Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength.” New Living Translation Then Delilah pouted, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,’ when you don’t share your secrets with me? You’ve made fun of me three times now, and you still haven’t told me what makes you so strong!” English Standard Version And she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and you have not told me where your great strength lies.” Berean Standard Bible “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!” Berean Literal Bible And she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ and your heart is not with me? This is three times you have mocked me, and you have not told me in what is your great power.” King James Bible And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. New King James Version Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and have not told me where your great strength lies.” New American Standard Bible Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have toyed with me these three times and have not told me where your great strength is.” NASB 1995 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.” NASB 1977 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.” Legacy Standard Bible 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.” Amplified Bible Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times and have not told me where your great strength lies.” Berean Annotated Bible “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! Christian Standard Bible “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ ” she told him, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and not told me what makes your strength so great! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible How can you say, ‘I love you,’” she told him, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and not told me what makes your strength so great!” American Standard Version And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thy heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. Contemporary English Version "Samson," Delilah said, "you claim to love me, but you don't mean it! You've made me look like a fool three times now, and you still haven't told me why you are so strong." English Revised Version And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. GOD'S WORD® Translation Delilah said to Samson, "How can you say that you love me when your heart isn't mine? You've made fun of me three times now, but you still haven't told me what makes you so strong." Good News Translation So she said to him, "How can you say you love me, when you don't mean it? You've made a fool of me three times, and you still haven't told me what makes you so strong." International Standard Version Some time later, she asked him, "How can you keep saying 'I love you!' when your heart isn't with me? These three times you've lied to me and haven't told me where your great strength lies." NET Bible She said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you will not share your secret with me? Three times you have deceived me and have not told me what makes you so strong." New Heart English Bible She said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and have not told me where your great strength lies." Webster's Bible Translation And she said to him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thy heart is not with me? Thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me in what thy great strength lieth. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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!” World English Bible She said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and have not told me where your great strength lies.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd she says to him, “How do you say, I have loved you, and your heart is not with me? These three times you have played on me, and have not declared to me wherein your great power [is].” Berean Literal Bible And she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ and your heart is not with me? This is three times you have mocked me, and you have not told me in what is your great power.” Young's Literal Translation And she saith unto him, 'How dost thou say, I have loved thee, and thy heart is not with me? these three times thou hast played upon me, and hast not declared to me wherein thy great power is.' Smith's Literal Translation And she will say to him, Wilt thou say, I loved thee, and thy heart not with me? This three times thou didst deceive me, and didst not announce to me in what is thy great strength. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Dalila said to him: How dost thou say thou lovest me, when thy mind is not with me? Thou hast told me lies these three times, and wouldst not tell me wherein thy great strength lieth. Catholic Public Domain Version And Delilah said to him: “How can you say that you love me, when your soul is not with me? You have lied to me on three occasions, and you are not willing to reveal wherein lies your very great strength.” New American Bible Then she said to him, “How can you say ‘I love you’ when your heart is not mine? Three times already you have mocked me, and not told me where you get your great strength!” New Revised Standard Version Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me three times now and have not told me what makes your strength so great.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd she said to him, How can you say to me. I love you, when your heart is not with me? For behold, you have deceived me these three times, and you have not told me wherein your great strength lies. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And she said to him: “How have you said to me, ‘I love you’, and your heart was not with me? Behold, three times you have lied to me and you have not shown me in what is your great power!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And she said unto him: 'How canst thou say: I love thee, when thy heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Dalida said to Sampson, How sayest thou, I love thee, when thy heart is not with me? this third time thou hast deceived me, and hast not told me wherein is thy great strength. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Delilah Discovers the Secret15“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,… Cross References How can you say, ‘I love you,’” Matthew 15:8 ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Jeremiah 12:2 You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. she asked, Luke 1:34 “How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” John 4:9 “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 1 Kings 10:1-3 Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. “when your heart is not with me? Psalm 78:36-37 But they deceived Him with their mouths, and lied to Him with their tongues. / Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant. Proverbs 26:24-26 A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Isaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. This is the third time you have mocked me Mark 14:30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” Matthew 26:34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright. and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!” Psalm 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear. Psalm 68:35 O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God! Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. 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. Treasury of Scripture And she said to him, How can you say, I love you, when your heart is not with me? you have mocked me these three times, and have not told me wherein your great strength lies. how canst Judges 14:16 And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee? Proverbs 2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Proverbs 5:3-14 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: … when thine Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 1 Samuel 15:13,14 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD… Jump to Previous Clear Confide Deceived Declared Heart Is' Love Lover Mocked Played Power Secret Sport Strength Third Three Time Times Wherein Won'tJump to Next Clear Confide Deceived Declared Heart Is' Love Lover Mocked Played Power Secret Sport Strength Third Three Time Times Wherein Won'tJudges 16 1. Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city4. Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, entices Samson 6. Thrice she is deceived 15. At last she overcomes him 21. The Philistines take him, and put out his eyes 22. His strength renewing, he pulls down the house upon the Philistines and dies How can you say, ‘I love you,’ Delilah's question to Samson highlights the tension between words and actions. In biblical terms, love is often demonstrated through actions rather than mere words (1 John 3:18). This phrase reflects the theme of genuine love versus deceit, a recurring issue in relationships throughout Scripture. 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! Persons / Places / Events 1. SamsonA judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God tied to his Nazirite vow. 2. Delilah A Philistine woman whom Samson loved. She was used by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength. 3. Philistines The enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges, who sought to subdue Samson and exploit his weaknesses. 4. Valley of Sorek The location where Delilah lived and where Samson frequently visited her. 5. Nazirite Vow A vow taken by Samson that included not cutting his hair, abstaining from wine, and avoiding contact with the dead, which was the source of his strength. Teaching Points Guard Your HeartSamson's downfall began with his emotional entanglement with Delilah. Believers are called to guard their hearts and be discerning in relationships. The Danger of Compromise Samson's repeated interactions with Delilah, despite her clear intentions, illustrate the peril of compromising one's values and commitments. The Consequences of Disobedience Samson's failure to adhere to his Nazirite vow ultimately led to his downfall. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining spiritual strength. The Power of Deception Delilah's manipulation highlights the destructive power of deceit. Christians must be vigilant against deceitful influences that can lead them away from God's truth. Repentance and Restoration Although not directly in this verse, the broader account of Samson's life shows that God can restore and use those who repent, as seen in Samson's final act of strength. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 16:15?2. How does Delilah's persistence in Judges 16:15 challenge Samson's spiritual discernment? 3. What can we learn about resisting temptation from Samson's interaction with Delilah? 4. How does Judges 16:15 relate to Proverbs 7 about the dangers of seduction? 5. In what ways can we guard our hearts against manipulation like Samson faced? 6. How can we apply Samson's story to strengthen our commitment to God's commands? 7. Why did Delilah persistently seek Samson's secret in Judges 16:15? 8. How does Judges 16:15 reflect on trust and betrayal in relationships? 9. What does Judges 16:15 reveal about human weakness and temptation? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 16? 11. How can one truly love God? 12. How should we live according to God's laws? 13. What defines the Delilah spirit? 14. How did Samson's strength lead to his downfall? What Does Judges 16:15 Mean “How can you say, ‘I love you,’”- Love is meant to be more than words; it is proven by obedience and sacrifice (1 John 3:18; John 14:15). - Delilah challenges Samson’s verbal profession, exposing the hollowness of “I love you” when deeds do not match. - The Lord likewise measures love by action—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). - Samson’s reluctance to sever ties with a Philistine woman already shows misaligned affections (Judges 14:3; 16:1). “when your heart is not with me?” - In Scripture, the heart represents the seat of commitment (Proverbs 4:23). Delilah presses for undivided loyalty. - Her complaint mirrors God’s charge against Israel: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Matthew 15:8). - Samson’s divided heart pictures the danger of trying to serve two masters (James 4:4). - Genuine relationship—whether human or divine—demands that the heart be fully invested (Deuteronomy 6:5). “This is the third time you have mocked me” - Repetition underscores Samson’s pattern of deception (Judges 16:7–15). - Three warnings reflect God’s patient mercy, yet repeated hardening invites judgment (Proverbs 29:1). - Mockery erodes trust; it is the opposite of the faithfulness God requires (Ephesians 4:25). - Delilah weaponizes this grievance to wear Samson down, illustrating how persistent temptation preys on weakness (James 1:14–15). “and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!” - Samson’s strength was tied to his Nazarite vow, symbolized by his uncut hair (Numbers 6:5; Judges 13:5). - Delilah covets the secret not from love but for profit (Judges 16:5), just as the world seeks to exploit God’s gifts for selfish ends (1 Timothy 6:10). - Trusting the wrong person with holy things brings ruin (Proverbs 31:3; Matthew 7:6). - The scene foreshadows Samson’s downfall; when he finally yields, “the LORD left him” (Judges 16:20), proving that strength was never merely physical but rooted in covenant faithfulness (Psalm 20:7). summary Judges 16:15 exposes a collision between empty words and true devotion. Delilah’s accusation—though manipulative—highlights that love without wholehearted commitment is meaningless. Samson’s repeated deception reveals a divided heart, and his refusal to guard the sacred trust of his Nazarite calling invites disaster. The passage warns that professed love must be backed by loyal actions, hearts must be fully engaged, and God-given gifts must not be squandered through compromise. (15) How canst thou say, I love thee . . .?--Samson had undergone all these wiles before, and experienced their hollowness (Judges 14:16), yet he had not learnt wisdom.Verse 15. - Thy great strength lieth - as before, ver. 6, thy strength is great.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Howאֵ֚יךְ (’êḵ) Interjection Strong's 349: How?, how!, where can you say, וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘I love you,’” אֲהַבְתִּ֔יךְ (’ă·haḇ·tîḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person feminine singular Strong's 157: To have affection f she told him, תֹּאמַ֣ר (tō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “when your heart וְלִבְּךָ֖ (wə·lib·bə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre is not אֵ֣ין (’ên) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle with me? אִתִּ֑י (’it·tî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among This זֶ֣ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that is the third שָׁלֹ֤שׁ (šā·lōš) Number - feminine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice time פְּעָמִים֙ (pə·‘ā·mîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence you have mocked הֵתַ֣לְתָּ (hê·ṯal·tā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 2048: To deride, to cheat me and failed וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no to reveal הִגַּ֣דְתָּ (hig·gaḏ·tā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous to me לִּ֔י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew the source בַּמֶּ֖ה (bam·meh) Preposition-b | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what of your great strength!” כֹּחֲךָ֥ (kō·ḥă·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species) Links Judges 16:15 NIVJudges 16:15 NLT Judges 16:15 ESV Judges 16:15 NASB Judges 16:15 KJV Judges 16:15 BibleApps.com Judges 16:15 Biblia Paralela Judges 16:15 Chinese Bible Judges 16:15 French Bible Judges 16:15 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 16:15 She said to him How can you (Jd Judg. 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