Judges 14:20
Judges 14:20 in Multiple Translations
and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him.
But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
But Samson's wife was given to the friend who had been his best man.
Samson's wife was given to his best man who had accompanied him at the wedding.
Then Samsons wife was giuen to his companion, whom he had vsed as his friend.
and Samson's wife becometh his companion's, who [is] his friend.
But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, who had been his friend.
But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
But his wife took one of his friends and bridal companions for her husband.
So ◄Samson’s wife was given/the bride’s father gave Samson’s wife► to the man who who had been Samson’s best man at the wedding, but Samson did not know that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 14:20
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 14:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּהִ֖י
אֵ֣שֶׁת
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
לְ/מֵ֣רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
רֵעָ֖ה
לֽ/וֹ
וַ/תְּהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
Shimshôwn
H8123
Samson
N-proper
לְ/מֵ֣רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
mêrêaʻ
H4828
companion
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
רֵעָ֖ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 14:20
וַ/תְּהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
אֵ֣שֶׁת
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.
שִׁמְשׁ֑וֹן
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.
לְ/מֵ֣רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
mêrêaʻ
H4828
"companion"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A companion or friend, this word describes a close relationship. It refers to someone you trust and spend time with, like a confidential friend. The Bible values strong friendships.
Definition: companion, friend, confidential friend
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: companion, friend. See also: Genesis 26:26; Judges 15:2; Proverbs 19:7.
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.
רֵעָ֖ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Judges 14:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 14:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 14:20
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:20
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 14:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:20
- Sermons on Judges 14:20
Context — Samson’s Riddle
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!”
19Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,
20and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 15:2 | “I was sure that you thoroughly hated her,” said her father, “so I gave her to one of the men who accompanied you. Is not her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please take her instead.” |
| 2 | John 3:29 | The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. |
| 3 | Psalms 55:12–13 | For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Matthew 26:49–50 | Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 9:5 | Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. |
| 8 | John 13:18 | I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’ |
Judges 14:20 Summary
[This verse tells us that Samson's wife was given to another man, which shows that Samson's actions had serious consequences. As believers, we can learn from Samson's mistakes and prioritize seeking God's guidance in our relationships, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6. We can also trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when things seem difficult or uncertain, and look to Scripture for guidance on how to handle difficult situations, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Samson's wife given to another man?
According to Judges 14:20, Samson's wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him, likely as a result of Samson's actions and the cultural norms of the time, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:3 and Ezra 10:3, where marriage and divorce were handled differently than today.
What does this say about Samson's character?
This verse highlights Samson's impulsiveness and anger issues, as seen in his actions in Judges 14:19, where he killed thirty men and then returned to his father's house in anger, showing a pattern of behavior that would continue throughout his life, as mentioned in Judges 15:1-8 and Judges 16:1-22.
How does this relate to the concept of marriage in the Bible?
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred institution, as seen in Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:31, and this verse shows how the cultural norms of the time did not always align with God's plan for marriage, highlighting the need for believers to look to Scripture for guidance on relationships and marriage, as mentioned in Matthew 19:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 7:10-16.
What can we learn from Samson's mistakes?
Samson's mistakes, including his handling of his marriage, serve as a warning to believers about the dangers of impulsiveness, anger, and not seeking God's guidance in relationships, as seen in Proverbs 19:2 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, as mentioned in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am acting impulsively, and how can I seek God's guidance to make better decisions?
- How can I apply the biblical teachings on marriage and relationships to my own life, and what are some ways I can prioritize God's plan for my relationships?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in Him?
- How can I learn from Samson's mistakes and apply those lessons to my own life, and what are some ways I can seek accountability and guidance from others to help me make better decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:20
But Samson's wife was given to his companion,.... By her father, and with her consent, both being affronted and provoked by Samson leaving her, who judged her not only to be injured, but hereby
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:20
But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:20
Samson’ s wife was given, by her father, to the chief of the bridemen, to whom he had showed most respect and kindness.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:20
Judges 14:20 But Samson’ s wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend. Ver. 20. But Samson’ s wife was given to his companion.] To his Paranymph the first and chief brideman, his bosom friend, who haply had ploughed with this wanton heifer before. Wrongs done by a friend are more unsufferable. "It was thou, my friend," saith David. Pronubus, Nυμφαγωγος.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:20
(20) To his companion, whom he had used as his friend—i.e., to the chief of the paranyraphs (the bride-conductor, LXX.); “the friend of the bride-groom” (John 3:29). Hence, even if the suspicion as to the meaning of Samson’s words in Judges 14:18 be unfounded, it is clear that there was treachery and secret hostility at work. Bunsen renders the phrase, “to his companion, whose friend (amica) she was.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 14:20
Verse 20. But Samson's wife was given to his companion] This was the same kind of person who is called the friend of the bridegroom, John 3:29. And it is very likely that she loved this person better than she loved her husband, and went to him as soon as Samson had gone to his father's house at Zorah. She might, however, have thought herself abandoned by him, and therefore took another; this appears to have been the persuasion of her father, Judges 15:2. But her betraying his secret and his interests to his enemies was a full proof he was not very dear to her; though, to persuade him to the contrary, she shed many crocodile tears; see Judges 14:16. He could not keep his own secret, and he was fool enough to suppose that another would be more faithful to him than he was to himself. Multitudes complain of the treachery of friends betraying their secrets, &c., never considering that they themselves have been their first betrayers, in confiding to others what they pretend to wish should be a secret to the whole world! If a man never let his secret out of his own bosom, it is impossible that he should ever be betrayed.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:20
20. After this violent rupture, and to make up for the disgrace inflicted upon the bride, she was given to his groomsman who had acted as his groom; cf. Judges 15:2; Judges 15:6, St John 3:29. LXX. cod. A renders by the technical word νυμφαγωγός, the leader of the bride.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 14:20
His companion - Perhaps one of those mentioned in Judges 14:11. The transaction denotes loose notions of the sanctity of marriage among the Philistines.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:20
20. To his companion — One of the “thirty.” “To treason she adds infidelity. Meanness of disposition gives birth to every thing that is bad.
Sermons on Judges 14:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Beloved's Bride by Randy Jones | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Father's delight in His Son and how this love relationship between the Father and the Son extends to believers. The preacher emphasizes t |
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John's Gospel - the Right Attitude by John Vissers | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of believing in Jesus for eternal life. He highlights that those who reject Jesus will not see life and will remai |
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Gospel of John (Study 9 of 24, Chap 3 Cont) by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing and experiencing the love of God in our lives. He warns about the consequences of not recognizing this love, which |
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Friends of the Bridegroom (Pt. 1) by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos teaches on the concept of being a 'Friend of the Bridegroom,' emphasizing the importance of hearing God's voice and developing a deep friendship with Jesus. He hi |
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Better Than Pentecost by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that John the Baptist, despite not witnessing the events of Pentecost, found his greatest joy in hearing the voice of Jesus. He illustrates that true ful |
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The Church’s Marriage to Her Sons, and to Her God by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the deep and profound love relationship between the church and Christ, likening it to a marriage where the church is the bride and Christ is the bri |
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Jesus Christ:the True Bridegroom by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink emphasizes that Jesus Christ embodies the true Bridegroom, yearning for a deep, reciprocal love from His bride, the soul. He desires not just obedience but a heartf |