שופטים, פרק ט״ז, פסוק י״א

Samson finds himself needing to calm Delilah's frustrations after his previous instructions failed to take away his strength. Responding to her accusations that he had tricked her, he insists that he never actually lied. Instead, he claims he simply forgot to mention certain specific conditions that are absolutely necessary for his power to leave him [מלבי״ם].

He explains that he must be tied up with a particular kind of rope. There are different understandings of exactly what these restraints are. Some describe them simply as thick, rough ropes [רש״י וביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others view them as exceptionally strong cords that are specially braided and woven together from three separate ropes [רד״ק ומלבי״ם].

Beyond the physical makeup of the ropes, Samson introduces a second, essential requirement. The ropes must be completely new and never before used for any kind of work [מלבי״ם]. He assures Delilah that only when both of these exact conditions are met together will his immense strength finally fade, leaving him as weak as any ordinary man.