Delilah

Delilah is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, meaning "delicate," "weak," or "languishing." In the Old Testament Book of Judges (chapter 16), Delilah is the lover of the Israelite judge and Nazirite Samson. She is renowned for her betrayal: after Samson revealed that his extraordinary strength came from his uncut hair, Delilah had his hair cut while he slept, enabling the Philistine lords to capture him. This act has made her a classic figure of treachery, often compared to Judas Iscariot in Christian tradition.

Etymology and Background

The Hebrew name דְּלִילָה (Dəlīlā) is related to the word for "delicate" or "language of night," which influenced ancient interpretations. In the Septuagint (Greek translation), the name is rendered as Δαλιδά (Dalidá). The Arabic form is دليلة (Dalīlah). The name has appealed across cultures through the Bible story.

Historical and Religious Significance

Despite delivering Samson to his enemies, Delilah attracted the attention of the archangel Gabriel? Actually, later Jewish tradition (Midrash, Talmud) sometimes identifies her with Micah's mother. Christian typology saw her as a symbol of seductive sin leading to ruin, though some Puritan interpreters began to reclaim the name due to the elaborate nature of the biblical story. By the 17th century, some discouraged use but occasional to English speakers risk picking Puritans a name from usage it and continued steadily but indirectly chosen since that era, ensuring Delilah’s continued, yet rare, diffusion.

Notable Bearers

Famous bearers include one of Queen Bees in David and Bathsheba— no, key modern uses kept flourishing bearer in Deborah, from religious communities returning. Name was revived frequently since eras by more writers since then— see also Dalila, Lila. Names end with appeal far past theology.

• Meaning: Delicate, weak, languishing
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Biblical first name
• Usage: English, English Bible, other Western languages