Old Testament
Judges 16:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Delilah said to Samson, "You keep making a fool of me and telling me lies! Tell me how you could really be tied up." He said to her, "If you weave the 7 braids of my hair into the fabric on your loom."
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And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.
What Judges 16:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Delilah confronts Samson about his deceptive behavior. She feels mocked because he has not been truthful about the secret of his strength. Samson, who has been playing a dangerous game with her, finally gives her a clue about how he could be subdued. He mentions weaving the seven braids of his hair into a loom, which symbolizes his strength being tied to his uncut hair, a sign of his vow to God. This moment highlights the tension in their relationship, as Delilah is trying to uncover his secret while Samson is still not fully revealing the truth. It also foreshadows the eventual betrayal that will lead to Samson's downfall, illustrating the consequences of misplaced trust and the dangers of temptation.
How to apply Judges 16:13 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of honesty in relationships. Just as Samson's lies led to his downfall, we should strive to be truthful with those we care about. It also warns against the dangers of temptation and the need to guard our hearts against those who may not have our best interests at heart.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samson's story: Samson and Delilah (Judges 16:4–20)
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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.
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Keep studying Judges 16:13
Related Bible verses
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 Judges 16:13 mean?
Judges 16:13 describes a moment of confrontation between Delilah and Samson, where she accuses him of lying about the secret of his strength. Samson hints that weaving his hair into a loom is a way to bind him, revealing part of his secret while still being deceptive.
What is the significance of the seven braids in Judges 16:13?
The seven braids mentioned in Judges 16:13 symbolize Samson's strength, which is tied to his uncut hair as part of his vow to God. This detail foreshadows the betrayal that ultimately leads to his downfall.
What themes are present in Judges 16:13?
Judges 16:13 highlights themes of deception, betrayal, and temptation within relationships. It illustrates the dangers of dishonesty and the consequences of misplaced trust.
How does Judges 16:13 relate to honesty in relationships?
Judges 16:13 emphasizes the importance of honesty, as Samson's lies contribute to his eventual downfall. It serves as a reminder to be truthful with those we care about to avoid harmful consequences.
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