Three English Translations

The three English translations I chose to analyze the story of Delilah were: The English Standard Version, The King James Version, and the Christian Standard Bible. All of which came with minor and major differences in the translations. Specifically in the English Standard Version the translation uses the word, “Seduce” in regards to Delilah making a deal with the Philistine Lords to find a way to take away Samson’s strength. This version compared to the King James Version and the Christian Standard Bible, makes Delilah’s mission seem more sexual than what it might have been. Comparing the English Standard version against The King James Version, it states, “Entice” and “Persuade” in the Christian Standard Bible. Although this might be a minor

The story of Delilah is cut abruptly as soon as the Philistines capture Samson. After this takes place, there is no mention of Delilah there after. The preceding stories are there to help the reader better understand Samson’s character and also make a connection between the Jephthah days and Samson’s days of unrest. The text explains Samson’s marriage preceding the story with Delilah. Even in this text, Samson goes after another Philistine woman. His attitude and personality start to unravel as the reader sees that he a very arrogant and selfish man. He takes what he wants and does right in his eyes. “Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?’ But Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes” (Judges 14:3, English Standard Version). Samson then conjures up an unsolvable riddle and cannot take the loss, then killing many philistines in the process. Delilah’s story is different, in that Samson previously took or received what ever he wanted. He viewed himself as untouchable. Delilah took on the challenge and unraveled Samson’s ego, which led to his death. There are similiarities between the proceeding and stories that follow. Each of the characters mentioned, whether it is Jephthah, Samson, Delilah, Micah and the Levite, they all do what was right in their own eyes. In each of the story, there is no reliance on God’s provision. It is very clear from both Samson and Delilah’s actions. “And the lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Seduce him, and see where his great strength lies, and by what means we may overpower him, that we may bind him to humble him. And we will each give you 1,100 pieces of silver” (Judges 16:5, English Standard Version). Delilah did right in her own eyes by her means of getting money. After the death of Gideon, there seems to be a paradigm shift in justice for God compared to the