2470.htm">Strong's 2470: </a> To be weak or sick as וְהָיִ֖יתִי (wə·hā·yî·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be any כְּכָל־ (kə·ḵāl-) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every other man.? הָאָדָֽם׃ (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/16-17.htm">Judges 16:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/16-17.htm">OT History: Judges 16:17 He told her all his heart (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/16-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 16:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 16:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/16-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 16:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 16:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>