“All this time you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied?”
The full verse · Judges 16:13 · KJV
And unto , thou hast me, and me : me wherewith thou mightest be . And he unto her, If thou the of my with the .
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionDelilah’s question, ‘All this time you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied?’ (Judges 16:13), was strategic and aimed at extracting Samson’s secret strength. Her intent was to test, challenge, and negotiate, seeking confirmation to betray him. The question fits the narrative of Samson’s downfall and highlights the theme of deception and vulnerability (Judges 16:4-20).
The Response
What Scripture recordsSamson responded to Delilah’s question by revealing, ‘If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom,’ he would become weak (Judges 16:13). This indicated partial disclosure, showcasing Samson’s vulnerability amid deception. His response reflects the ongoing tension and strategic interaction between him and Delilah.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyWiersbe observes that Delilah’s question reveals her frustration and strategic manipulation; Samson’s partial responses show his inner conflict and weakness. Henry emphasizes the danger of seduction and the tragic consequences of Samson’s failure to guard his secret. Their combined insights demonstrate the tension between divine calling and human frailty. This passage teaches the importance of transparency before God and vigilance against spiritual compromise. The dialogue between Delilah and Samson reminds believers that God’s strength must be protected by obedience and wisdom (Judges 16:13; Proverbs 3:5-6).
Believers today are cautioned against allowing vulnerabilities to be exploited through deception or misplaced trust (Proverbs 4:23; Ephesians 6:11). Samson’s experience encourages discernment in relationships and guarding spiritual strength. The story calls for faithfulness to God’s commands (Psalm 119:9-11) and warns about compromising convictions under pressure. Christians are encouraged to be both wise and faithful (James 1:5; Colossians 3:23).
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“You have made a fool of me; you lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied?”
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“Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us?”