Old Testament
Judges 16:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Delilah said to Samson, "You made a fool of me and lied to me! Now please, tell me how you can be tied up."
Compare translations
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.
What Judges 16:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Delilah confronts Samson about his deceptive behavior. She feels betrayed because he has not been honest with her regarding the secret of his strength. Delilah's frustration is evident as she accuses him of mocking her. This moment highlights the tension in their relationship, as Delilah is trying to uncover the truth while Samson is keeping his secret. The verse illustrates the theme of betrayal and the consequences of dishonesty. Delilah's persistence in seeking the truth about Samson's strength ultimately leads to tragic outcomes. This interaction sets the stage for the events that follow, where Delilah's motives become clearer, and Samson's vulnerability is exposed. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of manipulation and the importance of honesty in relationships. Delilah's plea for the truth reflects a deeper desire for power and control, which can lead to destructive choices.
How to apply Judges 16:10 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of honesty in our relationships. Just as Samson's lies led to dire consequences, we should strive to be truthful with those we care about. Trust is foundational, and dishonesty can lead to betrayal and pain.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Samson's story: Samson and Delilah (Judges 16:4–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Samson
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 16:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 16:10
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Delilah accuse Samson of in Judges 16:10?
In Judges 16:10, Delilah accuses Samson of mocking her and lying to her. She expresses her frustration over his deceptive behavior, feeling betrayed because he has not revealed the secret of his strength. This confrontation highlights the tension in their relationship and sets the stage for the unfolding events.
What is the significance of honesty in Judges 16:10?
Judges 16:10 emphasizes the importance of honesty in relationships. Samson's lies to Delilah lead to a breakdown of trust, ultimately resulting in dire consequences. This verse serves as a reminder that deception can lead to betrayal and pain, reinforcing the need for transparency and truthfulness in our interactions with others.
How does Delilah's character develop in Judges 16:10?
In Judges 16:10, Delilah's character is portrayed as persistent and manipulative. Her frustration with Samson's lies reveals her desire for control and power. This moment marks a turning point in her character, as she becomes more determined to uncover the truth about Samson's strength, leading to her eventual betrayal of him.
What themes are present in Judges 16:10?
Judges 16:10 encompasses several themes, including betrayal, deception, manipulation, and the dynamics of relationships. The verse illustrates how dishonesty can erode trust and lead to tragic outcomes. It also highlights the vulnerability of individuals when faced with manipulation, showcasing the consequences of prioritizing power over honesty.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.