Judges 14:8
Judges 14:8 in Multiple Translations
When 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.
¶ And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.
And after a while he returned to take her; and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey.
Then after a time he went back to take her; and turning from the road to see the dead body of the lion, he saw a mass of bees in the body of the lion, and honey there.
Later on when Samson returned to marry her, he turned off the road to look for the lion's carcass. Inside the body was a swarm of bees and their honey.
And within a fewe dayes, when he returned to receiue her, he went aside to see the karkeis of the Lion: and behold, there was a swarme of bees, and hony in the body of the Lyon.
and he turneth back after [some] days to take her, and turneth aside to see the carcase of the lion, and lo, a company of bees [are] in the body of the lion — and honey.
After a while he returned to take her, and he went over to see the carcass of the lion; and behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey.
And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion: and behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass of the lion.
And after some days returning to take her, he went aside to see the carcass of the lion, and behold there was a swarm of bees in the mouth of the lion and a honeycomb.
Later, when Samson returned to Timnah for the wedding, he turned off the path to see the carcass of the lion. He discovered that after other creatures had eaten all the flesh, a swarm of bees had made a hive in the skeleton and had made some honey.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 14:8
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 14:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב
מִ/יָּמִים֙
לְ/קַחְתָּ֔/הּ
וַ/יָּ֣סַר
לִ/רְא֔וֹת
אֵ֖ת
מַפֶּ֣לֶת
הָ/אַרְיֵ֑ה
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
עֲדַ֧ת
דְּבוֹרִ֛ים
בִּ/גְוִיַּ֥ת
הָ/אַרְיֵ֖ה
וּ/דְבָֽשׁ
וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/יָּמִים֙
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
לְ/קַחְתָּ֔/הּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/יָּ֣סַר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/רְא֔וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַפֶּ֣לֶת
mappeleth
H4658
carcass
N-fs
הָ/אַרְיֵ֑ה
ʼărîy
H738
lion
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
עֲדַ֧ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
N-fs
דְּבוֹרִ֛ים
dᵉbôwrâh
H1682
bee
N-fp
בִּ/גְוִיַּ֥ת
gᵉvîyâh
H1472
body
Prep | N-fs
הָ/אַרְיֵ֖ה
ʼărîy
H738
lion
Art | N-ms
וּ/דְבָֽשׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
honey
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 14:8
וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מִ/יָּמִים֙
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
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.
לְ/קַחְתָּ֔/הּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וַ/יָּ֣סַר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
לִ/רְא֔וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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.
מַפֶּ֣לֶת
mappeleth
H4658
"carcass"
N-fs
This word can mean a carcass or a ruin, often referring to the aftermath of a disaster. In the Bible, it is used to describe the fall of a city or a person. The prophet Ezekiel wrote about the ruin of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) carcass, ruin, overthrow 1a) carcass 1b) ruin, overthrow
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: carcase, fall, ruin. See also: Judges 14:8; Ezekiel 27:27; Proverbs 29:16.
הָ/אַרְיֵ֑ה
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
Art | N-ms
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | 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.
עֲדַ֧ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
דְּבוֹרִ֛ים
dᵉbôwrâh
H1682
"bee"
N-fp
This word simply means bee in Hebrew, often symbolizing community and hard work, as seen in Judges 14:8 where Samson finds a beehive.
Definition: bee
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bee. See also: Deuteronomy 1:44; Psalms 118:12; Isaiah 7:18.
בִּ/גְוִיַּ֥ת
gᵉvîyâh
H1472
"body"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew term means a body, either living or dead. It can describe a corpse or a carcass, emphasizing the physical nature of the body.
Definition: 1) a body (of living creatures) 2) a corpse, carcass, dead body
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, carcase, corpse. See also: Genesis 47:18; Nehemiah 9:37; Psalms 110:6.
הָ/אַרְיֵ֖ה
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
Art | N-ms
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
וּ/דְבָֽשׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
"honey"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
Study Notes — Judges 14:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 14:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 14:8
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:8
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 14:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:8
- Sermons on Judges 14:8
Context — Samson’s Riddle
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.
9So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. And when he returned to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass. 10Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 1:20 | But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. |
| 2 | Genesis 29:21 | Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Grant me my wife, for my time is complete, and I want to sleep with her.” |
Judges 14:8 Summary
In Judges 14:8, Samson returns to the lion's carcass he had torn apart earlier and finds a swarm of bees and honey inside. This is a picture of how God can bring life and nourishment out of unexpected places, just like how He provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-36). Samson's discovery of the honey is a pleasant surprise that he shares with his parents, and it reminds us to always be open to the unexpected ways God provides for us (Matthew 6:26). As we reflect on this verse, we can learn to trust that God can bring sweetness and life even in the darkest and most unlikely places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the lion's carcass in Judges 14:8?
The lion's carcass represents a past victory for Samson, as he had torn the lion apart with his bare hands in Judges 14:6, and now it has become a source of life and nourishment, as it is filled with a swarm of bees and honey, much like how God can bring life out of death, as seen in Ezekiel 37:1-14.
Why did Samson leave the road to see the lion's carcass?
Samson left the road to see the lion's carcass, likely out of curiosity and to revisit the site of his past victory, and he was rewarded with a sweet surprise, the honey, which is a picture of the sweetness of God's provision and care, as seen in Psalm 34:8.
What can we learn from the swarm of bees in the lion's carcass?
The swarm of bees in the lion's carcass teaches us that even in the darkest and most unlikely places, God can bring new life and purpose, just as He did with the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14, and that we should always be open to the unexpected ways He can provide for us, as seen in Matthew 6:26.
How does this verse relate to Samson's relationship with his future wife?
This verse is a turning point in Samson's journey to take his future wife, as he returns to her after his initial meeting, and the discovery of the honey in the lion's carcass is a pleasant surprise that he shares with his parents, setting the stage for the events that will unfold in the following verses, as Samson prepares a feast for his wedding, as was customary for the bridegroom, according to Judges 14:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have experienced past victories, and how can I revisit them to see how God has brought new life and purpose?
- How can I, like Samson, be open to the unexpected ways God provides for me, even in the darkest and most unlikely places?
- What are some ways I can share the 'honey' of God's provision and care with those around me, just as Samson shared it with his parents?
- How can I apply the lesson of the swarm of bees in the lion's carcass to my own life, trusting that God can bring new life and purpose even in the most unlikely circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:8
And after a time he returned to take her,.... Matters being agreed on, and settled on both sides, and the espousals made, he and his parents returned, and, at the proper usual time for the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:8
And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:8
After a time, Heb. after days, i.e. either after some days; or rather, after a year, as that word oft signifies; as 27:7; when the flesh of the lion, which by its strong smell is offensive to and avoided by bees, was wholly consumed, and nothing was left but the bones. There was a swarm of bees; not generated of the dead lion’ s body, but elsewhere, and settling themselves there, as they have sometimes done in a man’ s skull, and in a sepulchre, and such-like places.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:8
Judges 14:8 And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, [there was] a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.Ver. 8. And after a time.] Some convenient time there must be betwixt the contract and the wedding, but let it not be over long, for many reasons; whereof elsewhere. And he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion.] That he might recognise God’ s goodness to him in so great a deliverance, and be accordingly thankful. Unto true thankfulness for mercies received, there must concur recognition, estimation, and retribution. He was also brought hither again by a secret instinct of the Spirit for a further purpose, as it followeth in the history; and that he might see another wonder, for his further confirmation. And, behold, there was a swarm of bees.] Prodigiosum est quod mellifiearunt in cadavere, saith one. It was wondrous strange that bees should breed and make honey so soon in such a place: since they are naturally driven away by an ill smell, as abhorring all stinking things. Some think that the carcass was consumed to the bare bones, and so stank not. Lav. Pliny, Columella.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:8
(8) After a time.—There is nothing to show how long this time was. A betrothal might last a year. In Judges 11:4 the same phrase (“after days “) is used of many years. To take her.—To lead her to his own home after the bridal feast. A swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.—This incident has been questioned, because it is truly said that bees hate all putrescence and decomposition, and that the notion of bees being generated in the rotting bodies of oxen (which we find in Virgil, Georgic 4, &c.) is a vulgar error. But it is overlooked that the word “carcase” here means (as the Syriac renders it) “skeleton.” The fierce sun of the East dries up all the animal moisture of a dead body, and reduces it to a skeleton with extreme rapidity, and bees have no dislike to dried bones as a place in which to swarm. Thus Herodotus tells us (v. 114) that when the Amathusians cut off the head of Onesilus, because he besieged them, and hung it over their gates, a swarm of bees filled the skull with their combs and honey. Rosenmüller also quotes the authority of the physician Aldrovand for the story that swarms of bees built their combs between the skeletons of two sisters who were buried in the Church of Santa Croce, at Verona, in 1566. (Comp. Plin.
H. N., xi. 24; Varro, R. R., 3:16.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 14:8
Verse 8. After a time] Probably about one year; as this was the time that generally elapsed between espousing and wedding. A swarm of bees and honey in the carcass] By length of time the flesh had been entirely consumed off the bones, and a swarm of bees had formed their combs within the region of the thorax, nor was it an improper place; nor was the thing unfrequent, if we may credit ancient writers; the carcasses of slain beasts becoming a receptacle for wild bees. The beautiful espisode in the 4th Georgic of Virgil, beginning at ver. 317, proves that the ancients believed that bees might be engendered in the body of a dead ox: - Pastor Aristaeus fugiens Peneia Tempe ___ Quatuor eximios praestanti corpore tauros Ducit, et intacta totidem cervice juvencas. Post, ubi nona suos Aurora induxerat ortus. Inferias Orphei mittit, lucumque revisit. Hic ver o subitum, ac dietu mirabile monstrum Adspiciunt, liquefacta bourn per viscera toto Stridere apes utero, et ruptis effervere costis; Immensasque trahi nubes, jamque arbore summa Confluere, et lentis uvam demittere ramis. VIRG. Geor. lib. iv., ver. 550. "Sad Aristaeus from fair Tempe fled, His bees with famine or diseases dead ___ Four altars raises, from his herd he culls For slaughter four the fairest of his bulls; Four heifers from his female store he took, All fair, and all unknowing of the yoke.
Nine mornings thence, with sacrifice and prayers, The powers atoned, he to the grove repairs. Behold a prodigy! for, from within The broken bowels, and the bloated skin, A buzzing noise of bees his ears alarms, Straight issuing through the sides assembling swarms! Dark as a cloud, they make a wheeling flight, Then on a neighbouring tree descending light, Like a large cluster of black grapes they show, And make a large dependance from the bough. DRYDEN.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:8
8. he returned] i.e. to Zorah; the woman stays in her father’s house, as was the rule in a mot‘a marriage. The natural sense of the narrative is destroyed by the expression to take her, i.e. to marry her (a single word in the Hebr.); obviously it has been inserted. The marriage does not begin till later, Judges 14:10. a swarm of bees] Though in a hot country the carcase would quickly decay and shrivel up, some time must have elapsed before the bees could hive in it and form honey-comb. But in a popular story, so full of marvels, this matter-of-fact detail would not be considered. The tale of Onesilus told by Herodotus, 14:114, has been quoted to illustrate the incident. If we wish to look for the origin of this popular story, Stahn (l.c. on p. 140) offers an explanation which is certainly plausible. The connexion between the lion and the honey may be founded on the observed fact that when the sun stands in the sign of Leo, i.e. in the month of May–June, bees in Palestine produce their honey. This would be common knowledge, and would suggest an answer to the riddle in Judges 14:14, which the Philistines might have answered if they had used their wits.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 14:8
The formal dowry and gifts having been given by Samson’s father, an interval, varying according to the Oriental custom, from a few days to a full year, elapsed between the betrothal and the wedding,
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:8
8. After a time he returned to take her — That is, to consummate the marriage. Several months, often a year, elapsed between the betrothal and the wedding.
Sermons on Judges 14:8
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Bee by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the analogy of bees to emphasize the importance of diligence, order, and obedience in our lives. Just as bees work diligently under the leadership of their que |
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What Child Is This? Good News of Great Joy by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the announcement made by a solitary angel to the shepherds. The angel reassures them not to be afraid, emphasizing the significance of this |
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Do Not Fear to Take Mary by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his search for a wife. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in relationships and shares how God spoke to |
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People Who Were Ready for Christ's Coming - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for the coming of Christ. He warns against deceiving ourselves by thinking we are prepared if we are not activ |
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First Step for Young People (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's forgiveness, assurance of salvation, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It shares personal testimonies of overcoming trials, |
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Do Not Fear by Erlo Stegen | This sermon focuses on the theme of overcoming fear and trusting in God's will, using the biblical story of Mary and Joseph as examples. It emphasizes the importance of submitting |
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The Supernatural Today by A.C. Valdez Sr. | A.C. Valdez Sr. emphasizes the relevance of supernatural occurrences in today's world, drawing parallels between biblical events and modern manifestations of God's power. He shares |