And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.

JUDGES 16:10KJV
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Judges 16:10 (KJV)

What does Judges 16:10 mean?

Judges 16:10 shows Delilah confronting Samson after realizing he has deceived her about the secret of his strength. Delilah accuses Samson of mocking her and lying, and she urges him to finally tell her the truth about how he could be bound.

In this verse, Delilah is speaking directly to Samson during their ongoing conversation about the source of his strength. She expresses frustration and hurt, highlighting that Samson has not been honest with her. This exchange is part of a larger pattern where Delilah repeatedly tries to discover Samson’s secret, while Samson continues to mislead her.

The Hebrew behind Judges 16:10

  • "mocked" (הֵתַלְתָּ, hetalta): This word means to make a fool of or to toy with someone. Delilah’s use of this term shows she feels tricked and played with, not just lied to.
  • "lies" (כָּזָב, kazav): This word means falsehoods or untruths. Delilah accuses Samson of deliberately telling her things that are not true, emphasizing the seriousness of his deception.
  • "bound" (אָסַר, asar): This word means to tie up or restrain. Delilah’s repeated question about how Samson could be bound shows her intent to find out the real secret behind his strength.

Why Judges 16:10 matters

  • This verse highlights the tension and manipulation in the relationship between Delilah and Samson, setting the stage for the eventual betrayal.
  • The language Delilah uses reveals her persistence and emotional tactics, which play a key role in the unfolding story.
  • Understanding Delilah’s accusations helps clarify why Samson’s eventual confession is so significant in the context of repeated deception and pressure.

Where else these words appear

“Delilah” Hebrew H1807 · used in 6 verses

  • Judges 16:4 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.
  • Judges 16:6 And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.
  • Judges 16:13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.

“mocked” Hebrew H2048 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
  • Judges 16:13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.
  • Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?

“lies” Hebrew H3577 · used in 31 verses

  • Judges 16:13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.
  • Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
  • Ezekiel 13:8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

“Samson” Hebrew H8123 · used in 37 verses

  • Judges 13:24 And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
  • Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
  • Judges 16:9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.