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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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Some time later Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the valley of Sorek.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />After this he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name <i>was</i> Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Afterward it happened that he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name <i>was</i> Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />After this it came about that he was in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />After this it came about that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />After this it came about that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened afterwards that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, and her name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />After this he fell in love with a [Philistine] woman [living] in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Some time later, he fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the Sorek Valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Some time later, he fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the Sorek Valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in Sorek Valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After [leaving Gaza], he fell in love with a woman in the Sorek Valley. Her name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />After this, Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in Sorek Valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />After this incident, he loved a woman in Sorek Valley whose name was Delilah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />After this Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the Sorek Valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It came to pass afterward, that he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It came to pass afterward that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it comes to pass afterward that he loves a woman in the Valley of Sorek, and her name [is] Delilah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it cometh to pass afterwards that he loveth a woman in the valley of Sorek, and her name is Delilah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be after this, and he will love a woman in the valley of Shorek, and her name Delilah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />After this he loved a woman, who dwelt in the valley of Sorec, and she was called Dalila. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />After these things, he loved a woman who was living in the valley of Sorek. And she was called Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />After that he fell in love with a woman in the Wadi Sorek whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />After this he fell in love with a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass after this, he loved a woman in the valley of Sarok, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And after that he loved a woman in the Valley of Saruq, and her name was Daliyala<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass after this that he loved a woman in Alsorech, and her name <i>was</i> Dalida.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/16-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4727" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/16.htm">Samson and Delilah</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê- (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">Some time later,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: way·ye·’ĕ·haḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">Samson fell in love with</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">a woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/5158.htm" title="5158: bə·na·ḥal (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">in the Valley</a> <a href="/hebrew/7796.htm" title="7796: śō·rêq (N-proper-fs) -- Choice vines, a valley where Delilah lived. The same as soreq; a vine; Sorek, a valley in Palestine.">of Sorek,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·māh (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">whose name</a> <a href="/hebrew/1807.htm" title="1807: də·lî·lāh (N-proper-fs) -- Philistine mistress of Samson. From dalal; languishing.">was Delilah.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Proverbs 5:3-4</a></span><br />Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, / in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Proverbs 7:21-27</a></span><br />With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. / He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, / until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare—not knowing it will cost him his life. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Proverbs 6:24-26</a></span><br />to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. / Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. / For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-3</a></span><br />King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. / He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-26.htm">Nehemiah 13:26</a></span><br />Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Proverbs 2:16-19</a></span><br />It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words / who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. / For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Proverbs 9:13-18</a></span><br />The woman named Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing. / She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city, / calling out to those who pass by, who make their paths straight. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16</a></span><br />For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a></span><br />But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">2 Timothy 3:6</a></span><br />They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18</a></span><br />Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12-13</a></span><br />So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. / No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a></span><br />“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-12.htm">Romans 6:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. / Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16-17</a></span><br />So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.</p><p class="hdg">he loved</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1</a></b></br> But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, <i>and</i> Hittites;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/13-26.htm">Nehemiah 13:26</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-14.htm">Proverbs 22:14</a></b></br> The mouth of strange women <i>is</i> a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.</p><p class="hdg">in the valley or by the brook </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/7-11.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/judges/15-7.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/judges/16-18.htm">Delilah</a> <a href="/judges/16-14.htm">Deli'lah</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-5.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Loveth</a> <a href="/judges/15-3.htm">Time</a> <a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/19-5.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-13.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Delilah</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Deli'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/ruth/4-15.htm">Loveth</a> <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Time</a> <a href="/judges/18-28.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, entices Samson</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Thrice she is deceived</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-15.htm">At last she overcomes him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-21.htm">The Philistines take him, and put out his eyes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/16-22.htm">His strength renewing, he pulls down the house upon the Philistines and dies</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Some time later</b><br>This phrase indicates a passage of time since the previous events in Samson's life. It suggests a transition from his earlier exploits and victories over the Philistines. The narrative moves forward, setting the stage for a new chapter in Samson's life, which will ultimately lead to his downfall. This time lapse also allows for the development of new circumstances and relationships.<p><b>Samson fell in love</b><br>Samson's attraction to women, particularly Philistine women, is a recurring theme in his story. His relationships often lead to personal and national conflict. This phrase highlights Samson's vulnerability to romantic entanglements, which contrasts with his physical strength. His love for Delilah becomes a pivotal point in his narrative, demonstrating how personal weaknesses can have significant consequences.<p><b>with a woman in the Valley of Sorek</b><br>The Valley of Sorek is a geographical location that lies between the territories of the Israelites and the Philistines. It is a fertile area known for its vineyards, which is significant given Samson's Nazirite vow to abstain from wine. The valley's location symbolizes the borderland between two cultures and foreshadows the conflict between Samson's divine calling and his personal desires.<p><b>whose name was Delilah</b><br>Delilah's name is of uncertain origin, but it may be related to a Hebrew word meaning "to weaken" or "to impoverish," which is fitting given her role in Samson's life. Delilah is not identified by her nationality, but her association with the Philistines is clear. Her relationship with Samson becomes a tool for the Philistines to exploit his weaknesses. Delilah's actions can be seen as a type of betrayal, paralleling other biblical narratives where trust is broken for personal gain.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a></b><br>A judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God. His life is marked by a series of personal failures and victories over the Philistines.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/delilah.htm">Delilah</a></b><br>A woman from the Valley of Sorek who becomes the object of Samson's affection. Her role is pivotal in the account of Samson's downfall.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/v/valley_of_sorek.htm">Valley of Sorek</a></b><br>A geographical location that is significant as the setting for the events involving Samson and Delilah. It is a fertile valley, which may symbolize both physical and spiritual temptation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>The primary antagonists in the account of Samson. They are a constant threat to Israel during this period and seek to exploit Samson's weaknesses.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/love_and_betrayal.htm">Love and Betrayal</a></b><br>The central theme of this passage, highlighting the tension between Samson's love for Delilah and her eventual betrayal.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_unequally_yoked_relationships.htm">The Danger of Unequally Yoked Relationships</a></b><br>Samson's relationship with Delilah serves as a cautionary tale about forming intimate bonds with those who do not share the same faith and values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ignoring_god's_warnings.htm">The Consequences of Ignoring God's Warnings</a></b><br>Samson repeatedly ignored signs and warnings from God, leading to his downfall. This teaches the importance of heeding divine guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_subtlety_of_temptation.htm">The Subtlety of Temptation</a></b><br>The Valley of Sorek represents a place of temptation. Believers must be aware of environments and situations that can lead them away from God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_grace.htm">The Power of God's Grace</a></b><br>Despite Samson's failures, God's grace is evident throughout his life. This reminds us that God's grace is available to us, even when we fall short.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Samson's account underscores the need for constant spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's strength to overcome personal weaknesses.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_delilah_spirit.htm">What defines the Delilah spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/summarize_hannah's_prayer_story..htm">What defines the Delilah spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_delilah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Delilah in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">He loved a woman.</span>--Delilah was not, as Milton represents, his wife. Josephus (<span class= "ital">Antt. v.</span> 8, ? 11) says that she was one who played the harlot among the Philistines, and the fathers all speak of her in similar terms. Nor is it at all clear--as is generally assumed--that she was a Philistine.<p><span class= "bld">In the valley of Sorek.</span>--The English Version here follows the Vulgate, but the word for valley is <span class= "ital">nachal, </span>and the words may mean (as the LXX. take them) "on the brook of Sorek." Sorek was not in the Philistine district, but was near Samson's native town of Zorah (<a href="/judges/13-2.htm" title="And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bore not.">Judges 13:2</a>). It seems to have derived its name from the "choice vines" that grew there (<a href="/genesis/49-11.htm" title="Binding his foal to the vine, and his ass's colt to the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:">Genesis 49:11</a>; <a href="/isaiah/5-2.htm" title="And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the middle of it, and also made a wine press therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.">Isaiah 5:2</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/2-21.htm" title="Yet I had planted you a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then are you turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine to me?">Jeremiah 2:21</a>, <span class= "ital">Hebr.</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span><p><span class= "bld">Delilah.</span>--The "tender" or "delicate." Ewald thinks it means "the traitress," referring to <span class= "ital">Journ. Asiat., </span>2:389. The Rabbis refer it to the root <span class= "ital">daldal, "</span>to debilitate."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Sorek</span>. See <a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Judges 14:5</a>, note. The name has not yet been discovered as applied to any existing spot; but Eusebius in the 'Onomasticon' speaks of a village <span class="accented">Caphar-sorek</span> as still existing near Zorah. The term <span class="accented">valley</span> (<span class="accented">nachal</span>) describes a <span class="accented">wady</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> a narrow valley with a stream. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/16-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Some time later,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Samson] fell in love with</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·’ĕ·haḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a woman</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשָּׁ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the Valley</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנַ֣חַל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·na·ḥal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Sorek,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׂרֵ֑ק</span> <span class="translit">(śō·rêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7796.htm">Strong's 7796: </a> </span><span class="str2">choice vines', a valley where Delilah lived</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whose name</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁמָ֖הּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was Delilah.</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּלִילָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(də·lî·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1807.htm">Strong's 1807: </a> </span><span class="str2">Delilah -- Philistine mistress of Samson</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/16-4.htm">Judges 16:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/16-4.htm">OT History: Judges 16:4 It came to pass afterward that he (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/16-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 16:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 16:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/16-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 16:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 16:5" /></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>