How Do You Spell SAMSON AND DELILAH?

Pronunciation: [sˈamsən and dɪlˈa͡ɪlə] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the biblical story "Samson and Delilah" may seem straightforward, but it can be tricky for non-native English speakers. The phonetic transcription for "Samson" is /ˈsæmsən/, with stress on the first syllable, while "Delilah" is pronounced as /dɪˈlaɪlə/, with stress on the second syllable. The "h" at the end of Samson is silent, and the "i" in Delilah is pronounced as a long "i" sound, similar to the word "eye."

SAMSON AND DELILAH Meaning and Definition

1. Samson and Delilah refers to a biblical story derived from the Book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible. The tale revolves around two main characters, Samson and Delilah, and has become a widely known archetypal symbolism for power and betrayal.

   In the narrative, Samson is depicted as an exceptionally strong man granted his strength by God, which he attributes to his uncut hair. Delilah, a seductive Philistine woman, is approached by the Philistines, Samson's enemies, who want to discover the secret to his strength. In exchange for a substantial amount of silver, Delilah repeatedly attempts to uncover Samson's source of power. Through deceit, Delilah manipulates Samson into revealing that his strength derives from his hair, leading her to betray him by cutting it while he is asleep.

   This story has acquired a broader cultural significance, often representing the dangers of yielding to temptation, the corruption that accompanies lust and infatuation, and the tragic consequences of betrayal. It is frequently used as a metaphor for any situation where a person's strength or power is exploited or weakened by another individual or group. Moreover, "Samson and Delilah" has been popularized in various art forms, including paintings, literature, theatrical works, and films, often emphasizing both the allure and vulnerability of human nature.