Definition: And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, [so] that his soul was vexed unto death;
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 16:16. It’s a really powerful and unsettling passage about a man who was relentlessly tormenting someone. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where a man named “she” was constantly pushing on someone – likely a leader or authority figure – with her words, causing them significant distress and even urging them to die. Let's unpack the details: “Judges 16:16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words…” This sets up a pattern of persistent negativity. It’s not just a one-time thing; this man was doing it every day . The word "pressed" suggests he was actively trying to put someone in a difficult or painful position. "...and urged him, [so] that his soul was vexed unto death.” This is the key part. “Vexed” means to cause distress, frustration, or worry. “To death” is a very strong and dramatic statement – it implies he was causing someone significant suffering and even potentially ending their life. What does this mean on a deeper level? This verse speaks to several important themes: The Power of Words: It highlights how words can have a devastating impact, especially when they are used maliciously or persistently. It shows that what we say can have a profound effect on someone's well-being and even their life. Moral Responsibility: The verse underscores the importance of being mindful of our words and actions. It’s not enough to simply say something nice; it must be done with kindness and respect. The Danger of Persistent Criticism: It warns against allowing someone to constantly criticize or torment you. This is a call for protecting your mental and emotional health. In short, this verse describes a man who was deliberately trying to cause immense pain to another person through his words, and the result was a state of great distress that even led to potential death. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Judges? Explore what this verse might teach us about healthy communication or conflict resolution?