Judges 16:16
Judges 16:16 in Multiple Translations
Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death,
And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;
And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, that his soul was vexed unto death.
So day after day she gave him no peace, for ever questioning him till his soul was troubled to death.
She nagged and complained all the time, pestering him until he wanted to die.
And because shee was importunate vpon him with her wordes continually, and vexed him, his soule was pained vnto the death.
And it cometh to pass, because she distressed him with her words all the days, and doth urge him, and his soul is grieved to death,
When she pressed him daily with her words and urged him, his soul was troubled to death.
And it came to pass when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed to death;
And when she pressed him much, and continually hung upon him for many days, giving him no time to rest, his soul fainted away, and was wearied even until death.
Day after day she nagged him like that. He thought he would die from her nagging [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 16:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 16:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ֠/יְהִי
כִּֽי
הֵצִ֨יקָה
לּ֧/וֹ
בִ/דְבָרֶ֛י/הָ
כָּל
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
וַ/תְּאַֽלֲצֵ֑/הוּ
וַ/תִּקְצַ֥ר
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
לָ/מֽוּת
וַ֠/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הֵצִ֨יקָה
tsûwq
H6693
to press
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
לּ֧/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בִ/דְבָרֶ֛י/הָ
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-mp
וַ/תְּאַֽלֲצֵ֑/הוּ
ʼâlats
H509
to urge
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
וַ/תִּקְצַ֥ר
qâtsar
H7114
be short
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
לָ/מֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 16:16
וַ֠/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הֵצִ֨יקָה
tsûwq
H6693
"to press"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
To press means to squeeze or compress something. It can also mean to oppress or distress someone, making their situation difficult or hard to bear. This word is used to describe a challenging or tough circumstance.
Definition: (Hiphil) to constrain, press, bring into straits, straiten, oppress
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: constrain, distress, lie sore, (op-) press(-or), straiten. See also: Deuteronomy 28:53; Job 32:18; Isaiah 29:2.
לּ֧/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בִ/דְבָרֶ֛י/הָ
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וַ/תְּאַֽלֲצֵ֑/הוּ
ʼâlats
H509
"to urge"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
To urge means to press or push someone to do something, like in 2 Samuel 13:25 when King David urged his son Absalom to come to a feast. It's a strong encouragement or persuasion to take action.
Definition: (Piel) to urge
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: urge. See also: Judges 16:16.
וַ/תִּקְצַ֥ר
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לָ/מֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Judges 16:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 16:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:16
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:16
- Sermons on Judges 16:16
Context — Delilah Learns the Secret
14So while he slept, Delilah took the seven braids of his hair and wove them into the web. Then she tightened it with a pin and called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he awoke from his sleep and pulled out the pin with the loom and the web.
15“How can you say, ‘I love you,’” she asked, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!”
16Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death,
17Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.” 18When 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 7:21–23 | With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. |
| 2 | Luke 18:5 | yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’” |
| 3 | Mark 14:24 | He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. |
| 4 | Luke 11:8 | I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. |
| 5 | Jonah 4:9 | Then God asked Jonah, “Have you any right to be angry about the plant?” “I do,” he replied. “I am angry enough to die!” |
| 6 | Job 21:4 | Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient? |
| 7 | Proverbs 7:26–27 | For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. |
Judges 16:16 Summary
[This verse shows how Delilah's constant asking and pleading wore Samson down, until he finally gave in and revealed the source of his strength. This is a warning to us about the dangers of persistent temptation and the importance of standing firm in our faith, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:13. We must be careful not to let the pressures of the world around us cause us to compromise our values and lose our spiritual strength, but instead trust in God's power and provision to help us overcome them (Philippians 4:13).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Delilah pressed Samson daily with her words?
Delilah's persistence in asking Samson about the source of his strength wore him down, much like the Israelites were warned against in Deuteronomy 7:25, where they were told not to get entangled with the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, which could lead to spiritual compromise.
Why did Samson finally give in to Delilah's pressure?
Samson's giving in to Delilah's pressure shows how persistent temptation can lead to spiritual failure, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:12, where believers are warned against becoming overconfident in their ability to withstand temptation.
What role did Delilah's pleading play in Samson's decision to reveal his secret?
Delilah's pleading, as described in Judges 16:16, played a significant role in Samson's decision, as her persistent asking and emotional manipulation eventually broke down his resolve, illustrating the principle found in Proverbs 25:15, which states that patience and persistence can be powerful tools in achieving one's goals.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of spiritual strength and weakness?
This verse highlights the importance of spiritual strength and the dangers of compromising one's values, as seen in Samson's loss of strength when he revealed his secret, illustrating the principle found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where the Apostle Paul writes about the relationship between spiritual strength and human weakness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I allow others to pressure me into compromising my values, and how can I develop greater spiritual strength to resist such pressures?
- How do I respond when faced with persistent temptation or pressure to conform to the world's standards, and what biblical principles can I apply to help me stand firm?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the company I keep and the influences that shape my thoughts and actions, in order to avoid the kind of spiritual compromise that Samson experienced?
- What are some strategies I can use to cultivate greater self-awareness and discernment, in order to recognize when I am being manipulated or pressured into compromising my spiritual values?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:16
And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him,.... Lay at him day after day to communicate the secret to him, gave him no rest, but was incessant in her applications
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:16
And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; Pressed him daily with her words.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:16
Being tormented by two contrary and violent passions; desire to gratify her whom he so much doted upon, and fear of betraying himself to utmost hazard. But being deserted by God, it is no wonder that he chooseth the worst part.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:16
Judges 16:16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, [so] that his soul was vexed unto death;Ver. 16. When she pressed him daily with her words.] Coarctaret, pene cogeret. She gave him no rest or respite, Ut anima eius tantum non enecaretur, so that he was even weary of his life through her importunity, to the which at length he yielded: as afterwards Alexander the Great burned the fair city Persepolis, at the motion of a strumpet, upon whom he impotently doated.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:16
(16) His soul was vexed.—He at last reveals the secret, because he is wearied—literally, his soul is shortened—to death. (Comp. Numbers 21:4-5.) Even the dangerous use which Delilah had made of his last revelation did not rouse his mind from its besotted stupefaction. “Swollen with pride, into the snare I fell Of fair fallacious looks, venereal trains, Softened with pleasure and voluptuous life, At length to lay my head and hallowed pledge Of all my strength in the lascivious lap Of a deceitful concubine.”—Milton, Sams. Agon. If he thrice proved his vast strength, he also thrice proved his immense folly. To use his strength in the mere saving of his own life was to squander it, and now, “as if possessed by insanity, he madly trifles with the key of his secret. He risks even the tampering with his hair. From this there is but one step to the final catastrophe” (Ewald).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:16
Verse 16. His soul was vexed unto death] What a consummate fool was this strong man! Might he not have seen, from what already took place, that Delilah intended his ruin? After trifling with her, and lying thrice, he at last commits to her his fatal secret, and thus becomes a traitor to himself and to his God. Well may we adopt the sensible observation of Calmet on this passage: La foiblesse du caeur de Samson, dans torte cette histoire, est encore plus etonnante que la force de son corps; "The weakness of Samson's heart in the whole of this history, is yet more astonishing than the strength of his body."
Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:16
16. she pressed him] Cf. Judges 14:17. When it came to testing the higher kind of strength, Samson failed. ‘I to myself was false ere thou to me’; Milton, Samson Agonistes, 824.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:16
16. She pressed him daily — We are not to suppose that her efforts to find out his secret and the three acts of binding him followed close upon one another on a single day.
Sermons on Judges 16:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Demon of Discouragement by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches about the battle against discouragement faced by believers, emphasizing the need to overcome this demon that hinders the church from experiencing revival a |
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Lessons From Samson - Surviving the Anointing by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon on 'Lessons From Samson - Surviving the Anointing,' emphasizing the significance of the anointing in the life of every believer. He explain |
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Freedom From Masterbation and Sensuality by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the need to flee from sin, particularly addressing the issue of justifying masturbation as not a sin. It highlights the importance of seeking biblical guidan |
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to discipline and reproof. He highlights the need for believers to allow the Spirit of God to control their lives |
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Parables on Legalism - 3 by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker continues their study on the parables, specifically focusing on the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant. They use the parable in Ma |
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On Prayer by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the profound nature of prayer as a dialogue and union with God, emphasizing its role in maintaining harmony in the world and achieving reconciliati |
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It Is the Blood That Saves by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound significance of the blood of Jesus in his sermon 'It Is the Blood That Saves.' He explains that the blood represents the new covenant and i |