Judges 16:6

KJV

And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength [lieth], and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Delilah {H1807} said {H559} to Samson {H8123}, Tell {H5046} me, I pray thee, wherein thy great {H1419} strength {H3581} lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound {H631} to afflict {H6031} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

D'lilah said to Shimshon, "Please tell me what it is that makes you so strong, and how someone could tie you up and subdue you."

Berean Standard Bible

So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me the source of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.”

American Standard Version

And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:6 captures the insidious beginning of Samson's downfall, as Delilah, motivated by the Philistine lords' enormous bribe, directly confronts him with a manipulative plea. This verse initiates a series of deceptive inquiries designed to uncover the secret source of his divinely endowed strength, setting the stage for his eventual betrayal and capture, and highlighting the dangerous interplay of temptation, human weakness, and the consequences of compromising divine gifts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 16:6 is situated within the latter half of the Samson narrative, specifically after his spectacular feats against the Philistines, such as killing a thousand men with a jawbone ([Judges 15:15](/judges/15-15 "Judges 15:15 - Samson's Victory at Lehi")) and carrying off the gates of Gaza ([Judges 16:3](/judges/16-3 "Judges 16:3 - Samson Carries Off the Gates of Gaza")). The preceding verses (Judges 16:4-5) establish Delilah's identity and the Philistines' strategic offer to her—eleven hundred pieces of silver from each of their five lords—to discover the secret of Samson's strength. This verse marks Delilah's first direct attempt, initiating a cycle of probing questions, Samson's deceptive answers, and Delilah's subsequent attempts to bind him, culminating in his tragic exposure in [Judges 16:19-21](/judges/16-19 "Judges 16:19-21 - Samson's Capture and Blinding"). The narrative arc of Samson's life, from his miraculous birth and Nazarite vow ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow")) to his final act of vengeance ([Judges 16:30](/judges/16-30 "Judges 16:30 - Samson's Death")), is framed by his extraordinary strength and his repeated moral failures, with this interaction being the most pivotal in his decline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges depicts a turbulent period in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers (like the Philistines), and God raising up "judges" to deliver His people. The Philistines were a formidable, technologically advanced people who had settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan. Their ongoing conflict with Israel, particularly highlighted in the Samson narrative, was a struggle for dominance and control of the land. The cultural norms of the time would have included a patriarchal society where women, while having influence, often operated within specific social boundaries. Delilah's role as a foreign woman, potentially a courtesan, and her mercenary actions were culturally significant, emphasizing the danger of foreign entanglements and the corrosive power of greed. The Valley of Sorek, where this encounter takes place, was strategically located on the border between Philistine and Israelite territory, making it a natural setting for such cross-cultural interactions and conflicts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is a nexus for several critical themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **deception and betrayal**, as Delilah's feigned affection is a calculated ruse to exploit Samson's trust for financial gain. The theme of **temptation and compromise** is central, highlighting how Samson, despite his physical might, is vulnerable to persistent emotional manipulation and his own desires, gradually succumbing to the pressure. This narrative underscores the danger of **spiritual compromise** and the erosion of one's calling when divine principles are disregarded, as seen in Samson's repeated disregard for his Nazarite vow, which was the outward sign of his consecration to God ([Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite")). Furthermore, the verse directly addresses the **nature of strength**, probing whether it is inherent, external, or divinely bestowed. For Samson, his strength was a supernatural gift from God, contingent on his obedience to the terms of his Nazarite vow, making his eventual revelation to Delilah a profound act of spiritual unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _koach'_):** The Hebrew word כֹּחַ (_koach_) refers to physical power, might, or ability. In the context of Samson, it denotes a supernatural, divinely imparted vigor that far exceeds normal human capabilities. Delilah's inquiry "wherein thy great strength lieth" is not merely about his physical prowess but probes the very *source* or *secret* of this extraordinary power, implying a search for its origin and, more importantly, its vulnerability.
* **Bound (Hebrew, _'asar'_):** The verb אָסַר (_'asar_) means "to bind," "to tie," or "to imprison." Delilah's intent is not just to understand his strength but to find a method by which he can be completely incapacitated and rendered helpless. The phrase "wherewith thou mightest be bound" reveals her objective: to discover a means to control, subdue, and neutralize him effectively, fulfilling the Philistines' desire to afflict and humble their formidable enemy.
* **Afflict (Hebrew, _'anah'_):** The Hebrew verb עָנָה (_'anah_) can mean "to afflict," "to humble," "to oppress," or "to torment." Delilah's ultimate goal, as directed by the Philistines, is to bring Samson low, to cause him suffering, and to strip him of his power and dignity. This word emphasizes the malicious intent behind her questioning, aiming for his complete subjugation and humiliation, not merely his capture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Delilah said to Samson":** This clause establishes the direct confrontation and the active role Delilah plays in this manipulative scheme. Her words are not innocent conversation but part of a calculated strategy, demonstrating her agency as the Philistine's chosen instrument.
* **"Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength [lieth]":** This is the core of Delilah's deceptive inquiry. The phrase "I pray thee" is a feigned plea, designed to elicit trust and cooperation from Samson. Her question directly targets the mystery of his extraordinary power, seeking to uncover its secret source or condition. It's a probing question aimed at the very core of his identity and divine calling.
* **"and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee":** This second part of Delilah's question reveals her true, sinister objective. She is not merely curious about his strength but is actively seeking the means to neutralize it. The phrase "to afflict thee" makes clear the malicious intent: to cause him harm, to humble him, and to render him powerless, thereby fulfilling the Philistine lords' desire to subdue their greatest enemy.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 16:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Samson, the physically strongest man, is shown to be morally and emotionally weak, easily manipulated by a woman he desires. His physical strength, meant to deliver Israel, is juxtaposed with his spiritual vulnerability. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; Delilah's persistent questioning and the explicit mention of binding and afflicting Samson strongly hint at his eventual capture and suffering. The verse also uses **direct address** ("Tell me, I pray thee"), which creates a sense of intimacy and urgency, drawing Samson into her trap. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "wherein thy great strength lieth" and "wherewith thou mightest be bound" functions as a **motif** that will recur throughout the subsequent verses, emphasizing Delilah's relentless pursuit of the truth and Samson's repeated, albeit temporary, evasion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:6 serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of temptation and the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise. Samson's physical strength was a divine gift, a sign of God's anointing for a specific purpose—to begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. However, his repeated moral failures, particularly his entanglement with foreign women and disregard for his Nazarite vow, chipped away at his spiritual resolve. Delilah's manipulative question is not just a physical threat but a spiritual one, probing the very source of his consecrated power. This narrative underscores that true strength is not merely physical but rooted in faithfulness and obedience to God. When we entertain temptation and compromise our principles, we open ourselves to the enemy's schemes, potentially leading to spiritual blindness and incapacitation, much like Samson's eventual fate.

* [Proverbs 7:26-27](/proverbs/7-26 "The Danger of the Adulteress")
* [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "Warning Against Overconfidence")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "The Progression of Temptation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 16:6 offers a profound cautionary tale for believers today, highlighting the subtle yet potent dangers of persistent temptation and the critical importance of guarding our hearts and minds. Samson's downfall began not with a sudden catastrophic failure, but with a series of small compromises and a willingness to entertain a relationship that was clearly against God's will for him. Delilah's question, seemingly innocent in its "I pray thee" framing, was a calculated attack on his spiritual integrity and divine calling. We too face "Delilahs" in our lives—temptations, relationships, or desires that promise pleasure or gain but ultimately seek to uncover and exploit our spiritual vulnerabilities. This verse compels us to ask: What are the areas where we are most susceptible to compromise? Where might we be allowing persistent, seemingly harmless inquiries to chip away at our commitment to God? True spiritual strength is not found in our own abilities, but in our unwavering reliance on God and our commitment to His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "secrets" or vulnerabilities might the enemy be trying to uncover in my life to "afflict" me spiritually?**
* **How does persistent temptation, even in seemingly small areas, erode one's spiritual defenses?**
* **In what ways might I be compromising my spiritual walk by entertaining relationships or influences that are not aligned with God's will?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize manipulative tactics, whether from external sources or internal desires?**

### FAQ
**Was Delilah truly in love with Samson, or was she purely motivated by money?**

Answer: The biblical text strongly suggests that Delilah's motivation was purely mercenary. Judges 16:5 explicitly states that the Philistine lords approached her with a massive bribe ("eleven hundred pieces of silver from each of us") to discover the secret of Samson's strength. Her repeated attempts to extract the truth, despite Samson's initial deceptions, and her immediate betrayal once she succeeded, demonstrate a calculated, cold-hearted pursuit of wealth rather than genuine affection. Her actions are consistent with a hired agent rather than a loving partner, culminating in her delivering Samson into the hands of his enemies for financial gain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Samson's story is a tragic account of human weakness and compromise, it also serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate strength and faithfulness found in Jesus Christ. Samson, though divinely empowered, ultimately succumbed to temptation and was betrayed, leading to his humiliation and death. He was a deliverer who failed to fully deliver, a strong man who became weak through his own choices. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was also "bound" and "afflicted," but not because of His own weakness or sin. He willingly submitted to the cross, allowing Himself to be bound by human hands ([Matthew 27:2](/matthew/27-2 "Matthew 27:2 - Jesus Bound and Led Away")) and afflicted for our transgressions ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). His strength was not physical might, but perfect obedience and unwavering love, even unto death. Unlike Samson, whose strength was tied to an outward sign and vulnerable to compromise, Christ's power is inherent and eternal, securing true and lasting deliverance for all who believe ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Enduring Priesthood")). He is the faithful deliverer who conquered sin and death, not through physical prowess, but through sacrificial love and resurrection power ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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.

Cross-References

Proverbs 22:14

¶ The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Proverbs 26:28

¶ A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Jeremiah 9:2

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they [be] all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Jeremiah 9:5

And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity.

Proverbs 7:21

With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

Micah 7:2

The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.