Old Testament
Judges 16:15
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Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when your heart is not with me? You've mocked me these three times and still haven't told me where your great strength comes from."
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And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.
What Judges 16:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Delilah confronts Samson about his lack of honesty and commitment. She questions how he can profess love for her while keeping secrets that are crucial to their relationship. Delilah feels mocked because Samson has evaded her inquiries about the source of his strength three times. This moment highlights the tension in their relationship, as Delilah is frustrated by his unwillingness to share something so important. It also reveals the manipulative nature of their interactions, as Delilah is using emotional appeals to extract information from Samson. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and transparency in relationships, as well as the dangers of manipulation and deceit.
How to apply Judges 16:15 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of honesty in our relationships. We should strive to communicate openly with those we love, avoiding manipulation or deceit. Building trust requires transparency, and we must be careful not to take our loved ones for granted or play with their emotions.
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 16:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 mean when she questions Samson's love?
Delilah is expressing her frustration that Samson claims to love her while withholding important information about his strength. This highlights a lack of trust and transparency in their relationship, suggesting that true love requires honesty and openness.
How does this verse illustrate manipulation in relationships?
In this verse, Delilah uses emotional appeals to manipulate Samson into revealing his secret. By questioning his love and expressing feelings of being mocked, she attempts to pressure him into disclosing the source of his strength, showcasing how emotional tactics can be used to gain control in relationships.
What lessons can we learn about trust from Judges 16:15?
Judges 16:15 teaches that trust is foundational in relationships. Delilah's confrontation with Samson reveals that without honesty and transparency, relationships can become strained and filled with doubt. It emphasizes the need for open communication to build and maintain trust.
Why is honesty important in relationships according to this verse?
This verse highlights that honesty is crucial for a healthy relationship. Delilah's frustration stems from Samson's secrecy, which undermines their connection. Being truthful fosters trust and intimacy, while deceit can lead to manipulation and emotional pain.
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