Old Testament
Judges 16:18
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When Delilah saw that he had told her everything in his heart, she sent a message to the Philistine rulers, saying, "Come up this once, for he has shown me all his heart." So the Philistine rulers came to her, bringing the money with them.
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And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand.
What Judges 16:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Delilah realizes that Samson has revealed his deepest secret to her, which is the source of his strength. Understanding the significance of this information, she quickly contacts the Philistine leaders, informing them that she has learned the secret. They respond by coming to her with money, indicating that they are eager to capture Samson. This moment highlights the betrayal and manipulation at play, as Delilah uses Samson's trust against him. It also emphasizes the theme of vulnerability, as Samson's openness leads to his downfall. The verse serves as a pivotal point in the story, showcasing the consequences of misplaced trust and the dangers of being deceived by those we care about.
How to apply Judges 16:18 to your life
This verse teaches us to be cautious about whom we trust with our secrets. It reminds us that not everyone has our best interests at heart. We should seek wisdom and discernment in our relationships to avoid being misled or betrayed.
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 16:18
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 Judges 16:18 mean?
Judges 16:18 describes the moment Delilah realizes Samson has revealed his secret to her, which is the source of his strength. She then contacts the Philistine rulers to inform them, leading to Samson's betrayal and capture.
What is the significance of Delilah in Judges 16:18?
Delilah's role in Judges 16:18 highlights themes of betrayal and manipulation, as she uses Samson's trust against him. Her actions demonstrate the dangers of misplaced trust in relationships.
What does the phrase 'he has shown me all his heart' mean in Judges 16:18?
The phrase 'he has shown me all his heart' indicates that Samson has fully disclosed his secret to Delilah, revealing his vulnerability. This moment underscores the trust he placed in her, which she ultimately betrays.
How does Judges 16:18 relate to trust and betrayal?
Judges 16:18 illustrates the theme of trust and betrayal, as Samson confides in Delilah, believing she has his best interests at heart. Instead, she exploits his trust, leading to his downfall and capture by the Philistines.
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