Judges 14:15
Judges 14:15 in Multiple Translations
So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?”
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson’s wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so?
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson’s wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire: have ye called us to impoverish us? is it not so?
So on the fourth day they said to Samson's wife, Get from your husband the answer to his question by some trick or other, or we will have you and your father's house burned with fire; did you get us here to take all we have?
On the fourth day they came to Samson's wife and told her, “Use your charms to get your husband to explain the riddle and then tell us, or we'll burn you and all your family to death. Did you bring us here just to rob us?”
And when the seuenth day was come, they said vnto Samsons wife, Entise thine husband, that he may declare vs the riddle, lest wee burne thee and thy fathers house with fire. Haue ye called vs, to possesse vs? is it not so?
And it cometh to pass, on the seventh day, that they say to Samson's wife, 'Entice thy husband, that he declare to us the riddle, lest we burn thee and the house of thy father with fire; to possess us have ye called for us? is it not?'
On the seventh day, they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband, that he may declare to us the riddle, lest we burn you and your father’s house with fire. Have you called us to impoverish us? Isn’t that so?”
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said to Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare to us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take what we possess? is it not so ?
And when the seventh day came, they said to the wife of Samson: Soothe thy husband, and persuade him to tell thee what the riddle meaneth. But if thou wilt not do it, we will burn thee, and thy father’s house. Have you called us to the wedding on purpose to strip us?
On the fourth day, they said to Samson’s bride, “Ask your husband to tell you the meaning of the riddle. If you do not do that, we will burn down your father’s house, with you inside it! Did you invite us here only to make us poor by forcing us to buy a lot of clothes for your husband?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 14:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 14:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֣י
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֗י
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
לְ/אֵֽשֶׁת
שִׁמְשׁוֹן֙
פַּתִּ֣י
אֶת
אִישֵׁ֗/ךְ
וְ/יַגֶּד
לָ֨/נוּ֙
אֶת
הַ֣/חִידָ֔ה
פֶּן
נִשְׂרֹ֥ף
אוֹתָ֛/ךְ
וְ/אֶת
בֵּ֥ית
אָבִ֖י/ךְ
בָּ/אֵ֑שׁ
הַ/לְ/יָרְשֵׁ֕/נוּ
קְרָאתֶ֥ם
לָ֖/נוּ
הֲ/לֹֽא
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֗י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
seventh
Art | Adj
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
שִׁמְשׁוֹן֙
Shimshôwn
H8123
Samson
N-proper
פַּתִּ֣י
pâthâh
H6601
to open wide
V-Piel-Impv-2fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אִישֵׁ֗/ךְ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms | Suff
וְ/יַגֶּד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
לָ֨/נוּ֙
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ֣/חִידָ֔ה
chîydâh
H2420
riddle
Art | N-fs
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
נִשְׂרֹ֥ף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
אוֹתָ֛/ךְ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָבִ֖י/ךְ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
בָּ/אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
הַ/לְ/יָרְשֵׁ֕/נוּ
yârash
H3423
to possess
Art | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
קְרָאתֶ֥ם
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
לָ֖/נוּ
Prep | Suff
הֲ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 14:15
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֗י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
"seventh"
Art | Adj
The Hebrew word for seventh, this term is an ordinal number used to describe something in the seventh position. It appears in the Bible as seventh time.
Definition: 1) seventh 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: seventh (time). See also: Genesis 2:2; Numbers 29:12; Jeremiah 28:17.
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
שִׁמְשׁוֹן֙
Shimshôwn
H8123
"Samson"
N-proper
Samson, meaning like the sun, was a Danite and a judge of Israel for 20 years. He was a Nazarite for life, and his story is first mentioned in Judges 13:24, where he is described as the son of Manoah.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.13.24; son of: Manoah (H4495); married to Delilah (H1807) Also named: Sampsōn (Σαμψών "Samson" G4546) § Samson = "like the sun" a Danite, son of Manoah, a Nazarite for life, and a judge of Israel for 20 years
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Samson. See also: Judges 13:24; Judges 15:16; Judges 16:30.
פַּתִּ֣י
pâthâh
H6601
"to open wide"
V-Piel-Impv-2fs
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אִישֵׁ֗/ךְ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/יַגֶּד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לָ֨/נוּ֙
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ֣/חִידָ֔ה
chîydâh
H2420
"riddle"
Art | N-fs
A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.
Definition: 1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question 1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance) 1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed) 1c) perplexing questions (difficult) 1d) double dealing (with 'havin') Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle. See also: Numbers 12:8; Judges 14:19; Psalms 49:5.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
נִשְׂרֹ֥ף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
אוֹתָ֛/ךְ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִ֖י/ךְ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בָּ/אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
הַ/לְ/יָרְשֵׁ֕/נוּ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
Art | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
קְרָאתֶ֥ם
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לָ֖/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
הֲ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
Study Notes — Judges 14:15
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- Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:15
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Context — Samson’s Riddle
13But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.”
14So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.
15So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?”
16Then Samson’s wife came to him, weeping, and said, “You hate me! You do not really love me! You have posed to my people a riddle, but have not explained it to me.” “Look,” he said, “I have not even explained it to my father or mother, so why should I explain it to you?” 17She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 16:5 | The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver. ” |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Proverbs 6:26 | For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. |
| 4 | Genesis 3:1–6 | Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not surely die,” the serpent told her. “For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:11 | If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, |
| 7 | Judges 12:1 | Then the men of Ephraim assembled and crossed the Jordan to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, “Why have you crossed over to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you inside!” |
| 8 | Proverbs 5:3 | Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, |
Judges 14:15 Summary
This verse shows how the Philistines tried to force Samson's wife to get the answer to his riddle by threatening to harm her and her family. This behavior is not pleasing to God, as seen in Exodus 20:13 and Matthew 5:21-22. We can learn from this verse to always prioritize honesty and integrity in our relationships, and to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult situations (Psalm 37:3-7, Proverbs 3:5-6). By doing so, we can live a life that honors God and reflects His love and character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines threaten Samson's wife and her family?
The Philistines were desperate to solve Samson's riddle and were willing to use coercion to get the answer, as seen in Judges 14:15. This behavior is reminiscent of the wicked and violent nature of the Philistines, as described in Judges 3:1-3 and 1 Samuel 4:1-11.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Samson's wife?
This verse suggests that Samson's wife is willing to manipulate and pressure her husband to get what she wants, as seen in her actions in Judges 14:15-17. This behavior is not unlike that of Delilah in Judges 16:4-22, who also manipulated Samson for her own gain.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Judges?
This verse highlights the spiritual and moral decay of the Israelites during the period of the judges, as described in Judges 2:10-23 and 21:25. The Israelites' intermarriage with the Philistines and adoption of their customs led to a decline in their faith and values.
What warning can we derive from the Philistines' threat in this verse?
The Philistines' threat serves as a warning against the dangers of deceit, manipulation, and violence, as condemned in Proverbs 12:17-22 and Matthew 5:33-37. We should strive to live with integrity and honesty, as exhorted in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with pressure or coercion from others, and what does this reveal about my character?
- In what ways can I prioritize honesty and integrity in my relationships, as commanded in Proverbs 10:9 and 11:3?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my values or faith, and how can I address these issues in a way that honors God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and 2 Corinthians 5:9?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity, as encouraged in Psalm 23:1-4 and Romans 8:28-30?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:15
And it came to pass on the seventh day,.... Not on the seventh day of the feast, for some time before that they applied to his wife, and she pressed him hard to disclose it; but on the sabbath day,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:15
But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:15
On the seventh day; they had doubtless spoken to her before this time, but with some remissness, supposing that they should find it out; but now their time being nigh slipped, they press her with more vehemency, and put her under a necessity of searching it out. To take that we have, i.e. to strip us of our garments; and so your civility will end in gross unkindness and injustice.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:15
Judges 14:15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson’ s wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’ s house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? [is it] not [so]?Ver. 15. On the seventh day, that they said.] Being loath to lose the wager, they set the woman awork: so doth the devil oft. Many a man’ s head he breaketh with his own rib: and this bait he hath found to take so well, that he never changed it since he crept into Paradise. Lest we burn thee.] With such big words they scare the timorous woman, who feared to be burnt, and was afterwards burnt; that which she feared came upon her. So it did upon Denton the smith, burnt in his own house, after that he had refused to burn in the cause of Christ. Act. and Mon., fol. 1557
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:15
(15) On the seventh day.—When they were in despair. Lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire.—As, indeed, they ultimately did (Judges 15:6). If Samson appears in no very favourable light in this chapter, the Philistines show themselves to be most mean, treacherous, and brutal. To take that we have.—The Hebrew expression is stronger—“to spoil us,” or “make us paupers.” The “is it not so?” is added to show the vehemence of the question.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:15
15. on the seventh day] Would the young men have waited all this time before pressing the woman to extract the answer? In Judges 14:17 she is said to have tried herself to find it out all the seven days. The two statements are inconsistent. The LXX and Peshitto read on the fourth day; but this is suspiciously like what we should expect after in three days Judges 14:14. Most critics think that the numbers in Judges 14:14-15 were added to the original text in order to heighten the difficulty of the riddle and the despair of the Philistines. unto us] LXX unto thee. Samson could not be expected to tell the Philistines himself. to impoverish us] lit. take possession of, dispossess us. The reflex. stem has the meaning come to poverty in Genesis 45:11, Proverbs 20:13 etc. is it not so?] The Hebr. requires a slight correction: ‘was it to impoverish us that ye invited us hither?’ So five Hebr. mss., Targ.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:15
15. On the seventh day — Not of the week, (as Bush,) but of the feast.
Sermons on Judges 14:15
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Hunter From Hell by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a desperate teenage boy he encountered in Brooklyn. The boy's siblings, who were only three and four years old, were left |
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Pottage for Birthright by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of making decisions with consideration of their consequences, drawing examples from Scripture like Eve's disobedience leading to the fall of |
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Authority and the Power of God's Word - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the authority of the Bible, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit, making it profitable for doctrine, reproof, correctio |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man in the Bible - Part 1 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the attendance of the congregation and shares testimonies of individuals who have recently accepted Jesus as their S |
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Adam and Eve and the Fall - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the recurring truths found throughout the Bible, Christian theology, hymnology, and sermons. These truths are compared to primary colors in |
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(Exodus) Exodus 18:13-27 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. Jethro observes Moses working tirelessly to judge the people and suggests that Moses lighten |
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The Mark of the Beast by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the mark of the beast mentioned in the book of Revelation. He explains that this mark will be given by the Antichrist, who wil |