In the Old Testament of the Bible, Delilah was a woman, probably a Philistineancient people who lived along the coast of Canaan (present-day Palestine and Syria), who received a large amount of silver for telling the enemies of Samson, the Israelite hero, the source of his great strength. After seducing Samson to win his confidence, she got him to reveal what made him strong—his long, thick hair. She then lured him to sleep and had his hair cut. As a result, Samson became weak, and the Philistines were able to seize him. The name Delilah has taken on the meaning of temptress or betrayer. The story of Samson and Delilah is the subject of a painting by Rembrandt and an opera by Saint-Saëns.

See also SAMSON.