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.