Old Testament
Judges 16:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So she wove his hair in and pinned it tight with the loom pin. Then she shouted, "The Philistines are here, Samson!" He woke up from his sleep and yanked his hair free, pulling out the pin and the fabric with it.
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And she fastened it with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web.
What Judges 16:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Delilah is deceiving Samson by weaving his long hair into a loom, which symbolizes his strength. She uses this act to betray him, calling out that the Philistines are coming to capture him. Samson, still asleep, wakes up and pulls his hair free, demonstrating his physical strength but also his vulnerability to Delilah's manipulation. This moment highlights the tension between trust and betrayal, as Samson had confided in Delilah about the secret of his strength. The act of weaving his hair signifies how easily his strength can be compromised when he lets his guard down. Ultimately, this scene foreshadows the impending danger and the consequences of Samson's choices, as he is unaware of the true intentions behind Delilah's actions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment in relationships and the potential for betrayal when one is not vigilant.
How to apply Judges 16:14 to your life
This verse teaches us to be cautious in our relationships and to discern the intentions of those we trust. It reminds us that vulnerability can lead to betrayal, and we should be aware of the influences around us that may compromise our integrity and strength.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samson's story: Samson and Delilah (Judges 16:4–20)
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Samson
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 16:14 mean?
Judges 16:14 describes Delilah weaving Samson's hair into a loom as part of her betrayal. This act symbolizes how his strength is tied to his hair, and it highlights the themes of deception and vulnerability in their relationship.
What is the significance of the loom pin in Judges 16:14?
The loom pin in Judges 16:14 represents the physical binding of Samson's strength to his hair. By fastening his hair with the pin, Delilah is attempting to control and weaken him, illustrating the danger of misplaced trust.
How does Judges 16:14 illustrate betrayal?
Judges 16:14 illustrates betrayal through Delilah's manipulation of Samson's trust. By weaving his hair and alerting him to danger, she reveals her true intentions to exploit his vulnerability.
What themes are present in Judges 16:14?
Judges 16:14 contains themes of betrayal, strength, deception, trust, and vulnerability. It highlights how trust can lead to manipulation and the consequences of being unaware of others' intentions.
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