Old Testament
Judges 16:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Finally, he told her everything. "No razor has ever touched my head," he said, "because I've been set apart as a Nazirite to God since before I was born. If my head is shaved, my strength will leave me, and I'll become as weak as any other man."
Compare translations
That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.
What Judges 16:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Samson reveals to Delilah the secret of his incredible strength, which is tied to his status as a Nazirite. Nazirites were dedicated to God and followed specific vows, including not cutting their hair. Samson's hair symbolizes his commitment to God, and he believes that if it is cut, he will lose his strength and become just like any other man. This moment is significant because it shows Samson's vulnerability and the trust he places in Delilah, despite her intentions. His admission highlights the importance of his divine calling and the consequences of breaking his vows. Samson's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's commitments and the impact of relationships that may lead one away from their purpose.
How to apply Judges 16:17 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of staying true to our commitments and the potential consequences of revealing our vulnerabilities to the wrong people. It encourages us to be mindful of our relationships and to protect what is sacred in our lives, just as Samson should have guarded his secret.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Samson's story: Samson and Delilah (Judges 16:4–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 16:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 16:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 16:17 mean?
Judges 16:17 describes Samson revealing the secret of his strength to Delilah, which is tied to his Nazirite vow of not cutting his hair. This moment signifies his vulnerability and the risk of trusting someone who may betray him.
What is the significance of being a Nazirite in Judges 16:17?
Being a Nazirite means being dedicated to God and following specific vows, including abstaining from cutting hair. For Samson, his long hair symbolizes his commitment to God and is directly linked to his strength.
What happens if Samson's hair is cut according to Judges 16:17?
According to Judges 16:17, if Samson's hair is cut, he believes he will lose his strength and become as weak as any other man. This highlights the importance of his vow and the consequences of breaking it.
What themes are present in Judges 16:17?
Judges 16:17 presents themes of strength and weakness, trust and betrayal, and the consequences of choices. It emphasizes the significance of divine vows and the dangers of compromising one's commitments.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.