Judges 14:20 - But Samson’s wife was given to his companion who had been his friend.
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What does "Judges 14:20" mean?
Judges 14:20, "But Samson’s wife was given to his companion who had been his friend," tells us that Samson's Philistine wife was given to one of his close friends (or more accurately, "best man" or "attendant") at the wedding feast. This happened because of the events in Judges 14:15-19, where Samson's wife pressured him to reveal the answer to his riddle, and then she told the Philistine guests.
Here's a breakdown of what this verse means in the context of the story:
"Samson's wife was given...": This implies that the Philistines (specifically her family or community) took the initiative to give her away. She didn't have a choice in the matter. This highlights the power dynamics of the time and her position as a possession or bargaining chip.
"...to his companion...": The Hebrew word translated as "companion" or "friend" refers to one of the thirty young men who were Samson's attendants or "best men" during the wedding feast. This likely suggests that one of those men, at the direction of the Philistines, had taken Samson's wife as his own.
"...who had been his friend.": This is ironic and emphasizes the treachery and lack of loyalty within the Philistine community. This man was supposed to be a friend, but he willingly took Samson's wife, showing a betrayal of trust and friendship.
Significance and Implications:
Fuel for Samson's Rage: This act was a major insult to Samson and served as further fuel for his anger and desire for revenge against the Philistines. The loss of his wife was a significant personal blow, and combined with the deceit surrounding the riddle, it pushed him to retaliate.
Violation of Marriage Customs: Giving away a wife to someone else was a serious breach of marital and social customs in that era. It would have been considered a disgrace to Samson and an insult to his honor.
Power and Control: The Philistines were exerting their power and control over Samson. By giving his wife to another man, they were sending a clear message that they didn't respect him or his marriage. They could manipulate and control his life.
Beginning of Conflict: This event marks a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict between Samson and the Philistines. It escalates the tension and leads to further acts of violence and revenge.
In short, Judges 14:20 is a verse packed with meaning that shows the Philistines' manipulative behavior, betrayal, and disregard for Samson. It sets the stage for further conflict and helps to explain the motivations behind Samson's subsequent actions.
Judges 14:20 - But Samson’s wife was given to his companion who had been his friend.
What does "Judges 14:20" mean?
Judges 14:20, "But Samson’s wife was given to his companion who had been his friend," tells us that Samson's Philistine wife was given to one of his close friends (or more accurately, "best man" or "attendant") at the wedding feast. This happened because of the events in Judges 14:15-19, where Samson's wife pressured him to reveal the answer to his riddle, and then she told the Philistine guests.
Here's a breakdown of what this verse means in the context of the story:
"Samson's wife was given...": This implies that the Philistines (specifically her family or community) took the initiative to give her away. She didn't have a choice in the matter. This highlights the power dynamics of the time and her position as a possession or bargaining chip.
"...to his companion...": The Hebrew word translated as "companion" or "friend" refers to one of the thirty young men who were Samson's attendants or "best men" during the wedding feast. This likely suggests that one of those men, at the direction of the Philistines, had taken Samson's wife as his own.
"...who had been his friend.": This is ironic and emphasizes the treachery and lack of loyalty within the Philistine community. This man was supposed to be a friend, but he willingly took Samson's wife, showing a betrayal of trust and friendship.
Significance and Implications:
Fuel for Samson's Rage: This act was a major insult to Samson and served as further fuel for his anger and desire for revenge against the Philistines. The loss of his wife was a significant personal blow, and combined with the deceit surrounding the riddle, it pushed him to retaliate.
Violation of Marriage Customs: Giving away a wife to someone else was a serious breach of marital and social customs in that era. It would have been considered a disgrace to Samson and an insult to his honor.
Power and Control: The Philistines were exerting their power and control over Samson. By giving his wife to another man, they were sending a clear message that they didn't respect him or his marriage. They could manipulate and control his life.
Beginning of Conflict: This event marks a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict between Samson and the Philistines. It escalates the tension and leads to further acts of violence and revenge.
In short, Judges 14:20 is a verse packed with meaning that shows the Philistines' manipulative behavior, betrayal, and disregard for Samson. It sets the stage for further conflict and helps to explain the motivations behind Samson's subsequent actions.