Judges 14:20

Translations

Modern

…and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him.

Traditional

But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

Literal

And the wife of Samson was unto his companion who had attended to him.

Latin

…uxor autem ejus accepit maritum unum de amicis ejus et pronubis.

Original

Hebrew

English

…and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him.

Notes

Judges 14:20

According to some ancient customs, giving the bride to the best man was forbidden, even if the marriage was not completed. The father's action seems to have been deceitful (compare Judges 15:2–3, 6).

Judges 14:1–15:20

Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman was the Lord's way (Judges 14:4) of starting to address the Philistine threat (see 13:5). One event led to another, marked by three times when the Spirit came strongly upon him (Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14). During these events, Samson was a strong but imperfect hero.

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson, who gets more attention in the book of Judges than any other judge, is more mysterious than Jephthah. Samson shows great inspiration as a leader. He also represents the unstoppable move toward chaos, which shows the need for a more organized society under a godly ruler.

Theme notes and profiles

Samson The Philistines

Related verses

Judges 15:2
“I was sure that you thoroughly hated her,” said her father, “so I gave her to one of the men who accompanied you. Is not her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please take her instead.”
John 3:29
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
John 13:18
I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’
Matthew 26:49–50
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
Micah 7:5
Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.
Judges 15:6
“Who did this?” the Philistines demanded. “It was Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite,” they were told. “For his wife was given to his companion.” So the Philistines went up and burned her and her father to death.
Psalm 55:12–13
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide.
Jeremiah 9:5
Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.

People

Samson: Israelite judge with great strength from God

Glossary

Judges, Book of Marriage, Marriage Customs Philistia, Philistines Riddle Tribe of Dan

Topics

Samson: Wife of, Estranged

Judges 14:20

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Glossary?

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