Judges 14:16
Judges 14:16 in Multiple Translations
Then 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?”
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?
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 thee?
Then Samson's wife, weeping over him, said, Truly you have no love for me but only hate; you have put a hard question to the children of my people and have not given me the answer. And he said to her, See, I have not given the answer even to my father or my mother; am I to give it to you?
So Samson's wife went crying to him, saying, “You really do hate me, don't you! You don't love me at all! You have posed a riddle to my people, but haven't even explained it to me.” “So?” he replied. “I haven't even explained it to my father or mother! Why should I explain it to you?”
And Samsons wife wept before him, and said, Surely thou hatest mee and louest mee not: for thou hast put forth a riddle vnto the children of my people, and hast not told it mee. And hee sayd vnto her, Beholde, I haue not told it my father, nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
And Samson's wife weepeth for it, and saith, 'Thou hast only hated me, and hast not loved me; the riddle thou hast put forth to the sons of my people — and to me thou hast not declared it;' and he saith to her, 'Lo, to my father and to my mother I have not declared [it] — and to thee I declare [it]!'
Samson’s wife wept before him, and said, “You just hate me, and don’t love me. You’ve told a riddle to the children of my people, and haven’t told it to me.” He said to her, “Behold, I haven’t told my father or my mother, so why should I tell you?”
And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast proposed a riddle to the children of my people, and hast not told it to me. And he said to her, Behold, I have not told it to my father nor to my mother, and shall I tell it to thee?
So she wept before Samson and complained, saying: Thou hatest me, and dost not love me: therefore thou wilt not expound to me the riddle which thou hast proposed to the sons of my people. But he answered: I would not tell it to my father and mother, and how can I tell it to thee?
So Samson’s wife came to him, crying, and said to him, “You do not really love me. You hate me! You have told a riddle to my friends, but you have not told me the meaning of the riddle!” He replied, “I have not told the meaning of the riddle even to my mother and father, so why should I tell it to you?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 14:16
BAB
Word Study
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Judges 14:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֵּבְךְּ֩
אֵ֨שֶׁת
שִׁמְשׁ֜וֹן
עָלָ֗י/ו
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
רַק
שְׂנֵאתַ֨/נִי֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
אֲהַבְתָּ֔/נִי
הַֽ/חִידָ֥ה
חַ֨דְתָּ֙
לִ/בְנֵ֣י
עַמִּ֔/י
וְ/לִ֖/י
לֹ֣א
הִגַּ֑דְתָּה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָ֗/הּ
הִנֵּ֨ה
לְ/אָבִ֧/י
וּ/לְ/אִמִּ֛/י
לֹ֥א
הִגַּ֖דְתִּי
וְ/לָ֥/ךְ
אַגִּֽיד
וַ/תֵּבְךְּ֩
bâkâh
H1058
to weep
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵ֨שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
שִׁמְשׁ֜וֹן
Shimshôwn
H8123
Samson
N-proper
עָלָ֗י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
רַק
raq
H7535
except
DirObjM
שְׂנֵאתַ֨/נִי֙
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֲהַבְתָּ֔/נִי
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
הַֽ/חִידָ֥ה
chîydâh
H2420
riddle
Art | N-fs
חַ֨דְתָּ֙
chûwd
H2330
to riddle
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לִ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
עַמִּ֔/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לִ֖/י
Conj | Prep | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הִגַּ֑דְתָּה
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ֗/הּ
Prep | Suff
הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
לְ/אָבִ֧/י
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְ/אִמִּ֛/י
ʼêm
H517
mother
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הִגַּ֖דְתִּי
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
וְ/לָ֥/ךְ
Conj | Prep | Suff
אַגִּֽיד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 14:16
וַ/תֵּבְךְּ֩
bâkâh
H1058
"to weep"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.
אֵ֨שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
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.
שִׁמְשׁ֜וֹן
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.
עָלָ֗י/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.
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
רַק
raq
H7535
"except"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
שְׂנֵאתַ֨/נִי֙
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
וְ/לֹ֣א
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.
אֲהַבְתָּ֔/נִי
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
הַֽ/חִידָ֥ה
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.
חַ֨דְתָּ֙
chûwd
H2330
"to riddle"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to propose a riddle or puzzle. It involves tying a knot or creating a problem to solve. The KJV translates it as 'put forth'.
Definition: (Qal) to propose a riddle, propound a riddle
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: put forth. See also: Judges 14:12; Judges 14:16; Ezekiel 17:2.
לִ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַמִּ֔/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/לִ֖/י
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
הִגַּ֑דְתָּה
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
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.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
לָ֗/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
לְ/אָבִ֧/י
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/אִמִּ֛/י
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
הִגַּ֖דְתִּי
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
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.
וְ/לָ֥/ךְ
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
אַגִּֽיד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
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.
Study Notes — Judges 14:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 14:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:16
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:16
- Sermons on Judges 14:16
Context — Samson’s Riddle
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. 18Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to Samson: “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” So he said to them: “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 16:15 | “How can you say, ‘I love you,’” she asked, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!” |
| 2 | Genesis 2:24 | For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. |
Judges 14:16 Summary
In this verse, Samson's wife feels unloved because he hasn't shared the answer to his riddle with her. Samson explains that he hasn't even told his parents, so why should he tell her? This shows that Samson is trying to keep his word and set boundaries, which is an important lesson for us today. As seen in Matthew 5:33-37, keeping our word and being truthful is essential for building trust and strong relationships, and we can learn from Samson's example by prioritizing honesty and communication in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samson's wife think he hated her?
Samson's wife felt unloved because he had not shared the answer to his riddle with her, as seen in Judges 14:16, even though he had not told his parents either, which shows his commitment to keeping his word, similar to the importance of keeping vows in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5.
Was it wrong for Samson to not tell his wife the answer to the riddle?
In this context, Samson had made a commitment to his people, and sharing the answer would have broken that commitment, so he was trying to remain faithful to his word, as encouraged in Psalm 15:4.
How does this verse relate to marriage and communication?
This verse highlights the importance of communication and trust in marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-33, where husbands are called to love their wives, and wives are called to respect their husbands, demonstrating that open and honest communication is essential for a healthy marriage.
What can we learn from Samson's response to his wife?
Samson's response shows that he is trying to set boundaries and prioritize his commitments, which is a valuable lesson for believers, as seen in Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus teaches about the importance of counting the cost and being committed to following Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle to set boundaries or keep my word, and how can I improve in these areas?
- How can I prioritize open and honest communication in my relationships, especially in my marriage or with close friends and family?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my love and commitment to those around me, as Samson's wife was seeking from him?
- How can I balance the need to keep confidences and commitments with the need to be transparent and honest with those I trust?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:16
And Samson's wife wept before him,.... When she came to him to get out of him the explanation of the riddle, thinking that her tears would move him to it: and said, thou dost but hate me, and lovest
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:16
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 14:16
Though I have had much more experience of their fidelity and taciturnity than of thine.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:16
Judges 14:16 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? Ver. 16. And Samson’ s wife wept before him.] Tears are women’ s weapons or engines, and many of them “ Ut flerent oculos erudiere suos. ” - Ovid, Amor., lib. ii. Apollodorus in Athenaeus telleth of the harlot Phryne, that from her feigned tears she was surnamed κλαυσιγελως, laugh-cry; because she could easily do either.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:16
(16) Wept before him.—Samson’s riddle had the effect of making the whole wedding-feast of this ill-starred marriage one of the most embittered and least joyous that ever fell to a bridegroom’s lot. This was a just punishment for his lawless fancies, though God overruled them to His own ends. A weeping, teazing, fretting bride and sullen guests might have served as a warning that Philistine marriages were not good for the sons of Israel.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:16
16. before him] upon him and Judges 14:17, i.e. on his neck; the same idiom in Genesis 45:15. For the woman’s wile cf. Judges 16:15.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:16
16. I have not told it my father nor my mother — A thing kept secret from one’s parents is, with the Orientals, a thing not to be told in other ears, or, at least, very rarely.
Sermons on Judges 14:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Church's Strength and Secret by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Samson from the Bible and uses it as a metaphor for the spiritual condition of some believers. He describes how Samson, a powerfu |
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(The Chief End of Man - Part 6): The Entireness of Worship by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honoring God in every aspect of our lives. He reminds the audience that their time, spending, and living should all be don |
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The New Creation - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man who was captured by a Roman general. Initially, the man was rebellious, but as he observed the general's way of life, he began |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4:16-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the descendants of Cain and their contributions to civilization. He mentions Jable, who was the father of those who dwelled in tents, and his |
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A Vision of My Mission (Field)—part 1 by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission and vision in life. He asks thought-provoking questions about the purpose of our existence and the g |
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Godliness in the Home by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of clear guidance for young people in these end times. He expresses a deep desire for God to visit and meet the needs of ever |
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(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Godly Husbands and Wives by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wisdom in relationships, particularly in the context of marriage. He shares a story about the sun and the wind competing to |