דְּלִילָה
Delilah / Delilah
“Delicate/weak”
Delilah (דְּלִילָה, Delilah) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “delicate/weak,” pronounced “de-li-LAH.” From the Hebrew root ד-ל-ל (dalet-lamed-lamed) meaning 'to be weak, to languish, to be low.' The name דְּלִילָה (Delilah) means 'delicate,' 'weak,' or 'languishing.' Some scholars also see a play on לַיְלָה (lailah, 'night'), suggesting darkness or seduction.
| Hebrew | דְּלִילָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Delilah |
| English Name | Delilah |
| Meaning | Delicate/weak |
| Pronunciation | de-li-LAH |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Dalila, Delila, Dalilah |
| Key Scripture | Judges 16:17 |
Delilah is the Bible's most famous femme fatale — the woman who brought down the strongest man who ever lived. Bribed by the Philistine lords with a fortune in silver, Delilah persistently nagged Samson until he revealed the secret of his supernatural strength: his uncut hair, the sign of his Nazirite vow to God. Her name, meaning 'delicate' or 'weak,' contains an ironic twist: the 'weak' woman defeated the strongest man through nothing more than persistent persuasion. Some scholars hear a wordplay with 'lailah' (night/darkness), suggesting she was the darkness that extinguished Samson's light. Yet despite — or because of — her notoriety, the name Delilah has become increasingly popular among parents drawn to its musical beauty.
Key Scripture: Judges 16:17
“So he told her everything. 'No razor has ever been used on my head,' he said, 'because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother's womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me.'”
What Does Delilah Mean in Hebrew?
From the root ד-ל-ל (dalet-lamed-lamed) meaning 'to be weak, thin, low.' The name may also play on לַיְלָה (lailah, 'night'), since Delilah 'put Samson to sleep on her lap' — her very name suggesting the twilight of his strength. The root 'dalal' also means 'to dangle' or 'to hang loose,' possibly referencing Samson's hair.
Delilah in the Bible
Delilah appears in Judges 16 as the woman the Philistine lords bribed to discover the source of Samson's strength. After three failed attempts, she wore him down with daily pressure until he revealed his secret. She lulled him to sleep, called for a man to shave his head, and Samson's strength left him. He was captured, blinded, and imprisoned.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Delilah has been depicted extensively in art, opera, and popular music. Camille Saint-Saëns' opera 'Samson and Delilah' is one of the most performed in the repertoire. The name has become a cultural archetype for seductive betrayal, though modern usage focuses on its musical beauty rather than its biblical connotations.
Despite its biblical notoriety, Delilah has been rising in popularity in the US, entering the top 100 girls' names. Its melodic, sensuous sound and the Tom Jones song 'Delilah' have given it pop-culture appeal. Parents are drawn to the name's beauty regardless of the biblical character's reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delilah
What does Delilah mean in Hebrew?
Delilah (דְּלִילָה, Delilah) means “Delicate/weak” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root ד-ל-ל (dalet-lamed-lamed) meaning 'to be weak, to languish, to be low.' The name דְּלִילָה (Delilah) means 'delicate,' 'weak,' or 'languishing.' Some scholars also see a play on לַיְלָה (lailah, 'night'), suggesting darkness or seduction.
How do you pronounce Delilah in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Delilah is “de-li-LAH.” The name is written דְּלִילָה in Hebrew script.
What does Delilah mean in Hebrew?
Delilah (דְּלִילָה) means 'delicate' or 'weak' in Hebrew, from the root ד-ל-ל (dalal, 'to be weak/languish'). The name may also contain a play on 'lailah' (night), suggesting darkness or seduction. The irony is that the 'weak' woman conquered the strongest man through persistent persuasion rather than physical force.
Was Delilah a Philistine?
The Bible does not explicitly state Delilah's nationality. She lived in the Valley of Sorek, a border area between Israelite and Philistine territory. The Philistine lords bribed her with silver to betray Samson, but whether she was Philistine, Israelite, or of another background is not specified. Her cooperation with the Philistines suggests at minimum a close association.
Why is the name Delilah becoming popular?
Delilah has entered the top 100 girls' names largely because of its beautiful, melodic sound — the lilting 'de-LI-lah' with its soft L sounds appeals to modern naming trends. The Tom Jones song, the radio show 'Delilah,' and the general trend toward vintage names have all contributed. Many parents choose it for its beauty, setting aside the biblical character's reputation.
Sources & Further Study
More Female Biblical Names
Explore other names in the Female Biblical Names collection
Related Hebrew Names
Discover the Meaning Behind Every Biblical Name
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