Judges 16 13

Judges 16:13 kjv

And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.

Judges 16:13 nkjv

Delilah said to Samson, "Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me what you may be bound with." And he said to her, "If you weave the seven locks of my head into the web of the loom"?

Judges 16:13 niv

Delilah then said to Samson, "All this time you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied." He replied, "If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I'll become as weak as any other man." So while he was sleeping, Delilah took the seven braids of his head, wove them into the fabric

Judges 16:13 esv

Then Delilah said to Samson, "Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me how you might be bound." And he said to her, "If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web and fasten it tight with the pin, then I shall become weak and be like any other man."

Judges 16:13 nlt

Then Delilah said, "You've been making fun of me and telling me lies! Now tell me how you can be tied up securely." Samson replied, "If you were to weave the seven braids of my hair into the fabric on your loom and tighten it with the loom shuttle, I would become as weak as anyone else." So while he slept, Delilah wove the seven braids of his hair into the fabric.

Judges 16 verses

Judges 16 13 Meaning

Judges 16:13 details Samson's third deceptive revelation to Delilah regarding the secret to incapacitating him. He proposes that his strength could be neutralized if his seven braided locks were woven into the 'web' of a loom, implying an integration with the warp threads and potentially a fixed loom beam. This answer is still a falsehood, yet it brings her closer to the truth, as it directly involves his hair, the outward sign of his Nazarite vow, but misunderstands the actual method. It highlights Samson's repeated pattern of giving in to Delilah's pressure and his dangerous complacency regarding his divine gift.

Judges 16 13 Context

This verse is nestled in the crucial Chapter 16 of Judges, detailing Samson's fateful entanglement with Delilah. Following two previous, failed attempts by Delilah to uncover the secret of his immense strength (vv. 7-12), Samson, under relentless nagging, gives his third, partially true, yet still deceitful, answer. The overarching context is Samson's continued compromise with Philistine influence and women, contrary to his Nazarite dedication. This act takes place in the Valley of Sorek, within Philistine territory, underscoring Samson's physical proximity and moral entanglement with Israel's enemies. Historically, the period of Judges was characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, with judges raised by God to lead. Samson, despite his divine calling and strength, continually demonstrates personal weakness and a failure to separate himself from the very culture God intended him to deliver Israel from. His actions here set the stage for his eventual downfall.

Judges 16 13 Word analysis

• And he said to her, “If you weave...”: The Hebrew וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלֶיהָ (wayyōʾmer ʾēlêhā) indicates a continuous narrative flow and Samson's repeated engagement with Delilah's probing questions. His "If you weave" (אִם־תַּאַרְגִּי, ʾim-taʾargî) uses the Hiphil imperfect of אָרַג (ʾarag), "to weave." This verb precisely refers to the act of interlacing threads to form a fabric. Samson isn't just speaking hypothetically; he's suggesting a specific, practical action.
• ...the seven locks...: The Hebrew שֶׁבַע מַחְלְפוֹת (shevaʿ maḥlephôt) specifically refers to "seven braided locks" or "tresses" of hair. The term מַחְלְפוֹת (maḥlephôt) typically implies long, plaited, or intricately braided strands of hair, which would be natural for one who never cut his hair under a Nazarite vow. The number seven is significant; it often denotes completion or perfection in the Bible. Here, it likely highlights the specific, symbolic nature of his hair, central to his Nazarite vow, making this deception the most specific yet.
• ...of my head...: Reinforces the personal connection to Samson's vow and identity, directly tied to the condition of his strength.
• ...with the web.”: The Hebrew עִם־הַמַּסָּכֶת (ʿim-hammasseket) refers to "with the warp" or "with the loom's beam/warp threads." The word מַסֶּכֶת (masseket) describes the fixed warp threads that run lengthwise in a loom, which are then crossed by the weft. Alternatively, it can refer to the warp beam itself, a stationary part of the loom. By specifying "the web" (or warp), Samson implies a professional weaving process where his locks would be integrated into the very structure of the cloth on a loom, potentially binding him immovably. This is more intricate and seemingly plausible than his prior lies, yet it is still a diversion from the ultimate truth.

Words-group analysis

• “If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web”: This phrase reveals Samson's deepening complacency and pride. He is playing a dangerous game, gradually revealing details of his consecrated state, moving closer to the heart of his power while still attempting to deceive. He proposes an action that would seemingly disable his hair through a permanent binding within a textile. This setup not only allows Delilah to test his claims but also introduces a level of engagement with his unique source of strength not present in his previous deceptions, where the solutions were external to him (bowstrings, new ropes). His choice of "seven locks" is a near-miss from the complete truth, demonstrating a reckless disregard for his Nazarite vow's integrity.

Judges 16 13 Bonus section

• The concept of masseket (web/warp) in ancient weaving would imply a substantial, unmovable loom structure rather than just loose threads. For Samson's hair to be "woven" into it meant a much more profound level of commitment or entanglement than his previous schemes, where his binding could easily be snapped. This added detail signifies Samson's increasing confidence in his deception while simultaneously walking a tighter rope closer to the truth.
• Samson's "seven locks" and their significance have been a point of scholarly debate, ranging from representing the totality of his power (as seven is a number of completeness) to specific plaits that signified his vow. This specificity is a psychological test by Samson on Delilah, a semi-revelation, anticipating how much she could truly manipulate the unique structure of his Nazarite hair.
• This specific lie could also hint at a "reverse fulfillment" of his Nazarite vow. Instead of hair growing freely as a sign of dedication, here he proposes its entanglement as a source of weakness. It shows his thought process degenerating, moving away from protecting the sacredness of his vow.

Judges 16 13 Commentary

Samson's repeated lies to Delilah showcase his profound spiritual immaturity despite his physical prowess and divine anointing. Each successive lie draws closer to the truth, demonstrating his persistent failure to recognize the danger or his own weakness against temptation. In this third instance, he brings his hair—the physical manifestation of his Nazarite vow and the channel of his strength—directly into the proposed deception, a significant step beyond previous external restraints. His mention of "weaving the seven locks...with the web" (or loom's warp/beam) indicates an understanding of a highly specific method of incapacitation, suggesting an inherent knowledge or instinct about the sanctity of his hair, even as he toyed with it. This continuous back-and-forth illustrates Delilah's relentless and manipulative pursuit of his secret, fueled by Philistine payment, and Samson's tragic susceptibility to persistent vexation. This episode serves as a powerful biblical lesson on the perils of complacency, repeated sin, and compromising divine callings through ungodly alliances and succumbing to temptation. It warns against underestimating persistent external pressures that can slowly erode one's commitment and discernment, ultimately leading to severe consequences.