Judges 16:19 (KJV)

What does Judges 16:19 mean?

Judges 16:19 describes how Delilah lulled Samson to sleep on her knees, then called a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair, which led to Samson losing his strength as Delilah began to torment him. This verse marks the moment Samson’s special strength left him because his hair, a symbol of his Nazirite vow, was cut.

In this scene, Delilah is acting on behalf of the Philistine leaders who want to capture Samson. She uses intimacy and trust to make Samson vulnerable, then signals for someone to cut his hair while he sleeps. The verse highlights the turning point where Samson’s unique power, tied to his uncut hair and his commitment to God, is taken away, leaving him defenseless.

The Hebrew behind Judges 16:19

• The word for "sleep" (יָשֵׁן, yashen) often means to fall into a deep or relaxed sleep, showing how completely Samson trusted Delilah at this moment.
• "Locks" (מַחְלָפוֹת, makhlafot) refers to the distinctive braids or plaits of Samson’s hair, which were a visible sign of his Nazirite vow.
• "Afflict" (עָנָה, anah) can mean to humble, oppress, or mistreat. Here, it suggests Delilah began to torment or subdue Samson, showing a shift from care to betrayal.
• "Strength" (כֹּחַ, koach) means physical power or ability. The verse makes clear that Samson’s strength was not just physical but was connected to his relationship with God, symbolized by his hair.

Why Judges 16:19 matters

• This verse clears up that Samson’s strength was not simply natural but was tied to his Nazirite vow, especially the uncut hair, as a sign of dedication to God.
• The verse emphasizes Delilah’s role in Samson’s downfall, showing betrayal through someone he trusted most, which adds to the emotional weight of the story.
• It connects directly to the larger narrative of Judges, where Israel’s leaders often fall due to personal weakness or broken vows, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of compromise.