That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor 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.

JUDGES 16:17KJV
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Judges 16:17 (KJV)

What does Judges 16:17 mean?

Judges 16:17 shows Samson revealing his deepest secret to Delilah: his strength comes from his lifelong dedication as a Nazarite to God, marked by never cutting his hair. He explains that if his hair is shaved, he will lose his strength and become as weak as any other man.

In this verse, Samson is speaking directly to Delilah after she has pressed him repeatedly to reveal the source of his strength. The verse highlights the seriousness of Samson’s vow as a Nazarite (a person set apart for God), which began before his birth. This moment is a turning point in the story, as Samson’s trust in Delilah leads to his eventual capture.

The Hebrew behind Judges 16:17

  • נָזִיר (nazir, H5139): This word means "Nazarite," referring to someone specially dedicated or separated for God’s purposes. Samson’s identity and strength are tied to this vow, which included not cutting his hair.
  • כֹּחַ (koach, H3581): Translated as "strength," this word points to more than just physical power—it suggests ability or might that comes from God, not from Samson himself.
  • לֵב (lev, H3820): The word for "heart" here means the inner self or deepest thoughts, showing that Samson is sharing his most personal truth with Delilah.

Why Judges 16:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Samson’s strength was not simply natural or magical, but directly connected to his obedience to God’s command as a Nazarite.
  • The verse explains the seriousness of the Nazarite vow, helping readers understand why cutting Samson’s hair was such a significant act of betrayal and loss.
  • It sets up the dramatic consequences that follow, showing how personal choices and trust can have far-reaching effects in the story.

Where else these words appear

“razor” Hebrew H4177 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 13:5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor 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.
  • 1 Samuel 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

“Nazarite” Hebrew H5139 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 49:26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
  • Numbers 6:18 And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.
  • Judges 13:5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor 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.

“shaven” Hebrew H1548 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
  • Numbers 6:9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.
  • 2 Samuel 10:4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

“womb” Hebrew H990 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.
  • Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.