Judges 16:18

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Delilah {H1807} saw {H7200} that he had told {H5046} her all his heart {H3820}, she sent {H7971} and called {H7121} for the lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430}, saying {H559}, Come up {H5927} this once {H6471}, for he hath shewed {H5046} me all his heart {H3820}. Then the lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430} came up {H5927} unto her, and brought {H5927} money {H3701} in their hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When D'lilah saw that he had really confided in her, she sent and summoned the chiefs of the P'lishtim with the message, "Come up this one last time, because he has finally told me the truth." The chiefs of the P'lishtim went up to her and brought the money with them.

Berean Standard Bible

When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her all that was in his heart, she sent this message to the lords of the Philistines: “Come up once more, for he has revealed to me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands.

American Standard Version

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 told me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought the money in their hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:18 marks the tragic culmination of Samson’s repeated compromises, revealing the moment Delilah finally extracts the secret of his supernatural strength. Having persistently worn down his resistance, she immediately recognizes the truth in his confession, sending for the Philistine lords who eagerly arrive with the promised payment, setting the stage for Samson's capture and humiliation. This verse underscores the devastating consequences of misplaced trust and the insidious nature of persistent temptation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic point in the narrative arc of Samson and Delilah, immediately following Samson's full disclosure of his Nazarite vow and the source of his strength in [Judges 16:17](/judges/16-17 "Judges 16:17 - Samson's Revelation"). Delilah's relentless badgering, explicitly detailed in [Judges 16:6-16](/judges/16-6 "Judges 16:6 - Delilah's First Attempt") where Samson had offered three false answers, finally succeeds. Her immediate and decisive action in sending for the Philistine lords demonstrates her certainty that this time, Samson has truly "told her all his heart," a phrase repeated for emphasis. This moment directly precedes Samson's capture, blinding, and enslavement, fulfilling the dark trajectory of his compromised life as a judge of Israel. The narrative builds tension through Delilah's repeated attempts, culminating in this irreversible betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samson operated within a period of Israelite history (the Judges period) characterized by cyclical apostasy, oppression by foreign powers (in this case, the Philistines), and God's raising up of deliverers. The Philistines were a formidable, technologically advanced people who occupied the coastal plain of Canaan and frequently oppressed Israel. Their "lords" (Hebrew: _seranim_) were the rulers of their five major cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath), indicating a significant, coordinated effort to neutralize Samson, who had been a constant thorn in their side (e.g., [Judges 15:15](/judges/15-15 "Judges 15:15 - Samson's Victory with a Jawbone")). The immense sum of money offered to Delilah (1,100 shekels of silver from each of the five lords, as mentioned in [Judges 16:5](/judges/16-5 "Judges 16:5 - The Philistines' Bribe to Delilah")) highlights the Philistines' desperation and Delilah's mercenary motivation, which was a stark contrast to the divine purpose for which Samson was set apart from birth (as seen in [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow")).
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal moment in Samson's story powerfully illustrates several profound themes. First, it underscores the theme of **betrayal and deception**, with Delilah acting as a calculating agent driven by greed, exploiting Samson's weakness for personal gain. Her actions are a stark reminder of the destructive power of treachery, particularly when it targets a sacred trust. Second, the verse highlights the **consequences of compromise and spiritual erosion**. Samson, despite being endowed with divine strength and set apart for God's service, repeatedly indulged in relationships and behaviors that were contrary to his calling. His gradual yielding to temptation, culminating in this revelation, demonstrates how persistent moral and spiritual compromises inevitably lead to catastrophic downfall, even for those uniquely gifted by God. Finally, it powerfully portrays **human weakness in the face of persistent temptation**. Samson's extraordinary physical strength is juxtaposed with his profound moral and spiritual vulnerability. His inability to resist Delilah's emotional manipulation and nagging underscores the danger of succumbing to persistent temptation, even when the tempter's intentions are clear and malevolent, serving as a cautionary tale for all who would play with sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _levav_):** The Hebrew word _levav_ (לְבָבוֹ, "his heart") refers not merely to the emotional center but to the totality of the inner person—the mind, will, affections, and intellect. When Samson "told her all his heart," it signifies a complete and utter disclosure of his innermost being, his deepest secret, and the very essence of his unique relationship with God through the Nazarite vow. This was not just information; it was a profound act of self-revelation, a surrender of his most guarded spiritual truth, tragically misplaced in the hands of his enemy.
* **Saw (Hebrew, _vattere_):** The verb _vattere_ (וַתֵּרֶא, "and she saw") implies more than mere physical sight; it connotes understanding, perception, and discernment. Delilah "saw" not just that Samson spoke, but that his words carried the weight of truth, that he had genuinely revealed his secret. This perception immediately confirmed her suspicions and validated her persistent efforts, prompting her swift and decisive action to capitalize on his vulnerability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart,"**: This opening clause establishes Delilah's perceptive understanding. After three previous deceptions, she now discerns the genuine truth in Samson's confession. The repetition of "all his heart" from the preceding verse emphasizes the completeness of Samson's surrender and the pivotal nature of this moment. Her "seeing" is an act of recognition, confirming that his resistance had finally broken.
* **"she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart."**: Delilah's immediate and decisive action underscores her certainty and her mercenary intent. The phrase "Come up this once" suggests a sense of urgency and finality, indicating that the opportunity to capture Samson was now definitively at hand. Her reiteration, "for he hath shewed me all his heart," serves as her confident assurance to the Philistine lords that this time, the secret was truly revealed, and their investment would pay off.
* **"Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand."**: This final clause confirms the Philistine lords' readiness and their eagerness to fulfill their part of the treacherous bargain. Their immediate arrival, with the payment already "in their hand," highlights the pre-arranged nature of the deal and their anticipation of Samson's capture. It also emphasizes the financial motivation driving Delilah's betrayal, reducing Samson's sacred vow to a mere commodity.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the physically strongest man in Israel proves to be morally and spiritually weak, unable to resist the persistent nagging of a woman whose intentions are clearly hostile. This stark contrast highlights the paradox of Samson's character. **Repetition** of the phrase "all his heart" (or "shewed me all his heart") serves to emphasize the profound nature of Samson's disclosure and Delilah's certainty that she had finally extracted the truth. This repetition also builds dramatic tension, reinforcing the gravity of Samson's betrayal of his Nazarite vow. The narrative also uses **foreshadowing**, as Samson's previous flirtations with danger and his repeated deceptions of Delilah hinted at his ultimate downfall, making this moment the inevitable culmination of his compromises. Finally, the act of the Philistine lords bringing "money in their hand" functions as **symbolism**, representing the corrupting power of greed and the transactional nature of Delilah's betrayal, reducing a divine calling to a mere financial transaction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:18 serves as a stark theological warning against the dangers of compromise and the insidious nature of persistent temptation. Samson's story is a tragic testament to the truth that even those uniquely gifted by God are not immune to the consequences of moral and spiritual failings. His revelation of "all his heart" to Delilah symbolizes a profound betrayal of his covenant with God, demonstrating how the erosion of spiritual discipline and the indulgence of fleshly desires can lead to catastrophic spiritual and physical bondage. This verse highlights the importance of guarding one's heart and discerning true intentions, as misplaced trust can lead to devastating outcomes. Ultimately, it reminds us that while God's sovereign plan may still unfold amidst human failure, personal disobedience carries severe and painful consequences.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Warning Against Overconfidence")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic narrative of Judges 16:18 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Samson's downfall, initiated by his repeated compromises and culminating in this act of misplaced trust, serves as a powerful cautionary tale. It reminds us that spiritual strength is not merely about physical prowess or outward gifting, but about the integrity of the heart and unwavering commitment to God's commands. We are called to be vigilant against the subtle, persistent whispers of temptation, recognizing that sin often works incrementally, wearing down our resistance until we surrender our most sacred trusts. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: Are there areas where we are compromising our convictions, playing with sin, or placing our trust in those who would exploit our vulnerabilities? Discerning the true intentions of others and guarding our hearts with diligence are crucial for spiritual preservation. Ultimately, Samson's story underscores the vital importance of maintaining a vibrant, obedient relationship with God, for it is in Him alone that our true strength and security lie.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be compromising my spiritual convictions, even in seemingly small ways?**
* **Am I discerning about who I confide in, especially regarding my spiritual walk and vulnerabilities?**
* **How do I respond to persistent temptation? Do I resist or gradually yield?**
* **What "secrets" or sacred trusts has God given me, and how am I guarding them?**
* **In what ways does Samson's story remind me of the importance of spiritual discipline and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samson finally tell Delilah his secret after so many deceptions?**

Answer: Samson's final revelation was the culmination of his spiritual and moral decline, driven by Delilah's relentless and emotionally manipulative persistence. [Judges 16:16](/judges/16-16 "Judges 16:16 - Delilah's Daily Harassment") states that "she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death." This suggests a profound emotional and psychological wearing down. Despite his physical strength, Samson demonstrated a profound moral weakness and an inability to break free from this destructive relationship. His repeated deceptions were a form of playing with sin, and eventually, his resistance was completely eroded, leading him to betray his sacred vow and the source of his divine strength. It highlights the danger of persistent temptation and the human tendency to succumb when boundaries are repeatedly crossed.

**What is the significance of the Philistine lords bringing "money in their hand"?**

Answer: The Philistine lords bringing "money in their hand" immediately upon Delilah's summons emphasizes several points. First, it confirms the pre-arranged, mercenary nature of the agreement between Delilah and the Philistines, as detailed in [Judges 16:5](/judges/16-5 "Judges 16:5 - The Philistines' Bribe to Delilah"). They were ready to pay the immense bribe as soon as Samson's secret was confirmed. Second, it highlights their eagerness and certainty that this time, Delilah had truly succeeded. They didn't come to negotiate; they came to pay and to capture. Third, it underscores the Philistines' desperation to neutralize Samson, who had been a significant threat to their dominion over Israel. The money symbolizes the high value they placed on his capture and the corrupting power of greed that motivated Delilah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Samson, particularly his tragic downfall in Judges 16:18, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in parallel but in powerful contrast. Samson, chosen by God and endowed with supernatural strength, was meant to be a deliverer for Israel, yet his life was marked by compromise, moral weakness, and ultimately, betrayal leading to his own bondage. He revealed his "heart" to an enemy, leading to his humiliation and death, a death that brought a measure of salvation but was born of his own failure. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true and perfect Deliverer, also revealed His "heart" – not to an enemy for gain, but to His disciples in perfect trust and self-giving love, as seen in His intimate fellowship and teaching (e.g., [John 15:15](/john/15-15 "John 15:15 - Jesus Calls Disciples Friends")). While Samson's strength resided in a physical sign of a vow he ultimately broke, Christ's strength is inherent in His divine nature and perfect obedience to the Father, even unto death (Philippians 2:8). Jesus willingly surrendered Himself, not through weakness, but through ultimate strength and love, to be betrayed and crucified, not for His own sin, but to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death (e.g., [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). Samson’s story, therefore, ultimately points to the need for a perfect deliverer, one who would not succumb to temptation or compromise, but who would perfectly fulfill God's will and secure true, eternal salvation, a role perfectly embodied by Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.