Old Testament · The Judges
Samson
Who was Samson?
Samson was a judge of Israel famed for superhuman strength, undone by his weaknesses and his secret with Delilah.
RoleStrong man and judge of Israel
EraThe Judges
Set apart asA Nazirite
Source of strengthHis uncut hair
Betrayed byDelilah
Final actBringing down the temple
Set apart from birth as a Nazirite, Samson’s strength was tied to his uncut hair and his vow. He performed astonishing feats against the Philistines, even killing a lion with his bare hands.
His downfall came through Delilah, who coaxed from him the secret of his strength. With his hair cut and his vow broken, he was captured and blinded.
In his final act, his strength restored, Samson pushed apart the pillars of a Philistine temple, defeating more enemies in his death than in his life.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Judges 16:17 “Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.”” Judges 16:30 “Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life.”
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.