Judges 16
Commentary from 8 fathers
And it was reported to the Gazites, saying, Sampson is come hither: and they compassed him and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and they were quiet all the night, saying, Let us wait till the dawn appear, and we will slay him.
καὶ ἀνηγγέλη τοῖς Γαζαίοις λέγοντες· ἥκει Σαμψὼν ὧδε. καὶ ἐκύκλωσαν καὶ ἐνήδρευσαν ἐπ᾿ αὐτὸν ὅλην τὴν νύκτα ἐν τῇ πύλῃ τῆς πόλεως καὶ ἐκώφευσαν ὅλην τὴν νύκτα λέγοντες· ἕως διαφαύσῃ ὁ ὄρθρος, καὶ φονεύσωμεν αὐτόν.
И҆ повѣ́даша га́зѧнѡмъ, глаго́люще: прїи́де самѱѡ́нъ сѣ́мѡ. И҆ ѡ҆быдо́ша и҆ подсѣдо́ша є҆мꙋ̀ всю̀ но́щь ᲂу҆ вра́тъ гра́дныхъ, и҆ ᲂу҆таи́шасѧ всю̀ но́щь, глаго́люще: до́ндеже ѡ҆свѣта́етъ ᲂу҆́тро, и҆ ᲂу҆бїе́мъ є҆го̀.
When the men of Gaza knew this they did not dissemble or pass it over, but beset his lodging in haste, and guarded all the doors of the house that he might not escape by night.
Letter 19: To Vigilius
And Sampson slept till midnight, and rose up at midnight, and took hold of the doors of the gate of the city with the two posts, and lifted them up with the bar, and laid them on his shoulders, and he went up to the top of the mountain that is before Chebron, and laid them there.
καὶ ἐκοιμήθη Σαμψὼν ἕως μεσονυκτίου· καὶ ἀνέστη ἐν ἡμίσει τῆς νυκτὸς καὶ ἐπελάβετο τῶν θυρῶν τῆς πύλης τῆς πόλεως σὺν τοῖς δυσὶ σταθμοῖς καὶ ἀνεβάσταζεν αὐτὰς σὺν τῷ μοχλῷ καὶ ἔθηκεν ἐπὶ ὤμων αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν κορυφὴν τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ ἐπὶ προσώπου τοῦ Χεβρὼν καὶ ἔθηκεν αὐτὰ ἐκεῖ.
И҆ спа̀ самѱѡ́нъ до полꙋ́нощи: и҆ воста̀ въ полꙋ́нощи, и҆ восхи́ти двє́ри ᲂу҆ вра́тъ гра́да со ѻ҆бѣ́ими вереѧ́ми, и҆ под̾ѧ̀ ѡ҆́ныѧ съ заво́рою, и҆ возложѝ ѧ҆̀ на ра́мена своѧ̑, и҆ вознесѐ ѧ҆̀ на ве́рхъ горы̀, ꙗ҆́же пред̾ лице́мъ хеврѡ́на, и҆ положѝ и҆̀хъ та́мѡ.
But Samson knowing their design, in the middle of the night forestalling the snare which had been laid for him, took the pillars of the house in his arms, and carried the whole structure and the weight of the roof on his back, up to a high hill above Hebron, a city inhabited by the Hebrews.
Letter 19: To Vigilius
And it came to pass after this that he loved a woman in Alsorech, and her name [was] Dalida.
Καὶ ἐγένετο μετὰ τοῦτο καὶ ἠγάπησε γυναῖκα ἐν ᾿Αλσωρήχ, καὶ ὄνομα αὐτῇ Δαλιδά.
И҆ бы́сть по се́мъ, и҆ возлюбѝ женꙋ̀ ѿ водоте́чи сѡри́ховы: и҆́мѧ же є҆́й далі́да.
4–5But now his licence transgressed the limits not only of his paternal territory, but of good morals, such as ancient discipline had prescribed, and this brought upon him destruction in the end. For although he had experienced in his first marriage the treachery of a foreign wife, and ought to have avoided it in future, he did not shun connecting himself with the harlot Delilah, and by his passionate love of her opened a way for the craft of his enemies to assail him. For the Philistines came up to her, and promised each of them to give her eleven hundred pieces of silver if she would disclose to them wherein his assurance of strength lay, that by means of this knowledge they might entrap and take him.
Letter 19
4–5Overcome by love of money, Achan led to destruction all the people of the fathers. So Joshua the son of Nun, who could stay the sun from setting, could not stay the love of money in people from creeping on. At the sound of his voice the sun stood still, but love of money stayed not. When the sun stood still, Joshua completed his triumph, but when love of money went on, he almost lost the victory.Why? Did not the woman Delilah’s love of money deceive Samson, the bravest man of all? So he who had torn apart the roaring lion with his hands; who, when bound and handed over to his enemies, alone, without help, burst his bonds and killed a thousand of them; who broke the cords interwoven with sinews as though they were but the slight threads of a net; he, I say, having laid his head on the woman’s knee, was robbed of the decoration of his victory-bringing hair, that which gave him his might. Money flowed into the lap of the woman, and the favor of God forsook the man. Love of money, then, is deadly. Money is seductive, as it defiles those who have it and does not help those who do not.
On the Duties of the Clergy 2.26.130-32
Why was the mighty man Samson rejected by God, he who was set apart and consecrated to God while still in the womb; whose birth was announced by an angel, like John, the son of Zacharias; who was granted great power and worked great wonders [and who by the supernatural strength which God poured into his body smote a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass and became a saviour and judge unto Israel]? Was it not because he defiled his holy members by union with a harlot? For this reason God departed from him and surrendered him to his enemies.
Ascetical Homilies 10
And the princes of the Philistines came up to her, and said to her, Beguile him, and see wherein his great strength [is], and wherewith we shall prevail against him, and bind him to humble him; and we will give thee each eleven hundred [pieces] of silver.
καὶ ἀνέβησαν πρὸς αὐτὴν οἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἀλλοφύλων καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῇ· ἀπάτησον αὐτόν, καὶ ἰδὲ ἐν τίνι ἡ ἰσχὺς αὐτοῦ ἡ μεγάλη καὶ ἐν τίνι δυνησόμεθα αὐτῷ καὶ δήσομεν αὐτὸν τοῦ ταπεινῶσαι αὐτόν, καὶ ἡμεῖς δώσομέν σοι ἀνὴρ χιλίους καὶ ἑκατὸν ἀργυρίου.
И҆ взыдо́ша къ не́й кнѧ̑зи и҆ноплемє́нничи и҆ реко́ша є҆́й: прельстѝ є҆го̀, и҆ ви́ждь, въ че́мъ є҆́сть крѣ́пость є҆гѡ̀ вели́каѧ, и҆ чи́мъ премо́жемъ є҆го̀, и҆ свѧ́жемъ є҆го̀, ꙗ҆́кѡ смири́ти є҆го̀: и҆ мы̀ тебѣ̀ дади́мъ кі́йждо ты́сѧщꙋ и҆ сто̀ сре́бреникѡвъ.
And Dalida said to Sampson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein [is] thy great strength, and wherewith thou shalt be bound that thou mayest be humbled.
καὶ εἶπε Δαλιδὰ πρὸς Σαμψών· ἀπάγγειλον δή μοι ἐν τίνι ἡ ἰσχύς σου ἡ μεγάλη καὶ ἐν τίνι δεθήσῃ τοῦ ταπεινωθῆναί σε.
И҆ речѐ далі́да къ самѱѡ́нꙋ: повѣ́ждь мѝ нн҃ѣ, въ че́мъ крѣ́пость твоѧ̀ (та́кѡ) вели́каѧ, и҆ чи́мъ свѧ́жешисѧ и҆ смири́шисѧ;
But she having once prostituted herself for money, began during the banquet and the blandishments of love, cunningly and craftily to inquire of him in what respect his strength excelled that of others, and at the same time, as if solicitous and fearful for his safety, to entreat him to confide to his beloved by what means he could be bound and subdued into the power of others.
Letter 19
And Sampson said to her, If they bind me with seven moist cords that have not been spoiled, then shall I be weak and be as one of ordinary men.
καὶ εἶπε πρὸς αὐτὴν Σαμψών· ἐὰν δήσωσί με ἐν ἑπτὰ νευραῖς ὑγραῖς μὴ διεφθαρμέναις, καὶ ἀσθενήσω καὶ ἔσομαι ὡς εἷς τῶν ἀνθρώπων.
И҆ речѐ є҆́й самѱѡ́нъ: а҆́ще свѧ́жꙋтъ мѧ̀ седмїю̀ тѧтива́ми сыры́ми неистлѣ́вшими, и҆ и҆знемогꙋ̀, и҆ бꙋ́дꙋ ꙗ҆́кѡ є҆ди́нъ ѿ человѣ̑къ.
But he, still self-possessed and unshaken, opposed craft to the allurements of the harlot, and told her that if he were bound with withs yet green and not dried, his strength would be like that of other men.
Letter 19
And the princes of the Philistines brought to her seven moist cords that had not been spoiled, and she bound him with them.
καὶ ἀνήνεγκαν αὐτῇ οἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἀλλοφύλων ἑπτὰ νευρὰς ὑγρὰς μὴ διεφθαρμένας, καὶ ἔδησεν αὐτὸν ἐν αὐταῖς·
И҆ принесо́ша є҆́й кнѧ̑зи ѿ и҆ноплемє́нникъ се́дмь тѧти́въ мо́крыхъ неистлѣ́вшихъ, и҆ свѧза̀ є҆го̀ и҆́ми:
8–9When the Philistines learnt this from Delilah, they bound him while asleep with green withs, and then awoke him as though on a sudden, but found that he had not fallen off from his accustomed fortitude, but bursting its bonds his freed strength was able to resist and drive back a host of assailants.
Letter 19
And the liers in wait remained with her in the chamber; and she said to him, the Philistines [are] upon thee, Sampson: and he broke the cords as if any one should break a thread of tow when it has touched the fire, and his strength was not known.
καὶ τὸ ἔνεδρον αὐτῇ ἐκάθητο ἐν τῷ ταμιείῳ· καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἀλλόφυλοι ἐπὶ σέ, Σαμψών· καὶ διέσπασε τὰς νευράς, ὡς εἴ τις ἀποσπάσοι στρέμμα στυπίου ἐν τῷ ὀσφρανθῆναι αὐτὸ πυρός· καὶ οὐκ ἐγνώσθη ἡ ἰσχὺς αὐτοῦ.
и҆ подса́да є҆мꙋ̀ сѣдѧ́ше въ хра́минѣ. И҆ речѐ є҆мꙋ̀: и҆ноплемє́нницы на тѧ̀, самѱѡ́не. И҆ расто́рже тѧтивы̑, а҆́ки бы кто̀ расто́ргнꙋлъ соска́нїе и҆згре́бїй, є҆гда̀ ко́снетсѧ є҆мꙋ̀ ѻ҆́гнь: и҆ не ᲂу҆вѣ́дасѧ крѣ́пость є҆гѡ̀.
And Dalida said to Sampson, Behold, thou hast cheated me, and told me lies; now then tell me wherewith thou shalt be bound.
καὶ εἶπε Δαλιδὰ πρὸς Σαμψών· ἰδοὺ ἐπλάνησάς με καὶ ἐλάλησας πρός με ψευδῆ· νῦν οὖν ἀνάγγειλόν μοι ἐν τίνι δεθήσῃ.
И҆ речѐ далі́да къ самѱѡ́нꙋ: сѐ, прельсти́лъ є҆сѝ мѧ̀, глаго́лѧ ко мнѣ̀ лжꙋ̀: нн҃ѣ ᲂу҆̀бо повѣ́ждь мѝ, чи́мъ свѧ́жешисѧ;
This having failed, Delilah, as if she had been mocked began with complaints to renew her arts and to require a pledge of his love.
Letter 19
10–17Like the famed Samson, whose power lay in the strength of his hair, whose locks were endowed with sacred might, he must throttle and bring low the lion by means of the strong arms of prayers and pluck the sweet fruit of notable victory from its dead mouth.But this triumph must be a lesson to him not to make alliances with foreigners. That woman of another race I interpret as the law of the flesh, so wily with its alluring nets. If this law proves stronger than the law of the mind, it will drag him into the dominion of sin. The evil counsel of its pleasant words weakens with its deceitful guile the male spirit. It blinds the eyes of the mind and shaves the head; it plunders and disarms faith. I would not have our boy a Samson in this respect, becoming involved in a love encounter immediately followed by captivity, enervation and blindness, even though the strong Samson later recovered his strength when his hair grew again. For he was led by the hand from the mill to be the sport of the vaunting enemy, and though physically blind he used his mind’s eye and summoned God to take vengeance. Then, when his hair restored his strength, he brought down that house of the enemy. Once his hands, more powerful than any stone, gripped the pillars of the house in their fierce embrace, the roof collapsed upon him when its props were torn from the earth. Yet even in his death God’s powerful hero involved the foe in destruction, and by a glorious death [he] avenged the disgrace of his life as a slave. He had lived a life of subservience under an exultant foe, but even as he fell he conquered the eclipsed enemy, destroying more thousands at his death than he had killed in his life. I pray that our son may imitate Samson’s death by his own, that while remaining in the flesh he may conquer that flesh and live for God, subduing the sins of the flesh. I would not have him devoting his heart in enslavement to the flesh’s joys as to the wiles of that criminal woman, to become subsequently the property of the foe, stripped of the strength of grace.
Poem 24.529-581
10–17What was the meaning of Samson? If I say he signified Christ, it seems to me that I speak the truth. However, the thought immediately occurs to anyone who reflects: Was Christ overcome by the flattery of a woman? How is Christ understood to have gone in to a prostitute? Then, again, when did Christ have his head uncovered or his hair shaved, himself robbed of courage, bound, blinded and mocked? Watch, faithful soul. Notice why it is Christ, not only what Christ did, but also what he suffered. What did he do? He worked as a strong man and suffered as a weak one. In the one person I understand both qualities; I see the strength of the Son of God and the weakness of the Son of man. Moreover, when the Scriptures extol him, Christ is entire, both head and body. Just as Christ is the head of the church, so the church is his body; and in order that it might not be alone, it is the whole Christ with the head. Now the church contains within itself both strong and weak members. It has some who are fed on bread alone, and others who must still be nourished with milk. There is a further fact which must be admitted: in association at the sacraments, the imparting of baptism or participation at the altar, the church has both just and unjust people. At present the body of Christ is a threshing floor, as you know, but afterwards it will be a granary. While it is a threshing floor, it does not refuse to tolerate chaff, but when the time of storage comes it will separate the wheat from the chaff. Thus, some things Samson did as the head and others as the body, but all in the person of Christ. Inasmuch as Samson performed virtues and miracles, he prefigured Christ, the head of the church. When he acted prudently, he was an image of those who live justly in the church, but when he was overtaken and acted carelessly, he represented those who are sinners in the church. The prostitute whom Samson married is the church which committed fornication with idols before knowing one God, but which Christ afterwards united to himself. However, when she was enlightened and received faith from him, she even merited to learn the mysteries of salvation through him, and he further revealed to her the mysteries of heavenly secrets.
Sermon 118.3
And he said to her, If they should bind me fast with new ropes with which work has not been done, then shall I be weak, and shall be as another man.
καὶ εἶπε πρὸς αὐτήν· ἐὰν δεσμεύοντες δήσωσί με ἐν καλωδίοις καινοῖς, οἷς οὐκ ἐγένετο ἐν αὐτοῖς ἔργον, καὶ ἀσθενήσω καὶ ἔσομαι ὡς εἷς τῶν ἀνθρώπων.
И҆ речѐ къ не́й: а҆́ще вѧ́жꙋще свѧ́жꙋтъ мѧ̀ ᲂу҆́жы но́выми, и҆́миже не дѣ́лано, и҆ и҆знемогꙋ̀, и҆ бꙋ́дꙋ ꙗ҆́кѡ є҆ди́нъ ѿ человѣ̑къ.
11–12Samson, still firm of purpose, intimated to her that, if he were bound by seven ropes which had never been used, he would fall into the hands of the enemy, but this also was in vain.
Letter 19
And Dalida took new ropes, and bound him with them, and the liers in wait came out of the chamber, and she said, The Philistines [are] upon thee, Sampson: and he broke them off his arms like a thread.
καὶ ἔλαβε Δαλιδὰ καλώδια καινὰ καὶ ἔδησεν αὐτὸν ἐν αὐτοῖς· καὶ τὰ ἔνεδρα ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τοῦ ταμιείου· καὶ εἶπεν· ἀλλόφυλοι ἐπὶ σέ, Σαμψών· καὶ διέσπασεν αὐτὰ ἀπὸ βραχιόνων αὐτοῦ ὡσεὶ σπαρτίον.
И҆ взѧ̀ далі́да ᲂу҆́жы нѡ́вы и҆ свѧза̀ є҆го̀ и҆́ми, и҆ речѐ є҆мꙋ̀: и҆ноплемє́нницы на тѧ̀, самѱѡ́не. Подса́да же сѣдѧ́ше въ хра́минѣ. И҆ расто́рже ѧ҆̀ ѿ рꙋкꙋ̀ своє́ю а҆́ки ни́ть.
And Dalida said to Sampson, Behold, thou hast deceived me, and told me lies; tell me, I intreat thee, wherewith thou mayest be bound: and he said to her, If thou shouldest weave the seven locks of my head with the web, and shouldest fasten them with the pin into the wall, then shall I be weak as another man.
καὶ εἶπε Δαλιδὰ πρὸς Σαμψών· ἰδοὺ ἐπλάνησάς με καὶ ἐλάλησας πρός με ψευδῆ· ἀνάγγειλον δή μοι ἐν τίνι δεθήσῃ. καὶ εἶπε πρὸς αὐτήν· ἐὰν ὑφάνης τὰς ἑπτὰ σειρὰς τῆς κεφαλῆς μου σὺν τῷ διάσματι καὶ ἐγκρούσῃς τῷ πασσάλῳ εἰς τὸν τοῖχον, καὶ ἔσομαι ὡς εἷς τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀσθενής.
И҆ речѐ далі́да къ самѱѡ́нꙋ: да́же до нн҃ѣ прельща́лъ мѧ̀ є҆сѝ и҆ глаго́лалъ ко мнѣ̀ лжꙋ̀: повѣ́ждь мѝ ᲂу҆̀бо, чи́мъ свѧ́жешисѧ; И҆ речѐ є҆́й: а҆́ще сплете́ши се́дмь плени́цъ вла̑съ главы̀ моеѧ̀ спрѧде́нїемъ и҆ вбїе́ши ко́ломъ въ стѣ́нꙋ, и҆ бꙋ́дꙋ не́мощенъ ꙗ҆́кѡ є҆ди́нъ ѿ человѣ̑къ.
13–14The third time he disclosed part of the secret, and now drawing nearer to his fall, told her that, if the seven locks of his head were unfastened and woven to about a cubit's length, his strength would depart from him. But herein also he deluded those who were plotting against his life.
Letter 19
And it came to pass when he was asleep, that Dalida took the seven locks of his head, and wove them with the web, and fastened them with the pin into the wall, and she said, The Philistines [are] upon thee, Sampson: and he awoke out of his sleep, and carried away the pin of the web out of the wall.
καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ κοιμᾶσθαι αὐτὸν καὶ ἔλαβε Δαλιδὰ τὰς ἑπτὰ σειρὰς τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ καὶ ὕφανεν ἐν τῷ διάσματι καὶ ἔπηξε τῷ πασσάλῳ εἰς τὸν τοῖχον καὶ εἶπεν· ἀλλόφυλοι ἐπὶ σέ, Σαμψών· καὶ ἐξυπνίσθη ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐξῇρε τὸν πάσσαλον τοῦ ὑφάσματος ἐκ τοῦ τοίχου.
И҆ ᲂу҆спѝ далі́да є҆го̀ на колѣ́нѣхъ свои́хъ, и҆ бы́сть внегда̀ ᲂу҆снꙋ́ти є҆мꙋ̀, взѧ̀ далі́да се́дмь плени́цъ вла̑съ главы̀ є҆гѡ̀ и҆ сплетѐ спрѧде́нїемъ и҆ вонзѐ ко́ломъ въ стѣ́нꙋ, и҆ речѐ: и҆ноплемє́нницы на тѧ̀, самѱѡ́не. И҆ возбнꙋ̀ ѿ сна̀ своегѡ̀ и҆ и҆сто́рже ко́лъ сплете́нїемъ и҆з̾ стѣны̀, и҆ не ᲂу҆вѣ́дасѧ крѣ́пость є҆гѡ̀.
And Dalida said to Sampson, How sayest thou, I love thee, when thy heart is not with me? this third time thou hast deceived me, and hast not told me wherein [is] thy great strength.
καὶ εἶπε πρὸς Σαμψὼν Δαλιδά· πῶς λέγεις, ἠγάπηκά σε, καὶ ἡ καρδία σου οὐκ ἔστι μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ; τοῦτο τρίτον ἐπλάνησάς με καὶ οὐκ ἀπήγγειλάς μοι ἐν τίνι ἡ ἰσχύς σου ἡ μεγάλη.
И҆ речѐ къ немꙋ̀ далі́да: ка́кѡ глаго́леши, возлюби́хъ тѧ̀, и҆ се́рдце твоѐ нѣ́сть со мно́ю; сѐ, тре́тїе прельсти́лъ є҆сѝ мѧ̀, и҆ не повѣ́далъ є҆сѝ мнѣ̀, въ че́мъ крѣ́пость твоѧ̀ вели́каѧ.
15–17But last of all the wanton woman complaining that she had been so often deceived, and grieving that her lover deemed her unworthy to be entrusted with his secret, and that under her pretext of succour her treacherous purpose was suspected, won his confidence by her tears. By this means, and because also it was ordained that this man of hitherto unshaken fortitude should fall into calamity, Samson was touched and opened to her his heart. He told her that he possessed within him the power of God, that he was sanctified to the Lord, and that by His command he let his hair grow, and that if it were shorn, he would cease to be a Nazarite, and lose the use of his strength.
Letter 19
15–17He was faced with a third battle: he had lost everything he had, that is, his inheritance with his sons; his flesh was enduring wounds; he remained to conquer the temptations of words. No ordinary battle. Adam was deceived by speech, Samson was overcome by words. For nothing penetrates the soul like deceitful speech, and nothing bites as hard as harsh words. Many, after overcoming physical torment, could not endure the harshness of words. Job suffered, but endured, and carried the burden of wounds alongside the burden of words. His agonothetes saw him struggling in the cloud and whirlwind and gave him a helping hand, and declared that those struggling had fallen with a heavy fall, but he declared himself the victor and brought back the crown.
The Prayer of Job and David 2.3.8
15–17Is that, then, Samson who broke ropes twisted with thongs, and new cords like weak threads? Is that Samson who did not feel the bonds of his hair fastened to the beam, so long as he had the grace of the Spirit? He, I say, after the Spirit of God departed from him, was greatly changed from that Samson Who returned clothed in the spoils of the aliens, but fallen from his greatness on the knees of a woman, caressed and deceived, is shorn of his hair.
Was, then, the hair of his head of such importance that, so long as it remained, his strength should endure unconquered, but when his head was shorn the man should suddenly lose all his strength? It is not so, nor may we think that the hair of his head has such power. There is the hair of religion and faith; the hair of the Nazarite perfect in the Law, consecrated in sparingness and abstinence, with which she (a type of the Church), who poured ointment on the feet of the Lord, wiped the feet of the heavenly Word, for then she knew Christ also after the flesh. That hair it is of which it is said: "Thy hair is as flocks of goats," growing on that head of which it is said: "The head of the man is Christ," and in another place: "His head is as fine gold, and his locks like black pine-trees."
And so, also, in the Gospel our Lord, pointing out that some hairs are seen and known, says: "But even the hairs of your head are all numbered," implying, indeed, acts of spiritual virtues, for God does not take care for our hair. Though, indeed, it is not absurd to believe that literally, seeing that according to His divine Majesty nothing can be hidden from Him.
But what does it profit me, if God Himself knows all my hairs? That rather abounds and profits me, if the watchful witness of good works reward me with the gift of eternal life. And, in fine, Samson himself, declaring that these hairs are not mystical, says: "If I be shorn my strength will depart from me."
On the Holy Spirit 2, Introduction 13-16
And it came to pass as she pressed him sore with her words continually, and straitened him, that his spirit failed almost to death.
καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐξέθλιψεν αὐτὸν ἐν λόγοις αὐτῆς πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας καὶ ἐστενοχώρησεν αὐτόν, καὶ ὠλιγοψύχησεν ἕως τοῦ ἀποθανεῖν·
И҆ бы́сть є҆гда̀ стꙋжѝ є҆мꙋ̀ словесы̀ свои́ми по всѧ̑ дни̑, и҆ ᲂу҆бѣдѝ є҆го̀, и҆ и҆знемо́же да́же до ᲂу҆ме́ртвїѧ.
Then he told her all his heart, and said to her, A razor has not come upon my head, because I have been a holy [one] of God from my mother’s womb; if then I should be shaven, my strength will depart from me, and I shall be weak, and I shall be as all [other] men.
καὶ ἀνήγγειλεν αὐτῇ πᾶσαν τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ· σίδηρος οὐκ ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλήν μου, ὅτι ἅγιος Θεοῦ ἐγώ εἰμι ἀπὸ κοιλίας μητρός μου· ἐὰν οὖν ξυρήσωμαι, ἀποστήσεται ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ ἡ ἰσχύς μου, καὶ ἀσθενήσω καὶ ἔσομαι ὡς πάντες οἱ ἄνθρωποι.
И҆ повѣ́да є҆́й всѐ се́рдце своѐ, и҆ речѐ къ не́й: желѣ́зо не взы́де на главꙋ̀ мою̀, ꙗ҆́кѡ назѡре́й є҆́смь а҆́зъ гдⷭ҇ꙋ ѿ ᲂу҆тро́бы ма́тере моеѧ̀: а҆́ще ᲂу҆̀бо ѡ҆брі́юсѧ, ѿстꙋ́питъ ѿ менє̀ крѣ́пость моѧ̀, и҆ и҆знемогꙋ̀, и҆ бꙋ́дꙋ ꙗ҆́коже всѝ человѣ́цы.
And Dalida saw that he told her all his heart, and she sent and called the princes of the Philistines, saying, Come up yet this once; for he has told me all his heart. And the chiefs of the Philistines went up to her, and brought the money in their hands.
καὶ εἶδε Δαλιδά, ὅτι ἀπήγγειλεν αὐτῇ πᾶσαν τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀπέστειλε καὶ ἐκάλεσε τοὺς ἄρχοντας τῶν ἀλλοφύλων, λέγουσα· ἀνάβητε ἔτι τὸ ἅπαξ τοῦτο, ὅτι ἀπήγγειλέ μοι πᾶσαν τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἀνέβησαν πρὸς αὐτὴν οἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἀλλοφύλων καὶ ἀνήνεγκαν τὸ ἀργύριον ἐν χερσὶν αὐτῶν.
И҆ ви́дѣ далі́да, ꙗ҆́кѡ повѣ́да є҆́й всѐ се́рдце своѐ, посла̀ и҆ призва̀ кнѧ̑зи и҆ноплемє́нничи, глаго́лющи: взы́дите є҆щѐ є҆ди́ною, ꙗ҆́кѡ повѣ́да мѝ всѐ се́рдце своѐ. И҆ взыдо́ша къ не́й всѝ кнѧ̑зи и҆ноплемє́нничи, и҆ принесо́ша сребро̀ въ рꙋка́хъ свои́хъ.
The Philistines having discoverd through her means the man's weakness, bring her the reward of her perfidy, thus binding her to the commission of the crime.
Letter 19
And Dalida made Sampson sleep upon her knees; and she called a man, and he shaved the seven locks of his head, and she began to humble him, and his strength departed from him.
καὶ ἐκοίμισε Δαλιδὰ τὸν Σαμψὼν ἐπὶ τὰ γόνατα αὐτῆς· καὶ ἐκάλεσεν ἄνδρα, καὶ ἐξύρησε τὰς ἑπτὰ σειρὰς τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἤρξατο ταπεινῶσαι αὐτόν, καὶ ἀπέστη ἡ ἰσχὺς αὐτοῦ ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ.
И҆ ᲂу҆спѝ далі́да самѱѡ́на на колѣ́нѣхъ свои́хъ: и҆ призва̀ стригача̀, и҆ ѡ҆стрижѐ се́дмь плени́цъ вла̑съ главы̀ є҆гѡ̀: и҆ нача̀ смирѧ́тисѧ, и҆ ѿстꙋпѝ крѣ́пость є҆гѡ̀ ѿ негѡ̀.
19–21But the one who has taken root as “a fruitful olive tree in the house of God” composes those words against the tyrant which we have heard in the psalm, saying, “Why do you glory in evil, you who are mighty in iniquity,” whose “tongue” is “like a sharp razor.” It was by means of these two things that [Samson] was led off, after [Delilah] had removed the beauty of his hair and cut off the “seven locks of curls” in which our strength lies. Now you will by all means understand the meaning of the spiritual curls from the number seven, just as Isaiah has enumerated the grace which comes from the Spirit in seven parts. If these are cut off, as happened in the case of Samson, the destruction of the “eyes” follows, and one becomes a laughing stock to foreigners when they are drunk.
On the Inscriptions of the Psalms 2.13.183
19–21Now what does it mean that Samson possessed strength in his hair? Notice this carefully, too, brothers. He did not have strength in his hand, his foot, his chest, not even in his head, but in his hair. What is hair? If we perceive it, the apostle answers us after being questioned, “Hair is a covering”; and Christ had strength in a covering, when the shadows of the old law protected him. For this reason the hair of Samson was a covering, since it was seen and understood in Christ at different times. What does it mean that Samson’s secret was betrayed and his head was shaved? The law was despised and Christ suffered. They would not have killed Christ if they had not contemned the law, for they knew that it was not right for them to kill him. They told the judge, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” Samson’s head was shaved, the secrets were exposed, the covering was removed; Christ who lay hidden was revealed. Moreover, the hair was restored and again covered the head, because the Jews were unwilling to recognize Christ when he was risen. He was in a mill, blinded and in a prison house. The prison or mill is the labor of this world. The blindness of Samson indicates people who are blinded by their infidelity and do not recognize Christ exercising his power or ascending into heaven.
Sermon 118.6
And Dalida said, The Philistines [are] upon thee, Sampson: and he awoke out of his sleep and said, I will go out as at former times, and shake myself; and he knew not that the Lord was departed from him.
καὶ εἶπε Δαλιδά· ἀλλόφυλοι ἐπὶ σέ, Σαμψών. καὶ ἐξυπνίσθη ἐκ τοῦ ὕπνου αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπεν· ἐξελεύσομαι ὡς ἅπαξ καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ ἐκτιναχθήσομαι· καὶ αὐτὸς οὐκ ἔγνω ὅτι ὁ Κύριος ἀπέστη ἀπάνωθεν αὐτοῦ.
И҆ речѐ далі́да: и҆ноплемє́нницы на тѧ̀, самѱѡ́не. И҆ возбꙋди́сѧ ѿ сна̀ своегѡ̀ и҆ речѐ: и҆зы́дꙋ ꙗ҆́коже и҆ пре́жде, и҆ ѡ҆трѧсꙋ́сѧ. И҆ не разꙋмѣ̀, ꙗ҆́кѡ гдⷭ҇ь ѿстꙋпѝ ѿ негѡ̀.
And the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he ground in the prison-house.
καὶ ἐκράτησαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀλλόφυλοι καὶ ἐξέκοψαν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ· καὶ κατήνεγκαν αὐτὸν εἰς Γάζαν καὶ ἐπέδησαν αὐτὸν ἐν πέδαις χαλκείαις, καὶ ἦν ἀλήθων ἐν οἴκῳ τοῦ δεσμωτηρίου.
И҆ ꙗ҆́ша є҆го̀ и҆ноплемє́нницы, и҆ и҆збодо́ша є҆мꙋ̀ ѻ҆́чи, и҆ введо́ша є҆го̀ въ га́зꙋ, и҆ ѡ҆кова́ша є҆го̀ пꙋ̑ты мѣ̑дѧны: и҆ бѧ́ше мелѧ̀ въ хра́минѣ темни́чнѣй.
And the hair of his head began to grow as before it was shaven.
Καὶ ἤρξατο θρὶξ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ βλαστάνειν, καθὼς ἐξυρήσατο.
И҆ нача́ша власы̀ главы̀ є҆гѡ̀ растѝ по ѡ҆стриже́нїи.
And the chiefs of the Philistines met to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon, and to make merry; and they said, God has given into our hand our enemy Sampson.
καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἀλλοφύλων συνήχθησαν θυσιάσαι θυσίασμα μέγα τῷ Δαγὼν θεῷ αὐτῶν καὶ εὐφρανθῆναι καὶ εἶπαν· ἔδωκεν ὁ Θεὸς ἐν χειρὶ ἡμῶν τὸν Σαμψὼν τὸν ἐχθρὸν ἡμῶν.
И҆ кнѧ̑зи и҆ноплемє́нничи собра́шасѧ пожре́ти же́ртвꙋ вели́кꙋ дагѡ́нꙋ бо́гꙋ своемꙋ̀ и҆ возвесели́тисѧ, и҆ реко́ша: предадѐ бо́гъ на́шъ въ рꙋ́ки на́шѧ самѱѡ́на врага̀ на́шего.
23–25On the occasion of a great feast Samson is brought out of prison to the assembly of the Philistines, and set in sight of the people. There were nearly three thousand in number, men and women; and they insulted him with bitter reproaches, and carried him about in mockery, a trial harder to be borne than the very reality of captivity by a man conscious of innate power. For to live and die is natural, to be a laughing stock is counted a disgrace.
Letter 19
And the people saw him, and sang praises to their god; for our god, [said they], has delivered into our hand our enemy, who wasted our land, and who multiplied our slain.
καὶ εἶδον αὐτὸν ὁ λαὸς καὶ ὕμνησαν τὸν θεὸν αὐτῶν, ὅτι παρέδωκεν ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν τὸν ἐχθρὸν ἡμῶν ἐν χειρὶ ἡμῶν, τὸν ἐρημοῦντα τὴν γῆν ἡμῶν, καὶ ὃς ἐπλήθυνε τοὺς τραυματίας ἡμῶν.
И҆ ви́дѣша є҆го̀ лю́дїе, и҆ похвали́ша бо́га своего̀, ꙗ҆́кѡ рѣ́ша: предадѐ бо́гъ на́шъ въ рꙋ́ки на́шѧ врага̀ на́шего, ѡ҆пꙋстоши́вшаго зе́млю на́шꙋ, и҆ и҆́же ᲂу҆мно́жи ꙗ҆́звенныхъ на́шихъ.
And when their heart was merry, then they said, Call Sampson out of the prison-house, and let him play before us: and they called Sampson out of the prison-house, and he played before them; and they smote him with the palms of their hands, and set him between the pillars.
καὶ ὅτε ἠγαθύνθη ἡ καρδία αὐτῶν, καὶ εἶπαν· καλέσατε τὸν Σαμψὼν ἐξ οἴκου φυλακῆς, καὶ παιξάτω ἐνώπιον ἡμῶν. καὶ ἐκάλεσαν τὸν Σαμψὼν ἐξ οἴκου δεσμωτηρίου, και ἔπαιζεν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐρράπιζον αὐτὸν καὶ ἔστησαν αὐτὸν ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν κιόνων.
И҆ бы́сть є҆гда̀ возблажа̀ се́рдце и҆́хъ, и҆ реко́ша: призови́те самѱѡ́на и҆з̾ до́мꙋ темни́чнагѡ, и҆ да и҆гра́етъ пред̾ на́ми. И҆ призва́ша самѱѡ́на и҆з̾ до́мꙋ темни́чнагѡ, и҆ и҆гра́ше пред̾ ни́ми: и҆ заꙋша́хꙋ є҆го̀, и҆ поста́виша є҆го̀ междꙋ̀ стѡлпы̀.
And Sampson said to the young man that held his hand, Suffer me to feel the pillar on which the house [rests], and I will stay myself upon them.
καὶ εἶπε Σαμψὼν πρὸς τὸν νεανίαν τὸν κρατοῦντα τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ· ἄφες με καὶ ψηλαφήσω τοὺς κίονας, ἐφ᾿ οἷς ὁ οἶκος ἐπ᾿ αὐτούς, καὶ ἐπιστηριχθήσομαι ἐπ᾿ αὐτούς.
И҆ речѐ самѱѡ́нъ ко ю҆́ноши держа́щемꙋ є҆го̀ за рꙋ́кꙋ: ѡ҆ста́ви менѐ, да ѡ҆сѧжꙋ̀ столпы̀, на ни́хже до́мъ се́й ᲂу҆твержде́нъ є҆́сть, и҆ ѡ҆прꙋ́сѧ на ни́хъ. Ю҆́ноша же сотворѝ та́кѡ.
26–28But in process of time his hair began to grow again; and on the occasion of a great feast Samson is brought out of prison to the assembly of the Philistines, and set in sight of the people. There were nearly three thousand in number, men and women; and they insulted him with bitter reproaches, and carried him about in mockery, a trial harder to be borne than the very reality of captivity by a man conscious of innate power. For to live and die is natural, to be a laughing stock is counted a disgrace. Desirous therefore either of consoling himself by avenging so great an indignity, or of forestalling it for the future by death, he pretended that from the weakness of his limbs and the weight of his fetters he could not support himself, and desired the boy who guided his steps to bring him to the nearest pillars by which the whole house was supported. Being brought near, he grasped with both hands the props of the building, and while the Philistines were intent on the sacrificial feast which they were offering to Dagon their god, by whose help they deemed their adversary had been delivered into their power, reckoning a woman's perfidy as a gift from above, he called unto the Lord, and said, "O Lord God, remember me I pray Thee this once, that I may be avenged of the heathen for my two eyes," and that they give not glory to their gods as if by their help they had gotten me into their power. Let me die with the Philistines, that they may find my weakness to have been no less fatal to them than my strength.
Then he shook the columns with great force, and broke them in pieces, whereon followed the downfall of the upper roof, crushing Samson himself and casting down all those who were looking on from above. Thus were a great number of men and women slain together, and by an end not unworthy or disgraceful, but excelling all his former victories, the dying Samson obtained a triumph. For although to that point and thenceforward he was invincible, and incomparable during life among men versed in war, yet in death he conquered himself, and shewed an unconquerable soul, so as to despise and count for nothing that end of life which all men fear.
Letter 19
And the house [was] full of men and women, and there were all the chiefs of the Philistines, and on the roof [were] about three thousand men and women looking at the sports of Sampson.
καὶ ὁ οἶκος πλήρης τῶν ἀνδρῶν καὶ τῶν γυναικῶν, καὶ ἐκεῖ πάντες οἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἀλλοφύλων, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸ δῶμα ὡσεὶ τρισχίλιοι ἄνδρες καὶ γυναῖκες οἱ θεωροῦντες ἐν παγνίαις Σαμψών.
До́мъ же бѧ́ше по́лнъ мꙋже́й и҆ же́нъ, и҆ та́мѡ всѝ кнѧ̑зи и҆ноплемє́нничи: на кро́вѣ же то́мъ до тре́хъ ты́сѧщъ мꙋже́й и҆ же́нъ, зрѧ́ще рꙋга́емаго самѱѡ́на.
And Sampson wept before the Lord, and said, O Lord, my lord, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, O God, yet this once, and I will requite one recompense to the Philistines for my two eyes.
καὶ ἔκλαυσε Σαμψὼν πρὸς Κύριον, καὶ εἶπεν· ᾿Αδωναϊὲ Κύριε, μνήσθητι δή μου νῦν καὶ ἐνίσχυσόν με ἔτι τὸ ἅπαξ τοῦτο, Θεέ, καὶ ἀνταποδώσω ἀνταπόδοσιν μίαν περὶ τῶν δύο ὀφθαλμῶν μου τοῖς ἀλλοφύλοις.
И҆ воззва̀ самѱѡ́нъ ко гдⷭ҇ꙋ и҆ речѐ: а҆дѡнаі̀ гдⷭ҇и, гдⷭ҇и си́лъ, помѧни́ мѧ нн҃ѣ, и҆ ᲂу҆крѣпи́ мѧ є҆щѐ є҆ди́ною, бж҃е, да возда́мъ мще́нїе є҆ди́но за два̀ ѡ҆́ка моѧ̑ фѷлїсті́мѡмъ.
And Sampson took hold of the two pillars of the house on which the house stood, and leaned on them, and laid hold of one with his right hand, and the other with his left.
καὶ περιέλαβε Σαμψὼν τοὺς δύο κίονας τοῦ οἴκου, ἐφ᾿ οὓς ὁ οἶκος εἱστήκει, καὶ ἐπεστηρίχθη ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς καὶ ἐκράτησεν ἕνα τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἕνα τῇ ἀριστερᾷ αὐτοῦ.
И҆ ѡ҆б̾ѧ̀ самѱѡ́нъ ѻ҆́ба столпа̑ срє́днїѧ, на ни́хже хра́мина бѧ́ше ᲂу҆твержде́на, и҆ ѡ҆пре́сѧ на ни́хъ, держѧ̀ є҆ди́нъ рꙋко́ю десно́ю, а҆ дрꙋгі́й лѣ́вою.
29–30Then he shook the columns with great force, and broke them in pieces, whereon followed the downfall of the upper roof, crushing Samson himself and casting down all those who were looking on from above. Thus were a great number of men and women slain together, and by an end not unworthy or disgraceful, but excelling all his former victories, the dying Samson obtained a triumph. For although to that point and thenceforward he was invincible, and incomparable during life among men versed in war, yet in death he conquered himself, and shewed an unconquerable soul, so as to despise and count for nothing that end of life which all men fear.
Thus it was through his valour that the last day of his life was also the sum of his victories, and that he met not a captive but a triumphant end. But to have been entrapped by a woman is to be ascribed to nature rather than to the man, because it was by the condition of his humanity more than through his own fault that he fell; for this is wont to be overcome, and yield to the allurements of wickedness. Wherefore, since Scripture bears witness that he slew more in his death than while in the light of life, it would seem that his captivity happened rather for the destruction of his adversaries than for his own fall and humiliation. For he whose burial was more efficacious than his living strength cannot be said to have found himself inferior. Lastly, he was overwhelmed and buried not by the weapons but by the bodies of his enemies, and thus, covered by his own triumph, he left a glorious memorial to posterity. For he judged his countrymen, whom he found enslaved, twenty years, and buried in his native soil, left them inheritors of liberty.
By this example then it is plain that alliances with strangers should be avoided, lest through love for our wife the snares of treachery should be successful.
Letter 19
29–30Furthermore, the fact that after Samson’s hair grew again he recovered his former strength and seizing the pillars destroyed the house of his enemies together with its builders, is also seen today in the case of some sinners. If they destroy their vices by repentance and provide a place for virtue, the likeness and figure of Samson is fulfilled in them. Then is accomplished in them what is written concerning Samson: “Those he killed at his death were more than those he had killed during his lifetime.” It is true, brothers. A greater number of sins is destroyed by repentance than is known to be overcome at a time when one seems to be free from offenses. Now we should not notice with indifference that at the death of Samson all his enemies were killed. Thus, may our adversaries also be destroyed at our death. Brothers, the apostle says, “Mortify your members, which are on earth: lust, evil desire and covetousness (which is a form of idol worship).” Let drunkenness and pride die in us, envy be extinguished, anger appeased and malice rejected. If we endeavor to kill all these things with God’s help, like Samson we can destroy our adversaries by dying to sins and vices.
Sermon 119.5
29–30Now that splendor which was restored in Samson and was covered at his death I think fits every servant of Christ. If someone is overtaken by some sin and in a salutary manner has recourse to the remedies of repentance, with the restoration of grace there returns the face of a good conscience, like the hair which grew again. Thus, it becomes possible for the merits of faith like very strong muscles of courage to attack and overthrow the enemy’s pillars which support the hostile house. What are these pillars of the enemy’s house except our sins upon which the house of the devil rests, where he feasts as victor and mocks our minds if they have been captivated? Therefore, we eject this enemy from his house by the destruction and death of our flesh. Our enemy is enclosed within us; he daily wages an internal war inside. As long as we sometimes assent to him, in accord with the evil agreement of our will he gains power over us. With our vices against us as his accomplices within, he attacks our exterior ministry, so that when we hand over to him our members for works of iniquity we are killed by our own sword, as is usually said. However, we ought to remember the agreement which we promised in return for the grace of baptism, when we were buried together with Christ in the mystery of the cross: that we would renounce the devil, his ostentatious displays and his works. Let us no longer live in this world as we have been; in fact, let us no longer live to ourselves but let Christ live in us. When he has been restored to the honor of the head, the house of the devil will fall, and all our enemies will die with our sins in eternal destruction.
Sermon 119.3
29–30“Therefore his enemies brought him to play the buffoon before them.” Notice here an image of the cross. Samson extends his hands spread out to the two columns as to the two beams of the cross. Moreover, by his death he overcame his adversaries, because his sufferings became the death of his persecutors. For this reason Scripture concludes as follows: “Those he killed at his death were more than those he had killed during his lifetime.” This mystery was clearly fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ, for at his death he completed our redemption which he had by no means publicly announced during his life: who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Sermon 118.6
And Sampson said, Let my life perish with the Philistines: and he bowed himself mightily; and the house fell upon the princes, and upon all the people that were in it: and the dead whom Sampson slew in his death were more than those whom he slew in his life.
καὶ εἶπε Σαμψών· ἀποθανέτω ψυχή μου μετὰ τῶν ἀλλοφύλων· καὶ ἐβάσταξεν ἐν ἰσχύϊ, καὶ ἔπεσεν ὁ οἶκος ἐπὶ τοὺς ἄρχοντας καὶ ἐπὶ πάντα τὸν λαὸν τὸν ἐν αὐτῷ· καὶ ἦσαν οἱ τεθνηκότες, οὓς ἐθανάτωσε Σαμψὼν ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ, πλείους ἢ οὓς ἐθανάτωσεν ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ.
И҆ речѐ самѱѡ́нъ: да ᲂу҆́мретъ дꙋша̀ моѧ̀ со и҆ноплемє́нники. И҆ преклони́сѧ крѣ́постїю, и҆ падѐ хра́мина на кнѧ̑зи и҆ на всѧ̑ лю́ди и҆̀же въ не́й: и҆ бы́сть ме́ртвыхъ, и҆̀хже ᲂу҆мертвѝ самѱѡ́нъ при сме́рти свое́й, мно́жае не́же и҆̀хже ᲂу҆мертвѝ въ животѣ̀ свое́мъ.
The Spirit, therefore, "asks" and "intercedes," but we "pray." And Joshua's words commanding the sun to stand over [Gibeon] seem to me to be an intercession also.… And in Judges, Samson in my opinion said in intercession: "Let me die with the foreigners—when he bent in his strength and the house fell upon the princes and all the people that were there." Even though it is not written that Joshua and Samson "interceded" but that they "said," nevertheless their words seem to be an "intercession," which we must judge to be different from a "prayer," if we are to give words their proper meaning.
On Prayer 14.5
And his brethren and his father’s house went down, and they took him; and they went up and buried him between Saraa and Esthaol in the sepulchre of his father Manoe; and he judged Israel twenty years.
καὶ κατέβησαν οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ ὁ οἶκος τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλαβον αὐτὸν καὶ ἀνέβησαν καὶ ἔθαψαν αὐτὸν ἀνὰ μέσον Σαραὰ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον ᾿Εσθαὸλ ἐν τῷ τάφῳ Μανωὲ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ. καὶ αὐτὸς ἔκρινε τὸν ᾿Ισραὴλ εἴκοσιν ἔτη.
И҆ снидо́ша бра́тїѧ є҆гѡ̀ и҆ ве́сь до́мъ ѻ҆тца̀ є҆гѡ̀, и҆ взѧ́ша є҆го̀: и҆ взыдо́ша, и҆ погребо́ша є҆го̀ междꙋ̀ сараѝ и҆ междꙋ̀ є҆сѳао́ломъ во гро́бѣ манѡ́ѧ ѻ҆тца̀ є҆гѡ̀. И҆ се́й сꙋдѝ і҆и҃лю лѣ́тъ два́десѧть. (И҆ воста̀ по самѱѡ́нѣ є҆мега́ръ сы́нъ є҆на́нь, и҆ ᲂу҆бѝ ѿ и҆ноплеме́нникѡвъ ше́сть сѡ́тъ мꙋже́й кромѣ̀ скота̀, и҆ спасѐ и҆ ѻ҆́нъ і҆и҃лѧ.)
Satan the tyrant outwitted Samson with a woman, the same tyrant outwitted Adam with a woman: Samson had to grind at the mill, Adam had to labor wearily on the soil; Samson prayed to be released, whereas we pray to grow old in our misery. Blessed is he who delivered Samson, releasing him from the grinding. Samson is a type of the death of Christ the high priest: Samson’s death returns prisoners to their towns, whereas the High Priest’s death has returned us to our heritage.
Hymns on Paradise 13.12-13
And Sampson went to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in to her.
ΚΑΙ ἐπορεύθη Σαμψὼν εἰς Γάζαν· καὶ εἶδεν ἐκεῖ γυναῖκα πόρνην καὶ εἰσῆλθε πρὸς αὐτήν.
И҆ и҆́де самѱѡ́нъ въ га́зꙋ, и҆ ви́дѣ та́мѡ женꙋ̀ блꙋдни́цꙋ и҆ вни́де къ не́й.