Judges 16:16
Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have deceived me these three times and have not told me where your great strength is.” It came about when she pressed him daily with her words and urged him, that his soul was annoyed to death. (Judges 16:15–16, NASB-95)
In this passage, Samson—an Israelite judge who likely lived in the 11th century BC—finds himself relentlessly pestered by Delilah. Earlier in the narrative, Delilah was offered money by the Philistine rulers to uncover the source of Samson’s supernatural strength. She repeatedly questions him, feigning despair at his lack of honesty. The verse tells us that she “pressed him daily with her words and urged him,” a phrase indicating that her persistence and emotional manipulation was so intense that Samson’s spirit “was annoyed to death.” Like the other Judges of Israel, Samson was chosen by God to deliver His people; but here, his susceptibility to temptation stands as a stark warning that even mighty leaders can fall prey to subtle manipulation.
The phrase his soul was annoyed to death reveals a profound spiritual and emotional toll. Samson’s strength had delivered Israel from the Philistines multiple times (Judges 15:14–17), but in this moment, he is shown to be human, subject to exhaustion and relational pressure. Delilah’s strategy exploits Samson’s vulnerability—his desire for love and companionship—resulting in a constant drain on his resolve. This pattern of weariness echoes biblical cautions against persistent temptation (James 1:14–15), and it underscores how the enemy may use everyday circumstances or relationships to derail a believer’s calling.
Throughout scripture, God’s people must guard their heart with wisdom (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus Himself was tempted in the wilderness, yet He withstood by the word of God (Matthew 4:1–11). Samson’s dilemma offers a contrast: instead of trusting fully in the Lord in this moment, he tires under unrelenting pestering. It foreshadows his revealing of the secret of his strength, setting the stage for the betrayal that is to come. Nevertheless, God would ultimately use even Samson’s downfall to orchestrate victory over the Philistines, showcasing that God’s sovereign purpose can prevail in spite of human frailty.
Samson’s constant torment by Delilah’s nagging leads to his eventual tragic surrender of the secret of his strength.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:16-21 meaning. The descendants of the Kenite join the tribe of Judah in their territory. Despite the Lord’s presence, Judah fails to drive out the inhabitants of the valley, beginning to show the start of their failures. Caleb is given Hebron and drives out the Anakim, but the tribe of Benjamin also fails in their war efforts.
- Judges 2:16-23 meaning. Despite Israel’s repeated disobedience, God raises up judges to deliver them from their oppressors. However, the people persist in idolatry and corruption, leading to God’s decision to leave the remaining nations in the land as a test of Israel’s faithfulness.
- Judges 4:12-16 meaning. This passage describes the climactic battle between Barak’s forces and Sisera’s army. Deborah urges Barak to act, affirming that God has already secured victory. As Barak leads his men into battle, God intervenes, routing Sisera’s forces. Sisera flees on foot while his entire army is destroyed.