4. Later, Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who was from Sorek Valley.
5. The rulers of the Philistines went to Delilah and said, “We want to know what makes Samson so strong. Try to trick him into telling you his secret. Then we will know how to capture him and tie him up. Then we will be able to control him. If you do this, each one of us will give you 28 pounds of silver.”
6. So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me why you are so strong. How could someone tie you up and make you helpless?”
7. Samson answered, “Someone would have to tie me up with seven fresh, new bowstrings. If someone did that, I would be as weak as any other man.”
8. Then the rulers of the Philistines brought seven fresh, new bowstrings to Delilah, and she tied Samson with the bowstrings.