Judges 15:2
Judges 15:2 in Multiple Translations
“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.”
And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.
And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.
And her father said, It seemed to me that you had only hate for her; so I gave her to your friend: but is not her younger sister fairer than she? so please take her in place of the other.
“I thought you must totally hate her, so I gave her to your best man,” he told Samson. “But her younger sister is even more attractive—why don't you marry her instead?”
And her father sayde, I thought that thou hadst hated her: therefore gaue I her to thy companion. Is not her yonger sister fayrer then shee? take her, I pray thee, in stead of the other.
and her father saith, I certainly said, that thou didst certainly hate her, and I give her to thy companion; is not her sister — the young one — better than she? Let her be, I pray thee, to thee, instead of her.'
Her father said, “I most certainly thought that you utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to your companion. Isn’t her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please, take her instead.”
And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.
I thought thou hadst hated her, and therefore I gave her to thy friend: but she hath a sister, who is younger and fairer than she, take her to wife instead of her.
He said to Samson, “I really thought that you hated her. So I gave her to the man who had been your best man at the wedding, and she married him. But look, her younger sister is [RHQ] more beautiful than she is. You can marry her!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 15:2
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 15:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אָבִ֗י/הָ
אָמֹ֤ר
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
כִּי
שָׂנֹ֣א
שְׂנֵאתָ֔/הּ
וָ/אֶתְּנֶ֖/נָּה
לְ/מֵרֵעֶ֑/ךָ
הֲ/לֹ֨א
אֲחֹתָ֤/הּ
הַ/קְּטַנָּה֙
טוֹבָ֣ה
מִמֶּ֔/נָּה
תְּהִי
נָ֥א
לְ/ךָ֖
תַּחְתֶּֽי/הָ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָבִ֗י/הָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
אָמֹ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Ptc
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׂנֹ֣א
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Ptc
שְׂנֵאתָ֔/הּ
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
וָ/אֶתְּנֶ֖/נָּה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
לְ/מֵרֵעֶ֑/ךָ
mêrêaʻ
H4828
companion
Prep | N-ms | Suff
הֲ/לֹ֨א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
אֲחֹתָ֤/הּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
הַ/קְּטַנָּה֙
qâṭân
H6996
small
Art | Adj
טוֹבָ֣ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
מִמֶּ֔/נָּה
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-3fs
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
תַּחְתֶּֽי/הָ
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 15:2
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.
אָבִ֗י/הָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אָמֹ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Ptc
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.
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׂנֹ֣א
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Ptc
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.
שְׂנֵאתָ֔/הּ
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.
וָ/אֶתְּנֶ֖/נָּה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/מֵרֵעֶ֑/ךָ
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.
הֲ/לֹ֨א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֲחֹתָ֤/הּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
הַ/קְּטַנָּה֙
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
טוֹבָ֣ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
מִמֶּ֔/נָּה
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-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.
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
תַּחְתֶּֽי/הָ
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
Study Notes — Judges 15:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 15:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 15:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 15:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 15:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 15:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 15:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 15:2
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 15:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 15:2
- Sermons on Judges 15:2
Context — Samson’s Revenge
1Later on, at the time of the wheat harvest, Samson took a young goat and went to visit his wife. “I want to go to my wife in her room,” he said. But her father would not let him enter.
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.”
3Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines.” 4Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes. And he took torches, turned the foxes tail-to-tail, and fastened a torch between each pair of tails.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 14:20 | and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him. |
| 2 | Judges 14:16 | 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?” |
| 3 | Genesis 38:14 | she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. |
| 4 | Acts 26:9 | So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. |
Judges 15:2 Summary
[This verse shows how the father of Samson's wife tried to get out of his commitment to Samson by giving his daughter to someone else, which is not acceptable and goes against the principles of marriage and commitment found in Ephesians 5:31 and Matthew 19:6. The father's actions were likely motivated by a desire to protect his daughter, but they ultimately led to more problems and conflict, as seen in the subsequent verses. We can learn from this story by prioritizing our personal relationships and commitments, and trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can avoid making similar mistakes and instead cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the father of Samson's wife give her away to someone else?
The father of Samson's wife gave her away because he thought Samson hated her, as stated in Judges 15:2, and this action was likely motivated by a desire to protect his daughter from perceived harm, similar to the way Laban protected his daughters in Genesis 29:25.
Is it acceptable to give away someone's spouse to another person?
No, it is not acceptable to give away someone's spouse to another person, as this action disregards the commitment and covenant of marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:31 and Matthew 19:6.
What can we learn from the father's offer of his younger daughter to Samson?
The father's offer of his younger daughter to Samson, as seen in Judges 15:2, can teach us about the cultural and societal pressures of the time, and how they often prioritized family alliances and social status over personal relationships and commitments, similar to the way Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah in Genesis 29:23-25.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Samson?
This verse is a pivotal point in the story of Samson, as it shows how the Philistines and their allies, including his father-in-law, are trying to undermine Samson's authority and relationships, setting the stage for the events that unfold in the subsequent verses, such as Judges 15:3-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be like the father of Samson's wife, trying to control or manipulate situations to achieve a desired outcome?
- How can I apply the principle of commitment and covenant in my own relationships, as seen in Ephesians 5:31 and Matthew 19:6?
- What are some cultural or societal pressures that may be influencing my decisions and relationships, and how can I prioritize my personal relationships and commitments?
- In what ways can I learn from Samson's experiences and apply those lessons to my own life, particularly in regards to trusting in God's sovereignty and plan?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 15:2
And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her,.... Not only thought so, but said so, and had said it over and over again; for the words are, "saying I said" (t), affirmed it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 15:2
And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 15:2
I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her, because thou didst desert her in great wrath: but this was not sufficient cause; for he should have endeavoured a reconciliation, or waited for it; and not have disposed of another man’ s wife without his consent; which is not only against the law of God, but of nature also.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 15:2
Judges 15:2 And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: [is] not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.Ver. 2. I verily thought.] But he should have made sure of that; which because he did not, it cost him and his daughter their lives. “ Differ: habent parvae commoda magna morae. ” Is not her younger sister fairer?] Heb., Better: but never the better for her beauty, if, with Aurelia Orestilla, the Roman lady, she had nothing else to commend her. “ Forma bonum fragile est. ” - Ovid. Take her, I pray thee, instead of her.] This man made nothing of incest: the Pope frequently dispenseth with it, Lege nimirum canina: but Samson abhorred the motion, according to Leviticus 18:18. Sallust.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 15:2
(2) Verily thought . . . utterly hated.—In the emphatic simplicity of the Hebrew style it is, Saying I said that hating, thou hatest her. As Samson had left his wife in anger immediately after the wedding feast, the father might have reasonably supposed that he meant finally to desert her. I gave her.—This must mean I have betrothed her, for otherwise she would not have still been living in her father’s house. But if the father had been an honourable man he could not under these circumstances have done less than restore the dowry which Manoah had given for her. To thy companion.—See on Judges 14:20. Her younger sister.—The father sought in this way to repair the wrong he had inflicted, and to offer some equivalent for the dower which he had wrongly appropriated.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 15:2
Verse 2. Thou hadst utterly hated her] As he was conscious she had given him great cause so to do. Her younger sister] The father appears to have been perfectly sincere in this offer.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 15:2
I gave her - In marriage. Samson had probably not heard of this before. Samson’s father had paid the dowry for the older sister; her father therefore offers her sister in her room. The fear of Samson probably also influenced him.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 15:2
2. Utterly hated her — He surely had reason for so thinking, but to give her to that treacherous companion, who had so basely misused the confidence and responsibility reposed in him as friend of the
Sermons on Judges 15:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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Studies in the Gospel of John 05 - Work of the Spirit by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of witnessing to someone who was confused about various religious beliefs. The preacher starts by discussing different ide |
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The Death of John the Baptist by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield delves into the analysis of Matthew 14:1-12, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's truth and the mystery of a perverted conscience in the story of Herod an |
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The Spirit as Light by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the Holy Spirit as Light, emphasizing the importance of transparency, fearlessness, disinfection, and joy that come with walking in the light of the |
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Do Not Seek Righteousness by the Law by Robert Traill | Robert Traill preaches on the importance of not frustrating the grace of God by seeking righteousness through the law, emphasizing that true righteousness for justification is foun |
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Homily 52 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about Paul's defense before Agrippa, highlighting how Paul is proclaimed as a conqueror despite the accusations brought against him. Paul boldly speaks abo |
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Paul's Humiliating Confession by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his characte |