Samson and Delilah
Samson and Delilah, wood engraving by Gustave Doré, 19th century.
Delilah
biblical figure
Also known as: Dalila
Quick Facts
- Also spelled:
- Dalila
- On the Web:
- Khan Academy - Anthony van Dyck, Samson and Delilah (Feb. 21, 2025)
Delilah, in the Old Testament, the central figure of Samson’s last love story (Judges 16). She was a Philistine who, bribed to entrap Samson, coaxed him into revealing that the secret of his strength was his long hair, whereupon she took advantage of his confidence to betray him to his enemies. Her name has since become synonymous with a voluptuous, treacherous woman.