The term "Philistine woman" in the Bible often refers to women from the Philistine cities, a group of people who were frequent adversaries of the Israelites. The Philistines were a significant presence in the land of Canaan during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy of Israel. They are often depicted as a pagan people, worshipping gods such as Dagon and Baal, and living in cities like Gaza, Ashdod, and Ekron.

One of the most notable Philistine women in the Bible is Delilah, who is associated with the account of Samson, a judge of Israel. Delilah is introduced in Judges 16, where she is described as a woman from the Valley of Sorek whom Samson loved. The Philistine rulers approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson's strength, offering her a substantial reward. Delilah's persistence eventually led Samson to reveal that his strength was tied to his Nazirite vow, specifically his uncut hair. Judges 16:19 states, "After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and in this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him." Delilah's actions resulted in Samson's capture, highlighting the tension and conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines.

Another reference to a Philistine woman is found in the account of Samson's first marriage. In Judges 14, Samson desires a Philistine woman from Timnah, which displeases his parents. Despite their objections, Samson insists on marrying her, saying, "Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes" (Judges 14:3). This marriage is part of God's plan to create an opportunity against the Philistines, as noted in Judges 14:4 : "His father and mother did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel." The marriage ultimately leads to a series of conflicts between Samson and the Philistines.

Philistine women are also mentioned in the context of idolatry and moral corruption. The Israelites were often warned against intermarrying with the Philistines and other pagan nations, as these relationships could lead them away from worshiping Yahweh. In the broader narrative of the Old Testament, Philistine women symbolize the allure and danger of foreign influences that could lead the Israelites into sin and away from their covenant with God.

The interactions between Israelite men and Philistine women in the biblical text often serve as a microcosm of the larger spiritual and cultural battles between the two nations. These accounts underscore the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the perils of compromising with pagan cultures.