Judges 14:6
Judges 14:6 in Multiple Translations
and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.
And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
And the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid; and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
And the spirit of the Lord came on him with power, and, unarmed as he was, pulling the lion in two as one might do to a young goat, he put him to death; (but he said nothing to his father and mother of what he had done.)
The Spirit of the Lord swept over him, and he ripped the lion apart with his bare hands as easily as ripping apart a young goat. But he didn't tell his father or mother what he'd done. Then he went on his way.
And the Spirit of the Lord came vpon him, and he tare him, as one should haue rent a kid, and had nothing in his hand, neither told he his father nor his mother what he had done.
and the Spirit of Jehovah prospereth over him, and he rendeth it as the rending of a kid, and there is nothing in his hand, and he hath not declared to his father and to his mother that which he hath done.
The LORD’s Spirit came mightily on him, and he tore him as he would have torn a young goat with his bare hands, but he didn’t tell his father or his mother what he had done.
And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
And the spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, and he tore the lion as he would have torn a kid in pieces, having nothing at all in his hand: and he would not tell this to his father and mother.
Then Yahweh’s Spirit came upon Samson powerfully, with the result that he tore the lion apart with his hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he did not tell his mother and father about it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 14:6
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 14:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּצְלַ֨ח
עָלָ֜י/ו
ר֣וּחַ
יְהוָ֗ה
וַֽ/יְשַׁסְּעֵ֨/הוּ֙
כְּ/שַׁסַּ֣ע
הַ/גְּדִ֔י
וּ/מְא֖וּמָה
אֵ֣ין
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ
וְ/לֹ֤א
הִגִּיד֙
לְ/אָבִ֣י/ו
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֔/וֹ
אֵ֖ת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עָשָֽׂה
וַ/תִּצְלַ֨ח
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
עָלָ֜י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַֽ/יְשַׁסְּעֵ֨/הוּ֙
shâçaʻ
H8156
to cleave
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
כְּ/שַׁסַּ֣ע
shâçaʻ
H8156
to cleave
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
הַ/גְּדִ֔י
gᵉdîy
H1423
kid
Art | N-ms
וּ/מְא֖וּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
anything
Conj | N-fs
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הִגִּיד֙
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לְ/אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשָֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 14:6
וַ/תִּצְלַ֨ח
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
עָלָ֜י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַֽ/יְשַׁסְּעֵ֨/הוּ֙
shâçaʻ
H8156
"to cleave"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To cleave means to split or tear something apart, and it can also mean to strongly criticize or upbraid someone, as seen in the Bible when God parts the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21.
Definition: 1) to divide, cleave, part, split 1a) (Qal) cleaving, cleft (participle) 1b) (Piel) to tear in two, cleave in two
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: cleave, (be) cloven (footed), rend, stay. See also: Leviticus 1:17; Deuteronomy 14:6; 1 Samuel 24:8.
כְּ/שַׁסַּ֣ע
shâçaʻ
H8156
"to cleave"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To cleave means to split or tear something apart, and it can also mean to strongly criticize or upbraid someone, as seen in the Bible when God parts the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21.
Definition: 1) to divide, cleave, part, split 1a) (Qal) cleaving, cleft (participle) 1b) (Piel) to tear in two, cleave in two
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: cleave, (be) cloven (footed), rend, stay. See also: Leviticus 1:17; Deuteronomy 14:6; 1 Samuel 24:8.
הַ/גְּדִ֔י
gᵉdîy
H1423
"kid"
Art | N-ms
A young goat, often referred to as a kid, is a juvenile goat in the Bible. This word is used to describe a goat that is still young and developing. It appears in various contexts, including biblical descriptions of animals.
Definition: kid, young male goat
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: kid. See also: Genesis 27:9; Judges 6:19; Isaiah 11:6.
וּ/מְא֖וּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
"anything"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to something, no matter how small, or nothing at all. It's used in phrases like 'anything' or 'nothing'. The Bible uses it in various books to convey the idea of something or nothing.
Definition: anything
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing. See also: Genesis 22:12; 1 Samuel 25:15; Jeremiah 39:10.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
הִגִּיד֙
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Perf-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.
לְ/אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | 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.
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
אֵ֖ת
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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשָֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Judges 14:6
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Context — Samson’s Marriage
4(Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.)
5Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him,
6and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.
7Then Samson continued on his way down and spoke to the woman, because she was pleasing to his eyes. 8When Samson returned later to take her, he left the road to see the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 3:10 | The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him. |
| 2 | Judges 13:25 | And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 11:6 | When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger. |
| 4 | Zechariah 4:6 | So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 17:34–37 | David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 42:2 | He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. |
| 7 | Judges 15:8 | And he struck them ruthlessly with a great slaughter, and then went down and stayed in the cave at the rock of Etam. |
| 8 | Matthew 11:29 | Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 17:46 | This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. |
| 10 | Judges 16:30 | Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life. |
Judges 14:6 Summary
[This verse shows us that when God's Spirit is with us, we can do amazing things, just like Samson who was able to tear a lion apart with his bare hands. This is similar to what we read in Philippians 4:13, where the Apostle Paul says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Samson's story teaches us to trust in God's power and presence in our lives, even when things seem impossible. By trusting in God, we can overcome any challenge, just as Samson did with the lion, and just as Jesus teaches us in Matthew 19:26, that with God, all things are possible.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Spirit of the LORD to come powerfully upon Samson?
This phrase indicates that God's Holy Spirit empowered Samson to perform an extraordinary feat, similar to what we see in other biblical accounts, such as Judges 3:10 and 1 Samuel 11:6, where the Spirit of the LORD comes upon leaders to equip them for specific tasks.
Why did Samson not tell his parents about killing the lion?
The Bible does not provide a direct answer, but it may be that Samson did not want to draw attention to himself or that he was still processing the significance of the event, much like the prophet Elijah who, after a great victory, withdrew to a solitary place to seek God's guidance, as seen in 1 Kings 19:1-18.
Is this event a demonstration of Samson's faith or just his physical strength?
While Samson's physical strength is evident, the fact that the Spirit of the LORD came upon him suggests that this event is also a demonstration of God's power and Samson's faith, as stated in Hebrews 11:32-34, which highlights the faith of various biblical heroes, including Samson.
What can we learn from Samson's actions in this verse?
We can learn that when God's Spirit is at work in our lives, we are capable of accomplishing great things, as seen in Zechariah 4:6, which reminds us that it is not by our own strength or power, but by God's Spirit that we can achieve mighty things for Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need the empowering presence of God's Spirit to overcome challenges?
- How can I, like Samson, trust in God's power and provision in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper awareness of God's Spirit at work in my life, as seen in this verse?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Samson's experience to my own walk of faith, particularly in situations where I feel weak or inadequate?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:6
And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him,.... The Spirit of might from the Lord, as the Targum, inspiring him with courage and intrepidity of mind, and increasing his bodily strength: and he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:6
And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:6
Came mightily upon him; stirred up and increased his courage and bodily strength. As he would have rent a kid; as soon and as safely. He told not his father or his mother, lest by their means it should be publicly known; for he wisely considered that it was not yet a fit time to awaken the jealousies and fears of the Philistines concerning him, as this would have done.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:6
Judges 14:6 And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and [he had] nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.Ver. 6. And he rent him as he would have rent a kid.] So did the Lord Christ subdue the devil in the desert, whereof David also was a type, when he slew the lion and the bear. And he had nothing in his hand.] But so had Hercules, when he killed a lion and a bear, as the poets sing of him, and Lysimachus, one of Alexander’ s worthies. Polydamus, Milo Crotonitates, and others are famous for their strength, but none comparable to Samson, the Church’ s champion. But he told not his father.] As some braggart would have done: this was his modesty. And it may be he feared to be chidden by his parents, for his rashness in this exploit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:6
(6) The Spirit of the Lord.—Implying here an access of courage and strength. The verb rendered “came mightily” literally means pervaded, as in Judges 14:19, Judges 15:14; 1 Samuel 10:10. (Comp. 1 Samuel 18:10—of the evil spirit rushing upon Saul; LXX., “leapt upon him;” Vulg., irruit.) Rent him.—Josephus (with the intention of making his Greek readers think of Hercules and the Nemean lion) says “he throttled him.” Of course this was a most heroic exploit, but it is not unparalleled. Pausanias, in his Eliaca (ap. Suid. Lex. s.v Polydamas), related a feat of the athlete Polydamas, who in his youth slew, while unarmed, a great and strong lion in Olympus, B.C. 400. Cases are recorded in which Arabs have done the same. Similar acts of prowess are attributed to David (1 Samuel 17:54) and to Benaiah (2 Samuel 23:28). He told not his father or his mother.—This reticence shows how free he was from all boastfulness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 14:6
Verse 6. He rent him as he would have rent a kid] Now it is not intimated that he did this by his own natural strength, but by the Spirit of the Lord coming mightily upon him: so that his strength does not appear to be his own, nor to be at his command; his might was, by the will of God, attached to his hair and to his Nazarate.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:6
6. came mightily upon him] Cf. Judges 14:19, Judges 15:14, 1 Samuel 10:6; 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 11:6; the expression denotes a sudden rush of superhuman power. and he rent him … a kid] rent him as a man rends a kid; the verb only here and in Leviticus 1:17, where it is used of the ritual learing asunder of a fowl in burnt offering. The comparison as one rends a kid may refer to some ceremonial act, as Moore suggests, but we have no evidence of such a practice. Milton’s version, ‘Who tore the lion, as the lion tears the kid,’ Samson Agonistes, l. 128, gets over the difficulty by substituting ‘the lion’ for the indefinite subject (as one rends). The hero’s fight with a lion is a favourite theme in ancient mythology and folk-lore; e.g. the scene represented on early Bab. seals, above, p. 130; the reliefs from the palace of Ashurbanipal (A. Jeremias, l.c. 479); Herakles and the Nemean lion figured on Greek coins1[55]; the stories of David and of Benaiah (1 Samuel 17:34-36, 2 Samuel 23:20). [55] Hill, Catal. of Gk. Coins in the Brit. Mus., Cyprus, Pl. xxv. 6–8; Lycaonia, etc., Pl. xvii. 5, xl. 12. Instances of this motif from ancient sources are collected by Stahn, Die Simson-Sage, 1908, pp. 32 ff. but he told not etc.] The clause introduces some confusion, and may be an interpolation from Judges 14:9.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:6
6. Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him — A remarkable supernatural quickening and strengthening of his physical powers, which enabled him to perform a feat beyond the measure of his ordinary strength.
Sermons on Judges 14:6
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The Enemy of Revival - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson was a powerful man who performed great feats, such as ripping the gates of a cit |
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Freedom From Perpetual Backsliding by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve the Lord effectively, drawing examples from the judges in the book of Judges. He emphasizes the |
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The Letter O by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different types of belief in relation to faith in God. The first type is the belief of faith, which brings us closer to God. The second ty |
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Where Is Your Strength by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man who was a menace to his enemies. His enemies tried to find his secret and eventually captured him. They bound him, blinded him, and m |
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(Exodus) Exodus 12:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the Passover feast and the death of the firstborn. He emphasizes that redemption is achieved through the blood of Jesus a |
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): Real and Practical Beliefs by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the radical changes that have occurred in the world since Jesus' time, such as the industrial and communicational revolutions. These changes h |
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:9-21 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of light in the Bible and its connection to Christ. The speaker explains that while Jesus was on earth, he referred to himsel |