שופטים, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ז׳

Delilah's persistent attempts to uncover the secret of Samson's immense power are met with a clever deception. Instead of revealing the truth, Samson brushes her off with a fabricated story designed to mislead her. In his response, he addresses only the question of how he might be captured and bound, completely ignoring her inquiry about the actual source of his strength. This calculated omission creates the false impression that his power is entirely natural and that even he does not know its true origin. He presents his answer as if he has carefully tested the matter and discovered the specific method required to restrain him [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Detailing this supposed weakness, Samson claims that he must be tied up using fresh, damp cords [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that these are ropes crafted from moist branches and twigs [מצודת ציון, רד״ק], though another perspective suggests they are simply thin ropes [רש״י]. He emphasizes that these materials must not be dried out. This repetition—specifying both that the cords be moist and not dried—serves to add extra clarity and stress the precise condition required for his capture [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

If he is bound in this exact manner, Samson claims that his power will drain away, leaving him physically weak [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He assures Delilah that under these conditions, he will lose his unique abilities and become just as vulnerable as any ordinary man [מצודת דוד].