The story of Samson and Delilah is found in the Book of Judges, chapters 16:4-22, in the Bible. Samson, known for his extraordinary strength, which he attributed to his never having cut his hair as part of his Nazirite vow to God, falls in love with a woman named Delilah in the Valley of Sorek. The rulers of the Philistines, who were enemies of Israel, approach Delilah and offer her 1,100 pieces of silver each to discover the secret of Samson's strength and how they can overpower him.

Delilah accepts the Philistines' offer and begins to press Samson about the source of his strength. Samson initially misleads her with false explanations. However, Delilah persists, accusing him of not trusting her and questioning his love for her. After much persuasion, Samson finally reveals that his strength lies in his hair, which has never been cut due to his vow to God.

While Samson sleeps on Delilah's lap, she calls a man to cut his seven locks of hair, thus breaking his Nazirite vow. Samson's strength leaves him, and the Philistines capture him, gouge out his eyes, and bring him to Gaza, where he is bound with bronze shackles and made to grind grain in the prison. The story of Samson and Delilah is often cited as an example of the consequences of betrayal and the loss of spiritual integrity.