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.