Judges 16:5-12

New English Translation

⁵ The rulers of the Philistines went up to visit her and said to her, “Trick him! Find out what makes him so strong and how we can subdue him and humiliate^[a] him. Each one of us will give you 1,100 silver pieces.”

⁶ So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me what makes you so strong and how you can be subdued and humiliated.”^{[b] 7} Samson said to her, “If they tie me up with seven fresh^[c] bowstrings^[d] that have not been dried, I will become weak and be just like any other man.” ⁸ So the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them. ⁹ They hid^[e] in the bedroom and then she said to him, “The Philistines are here,^[f] Samson!” He snapped the bowstrings as easily as a thread of yarn snaps when it is put close to fire.^[g] The secret of his strength was not discovered.^[h]

¹⁰ Delilah said to Samson, “Look, you deceived^[i] me and told me lies! Now tell me how you can be subdued.” ¹¹ He said to her, “If they tie me tightly with brand new ropes that have never been used,^[j] I will become weak and be just like any other man.” ¹² So Delilah took new ropes and tied him with them and said to him, “The Philistines are here,^[k] Samson!” (The Philistines were hiding in the bedroom.)^[l] But he tore the ropes^[m] from his arms as if they were a piece of thread.