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.