Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 14:16. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Samson’s Problem: Samson was a very strong man in Israel. He was incredibly skilled at wrestling and challenging God to a contest of strength. His Wife’s Reaction: After his wrestling match, Samson's wife, Delilah, was deeply upset. She felt betrayed and heartbroken that he didn’t love her. She was angry with him and felt he was deliberately trying to hurt her. The Riddle: Delilah then asked Samson a riddle – a complex puzzle or question. It wasn’t just a simple problem; it was designed to test his wisdom and character. What the Verse Says - A Deeper Meaning: This verse is about trust, love, and a broken relationship. Here’s what it suggests: “Thou dost but hate me…” : Delilah wasn't angry with Samson; she was resentful . She felt he was deliberately trying to cause her pain. “…and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told [it] me.” This means she accused him of being intentionally misleading. He had created a puzzle for everyone to understand his true intentions – that he wasn’t truly loving her. He was trying to make it difficult for others to know what he really thought. “And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told [it] my father nor my mother, and shall I tell thee?” This is the crucial part! Samson confessed that he had created this riddle himself. He hadn't told it to anyone – he’d invented it. He was essentially admitting responsibility for what happened. Overall Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a deeply troubled relationship. Samson’s actions caused immense pain, and his wife was driven by anger and resentment. It highlights the importance of honesty and accountability, even when things are difficult. Important Note: The Bible doesn't fully explain why Samson created this riddle. It suggests it was a way for him to demonstrate his strength and perhaps to test the loyalty of those around him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story or theme in the Bible?