Judges 16:10 - Delilah said to Samson, “Behold, you have mocked me, and told me lies: now please tell me with which you might be bound.”

Generated Verse: Judges 16:10

What does "Judges 16:10" mean?


This verse from Judges 16:10 is part of the ongoing narrative of Delilah trying to discover the source of Samson's great strength. Let's break it down:

"Delilah said to Samson...": This sets the scene. Delilah is speaking to Samson, her lover, but also someone she is being paid by the Philistines to betray.

"...Behold, you have mocked me, and told me lies...": Delilah is accusing Samson of deceiving her. He had previously given her false answers when she asked him how he could be bound (incapacitated or captured). He's essentially been teasing her with incorrect solutions.

"...now please tell me with which you might be bound.": This is her plea and the core of the verse. Despite his previous lies, she's asking him to be honest and tell her the true secret of his vulnerability. She's trying to manipulate him using a combination of nagging, feigned affection, and wounded pride.

In essence, the verse means:

Delilah is frustrated because Samson has been tricking her. She accuses him of lying and mocks him for it. Then, she implores him to reveal the truth about what would render him powerless.

Underlying Meaning and Context:

Manipulation and Deception: The entire interaction is based on deception. Delilah is being deceitful for the Philistines, and Samson is initially evasive.
Trust and Betrayal: Delilah is trying to gain Samson's trust in order to betray him. This highlights the complex and ultimately destructive nature of their relationship.
Samson's Hubris (Excessive Pride): Samson seems to underestimate Delilah's persistence and the danger he is in. He likely feels confident in his strength and believes he can outsmart her. His hubris ultimately leads to his downfall.
Foreshadowing: The verse foreshadows Samson eventually revealing his secret, which will lead to his capture and imprisonment by the Philistines.

The verse illustrates the toxic dynamic between Delilah and Samson and foreshadows the tragic consequences of their relationship. Delilah's persistence, driven by greed and national animosity, combined with Samson's pride and lack of judgment, set the stage for his eventual defeat.

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