And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.

JUDGES 16:15KJV
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Judges 16:15 (KJV)

What does Judges 16:15 mean?

Judges 16:15 shows Delilah confronting Samson, accusing him of not truly loving her because he has not shared the secret of his great strength, even after she has asked him multiple times. Delilah claims Samson has mocked her three times by not revealing his secret, questioning the sincerity of his love.

In this verse, Delilah is speaking directly to Samson during their ongoing conversation about the source of his strength. The verse highlights her emotional appeal and frustration, as she tries to persuade Samson to trust her with his secret. This moment is part of a larger story where Delilah repeatedly pressures Samson, setting the stage for his eventual betrayal.

The Hebrew behind Judges 16:15

  • "love" (אָהַב, 'ahav): This word for love is often used for deep affection or loyalty, not just romantic feeling. Delilah uses it to challenge Samson’s commitment to her, making her accusation more personal and serious.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" refers to the inner self, including mind, will, and emotions. Delilah’s claim that Samson’s heart is not with her means she feels he is withholding his true self, not just information.
  • "mocked" (הָתַל, hatal): This word can mean to deceive or make a fool of someone. Delilah accuses Samson of intentionally misleading her, which adds to the tension and shows her sense of betrayal.
  • "three" (שָׁלוֹשׁ, shalosh) and "times" (פַּעַם, pa'am): The mention of "three times" emphasizes repeated deception, not just a single incident. This repetition underlines Delilah’s growing frustration and determination.

Why Judges 16:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Delilah’s approach is emotional and persistent, not just a simple request for information, which helps explain why Samson eventually gives in.
  • The language Delilah uses connects the idea of love with trust and honesty, themes that are central to the story and to many relationships in the Bible.
  • Understanding this verse in context shows the buildup of pressure on Samson, making his eventual decision to reveal his secret more understandable within the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“How” Hebrew H349 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 44:34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.
  • Deuteronomy 7:17 If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?
  • Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

“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 16:10 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.
  • Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?

“times” Hebrew H6471 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Deuteronomy 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.
  • 2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

“strength” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.