The phrase seems to suggest “shake myself free.” Because of this expression, many have believed that Delilah had bound Samson in addition to shearing off his hair. The context, however, does not make this clear. The Philistines would want some evidence that his strength was really gone before venturing to face him, but his reaction to Delilah’s afflictions (v. 19) would have provided the proof.

Samson had many times violated his Nazirite vow by partaking of wine (PP 565) and by defiling himself in other ways, but in it all, by keeping his long hair, he indicated at least some interest in maintaining his consecration for God’s service. There was no virtue in the hair itself, but since it was a token of his loyalty to God, its sacrifice to the whim of a lawless woman caused God to withdraw the gift of supernatural strength. God had borne long with Samson’s folly, but now that he had broken the vow in every way, the Lord withdrew His blessing and protection.