Judges 16:6 (KJV)

What does Judges 16:6 mean?

Judges 16:6 shows Delilah directly asking Samson to reveal the secret of his extraordinary strength and how he could be overpowered. Delilah’s question is clear and straightforward, setting up the tension in the story as she seeks to discover Samson’s vulnerability.

In this verse, Delilah is speaking to Samson in private, trying to coax him into sharing the source of his strength. The situation is tense because the reader knows she has been approached by the Philistine leaders to betray Samson. Her words are both a request and a test, and they introduce the main conflict of this part of the story.

The Hebrew behind Judges 16:6

• "Strength" (כֹּחַ, koach): This word often means physical power or ability. Here, it highlights that Samson’s might is unusual and not just ordinary human strength.
• "Bound" (אָסַר, asar): This word means to tie up or restrain. Delilah is not just curious; she wants to know exactly how Samson could be held captive.
• "Afflict" (עָנָה, anah): This word can mean to oppress, humble, or harm. Delilah’s question is pointed—she is asking how Samson could be subdued or hurt, not just how he could be stopped.

Why Judges 16:6 matters

• This verse makes it clear that Delilah’s intentions are not innocent curiosity; she is actively seeking information to betray Samson, which adds suspense and foreshadows the coming betrayal.
• The directness of Delilah’s question shows her role as an agent for the Philistines, making the danger to Samson very real and immediate.
• Understanding the specific words used for "strength," "bound," and "afflict" helps clarify that the Philistines are not just interested in capturing Samson, but in finding a way to truly overpower and harm him, which raises the stakes in the narrative.