Judges 14:11

KJV

And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when they saw {H7200} him, that they brought {H3947} thirty {H7970} companions {H4828} to be with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the P'lishtim saw him, they provided thirty companions to be with him.

Berean Standard Bible

And when the Philistines saw him, they selected thirty men to accompany him.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:11 describes a pivotal moment during Samson's wedding feast in Timnath, where the Philistines, upon seeing him, provided thirty companions to attend him. This seemingly customary social gesture, rooted in ancient Near Eastern wedding traditions, serves as a crucial narrative device, immediately setting the stage for the escalating conflict between Samson and the Philistines. It subtly highlights Samson's unique and often isolated position even amidst festivity, and foreshadows the betrayal and animosity that will define his interactions with his adversaries, ultimately becoming a catalyst for God's sovereign plan of deliverance for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Samson's first marriage, a union with a Philistine woman from Timnath. This choice, explicitly stated in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose in Samson's Marriage") to be "from the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines," underscores the divine orchestration behind Samson's seemingly personal decisions. The wedding feast, traditionally a seven-day event, provides the social backdrop for the unfolding drama. The introduction of these thirty Philistine companions is not a mere cultural aside; they become the immediate audience and active participants in Samson's famous riddle, directly precipitating the first major confrontation between Samson and the Philistines in this chapter. Their presence is integral to the narrative's progression, facilitating the unfolding of God's sovereign plan through Samson's actions and the Philistines' reactions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern wedding feasts were elaborate, multi-day affairs, often extending for a week or more, characterized by extensive social interaction, feasting, and entertainment. It was a common custom for the groom to be accompanied by a retinue of male companions, often referred to as "friends of the bridegroom" or "groomsmen," who would participate in the festivities, offer support, and engage in social games or riddles. In this specific context, the Philistines, who were the dominant political and military power in the region, provided these companions to Samson. While outwardly a gesture of hospitality and adherence to custom, this act, given the underlying tensions between Israel and Philistia, also served as a means of surveillance or control over Samson, an Israelite of formidable strength and a Nazirite set apart. The city of Timnath itself was a Philistine stronghold, further emphasizing Samson's vulnerable and isolated position despite the outward appearance of celebration.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 14:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the broader narrative of Samson and the Book of Judges. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **God's sovereign plan** working through human choices, even those that appear misguided or contrary to divine law, as seen in Samson's marriage choice, which [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Marriage") explicitly states was "from the Lord." Secondly, it highlights **Samson's entanglement with the Philistines**, a recurring motif that defines his life and ministry, from his marriage to his eventual capture and death. The companions, though ostensibly friendly, represent this very entanglement, drawing him deeper into their sphere. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **isolation and betrayal**. Despite being surrounded by thirty men, Samson is fundamentally alone, an Israelite Nazirite among his enemies. The subsequent events, where these very companions conspire against him ([Judges 14:15](/judges/14-15 "Judges 14:15 - The Philistines' Deceit")), foreshadow the pervasive theme of betrayal that marks Samson's story, culminating in Delilah's treachery in [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah's Betrayal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From the root H7200, meaning "to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)." When "they saw him," it implies more than a casual observation. Given Samson's reputation, his unusual strength, and his status as an Israelite, the Philistines likely "saw" him with a mixture of curiosity, respect, and perhaps suspicion. Their immediate action of providing thirty companions suggests a calculated response, recognizing his significance and potential threat, aiming to integrate him into their social structure in a controlled manner.
* **brought (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From the root H3947, a primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications); 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." The use of "brought" here emphasizes the Philistines' active role in providing these companions. It was not Samson's choice to have these specific men, but rather an imposition by his hosts, highlighting their control over the social dynamics of the feast and Samson's limited agency within it.
* **companions (Hebrew, _mêrêaʻ'_):** From H4828, meaning "a friend; companion." This noun typically denotes someone with whom one shares camaraderie or a common purpose. However, its usage here is deeply ironic. These are not Samson's chosen friends but assigned attendants, provided by his adversaries. The subsequent narrative reveals their true allegiance lies with their Philistine countrymen, quickly turning their "companionship" into a strategic maneuver against Samson. This highlights the superficiality and deceptive nature of the relationship, underscoring the theme of betrayal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when they saw him,"**: This opening phrase sets the scene, indicating a specific moment during the wedding feast. "They" refers to the Philistines hosting the feast, presumably the family of Samson's bride or the community leaders of Timnath. Their "seeing" Samson suggests his arrival or prominent presence at the celebration, drawing their attention and prompting their subsequent action. This recognition is the catalyst for the provision of the companions.
* **"that they brought thirty companions"**: In response to seeing Samson, the Philistines actively provided these men. The number "thirty" is significant; it represents a substantial retinue, suggesting honor and a full complement for a groom according to custom. However, in the context of Philistine-Israelite tensions, it also implies a strategic deployment of men who could serve as both escorts and monitors, ensuring Samson's integration into their social sphere while simultaneously keeping him under observation.
* **"to be with him."**: On the surface, this phrase denotes social accompaniment, typical for a groom at a lengthy wedding feast. These companions were meant to share in the festivities, engage in conversation, and participate in the social customs. However, the underlying narrative tension suggests a deeper purpose: these men were assigned to Samson, not chosen by him, creating a dynamic of forced association rather than genuine friendship, which ultimately leads to their betrayal concerning the riddle.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 14:11 skillfully employs several literary devices to deepen its meaning. **Irony** is profoundly present, as the term "companions" (Hebrew: _mêrêaʻ_), which typically signifies friendship and shared purpose, is applied to individuals who are, in reality, agents of the Philistines and will soon conspire against Samson. This creates a stark contrast between the outward appearance of camaraderie and the underlying intent of surveillance and eventual betrayal. The verse also functions as potent **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the pervasive theme of deception, conflict, and isolation that will characterize Samson's interactions with the Philistines throughout his story. What begins as a seemingly innocuous social custom quickly devolves into a strategic encounter, prefiguring the larger struggle. Furthermore, the presence of these thirty Philistine companions can be interpreted as powerful **Symbolism**, representing Samson's increasing entanglement and isolation within the Philistine world. Despite being physically surrounded, he is fundamentally alone, a Nazirite set apart by God, yet immersed in the very culture he is called to deliver Israel from.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly minor detail of Samson's wedding feast profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even amidst human folly and cultural complexities. Samson's choice of a Philistine wife, explicitly stated to be "from the Lord" to provide an occasion against the Philistines ([Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Marriage")), demonstrates that God can use unexpected and even questionable human decisions to advance His divine purposes. The provision of these companions, a cultural norm, becomes a divinely orchestrated setup for the riddle, which in turn ignites the conflict that ultimately leads to Samson's acts of deliverance. It underscores the biblical truth that God's plans are not thwarted by human sin or cultural differences but can ingeniously incorporate them. This also serves as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of unequal yokes and the need for discernment in relationships, as outward appearances of companionship can mask underlying hostility and conflicting allegiances.

* [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Marriage")
* [Judges 15:1-8](/judges/15-1-8 "Judges 15:1-8 - Samson's Retaliation Against the Philistines")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 14:11, though brief, offers rich lessons on discernment, the true nature of relationships, and God's overarching sovereignty. It reminds us that not all who appear as "companions" share our values or intentions. In a world where appearances can be deceiving, believers are called to exercise spiritual wisdom, recognizing that even in seemingly friendly social settings, there can be underlying tensions or conflicting allegiances. Samson's story here highlights the critical importance of spiritual discernment in choosing our associations, understanding that our "companions" can either build us up in our faith and purpose or subtly undermine us. Ultimately, this verse also serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively at work even in the most complex, humanly flawed, and seemingly mundane situations, orchestrating events to fulfill His grand purposes. We are called to trust His sovereign hand, even when our circumstances seem to be entangled with the world's ways, knowing that He can turn even seemingly minor details into significant moments for His glory and our good, demonstrating His power to redeem and direct all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our assumptions about the nature of "companionship" or "friendship" in a superficial world?**
* **In what ways might we, like Samson, find ourselves surrounded by people who are not truly aligned with our values or God's purposes for our lives?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment in our relationships, recognizing potential underlying motives or conflicting allegiances?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in this verse encourage us to trust Him even when our circumstances seem complex or beyond our control?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Philistines bring thirty companions for Samson?**

Answer: The provision of thirty companions was primarily a cultural custom for wedding feasts in the ancient Near East, where grooms were typically accompanied by a retinue of male attendants or "groomsmen." This was a gesture of honor and hospitality, indicative of a significant social event. However, given the ongoing tension between the Israelites and the Philistines, and Samson's formidable reputation as a strong Israelite, it likely also served a strategic purpose. These companions could effectively keep Samson under surveillance, integrate him into their social sphere, and perhaps even contain him, especially if they perceived him as a potential threat or sought to gain an advantage over him.

**Were these "companions" true friends to Samson?**

Answer: No, the narrative clearly indicates they were not true friends in the sense of genuine camaraderie or loyalty. While they were assigned to him as companions for the feast, their ultimate allegiance lay with their own Philistine people. This becomes glaringly evident when they conspire against Samson to discover the answer to his riddle, going so far as to threaten his wife to coerce the information from her ([Judges 14:15-17](/judges/14-15-17 "Judges 14:15-17 - The Philistines' Deceit and Samson's Anger")). Their actions reveal that their "companionship" was superficial and opportunistic, serving the interests of the Philistine community rather than genuine friendship with Samson.

**What was the Philistines' ultimate motive in providing these companions?**

Answer: The Philistines' motive was likely multifaceted. On one hand, it adhered to established cultural custom and demonstrated hospitality for a significant event like a wedding. On the other hand, given Samson's known strength and his status as an Israelite judge, the large number of companions suggests a calculated move to integrate him into their social structure while simultaneously exercising a degree of control or surveillance. They were likely trying to manage a potentially volatile situation by surrounding him with their own people, hoping to neutralize any threat he might pose or to gain an advantage over him, especially in the context of the riddle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 14:11, with its portrayal of Samson surrounded by "companions" who would ultimately betray him, offers a poignant foreshadowing of Christ's experience. Samson, a flawed deliverer, serves as a type of Christ, set apart from birth to deliver his people, yet entangled with the world's ways. Similarly, Jesus, the true and perfect Deliverer, came into a world that was not His own, surrounded by those who appeared to be His own, yet many would ultimately reject and betray Him. Just as Samson's assigned companions turned against him over a riddle, Jesus was betrayed by one of His own chosen disciples, Judas Iscariot, for a mere thirty pieces of silver ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus")), and abandoned by the others during His arrest ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Desert Jesus")). The world offered Jesus a false embrace, culminating in His crucifixion, where He was truly isolated, bearing the sins of humanity. Yet, unlike Samson, whose strength was physical and often misdirected, Christ's power was spiritual and redemptive, culminating in His ultimate victory over sin and death through His willing sacrifice on the cross. The "companions" of Judges 14:11 underscore the pervasive theme of human treachery, which finds its ultimate resolution and redemption in the faithful, unwavering love of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who, though betrayed, secured eternal companionship and reconciliation with God for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 3:29

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

1 Samuel 16:6

¶ And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed [is] before him.

1 Samuel 10:23

And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

Matthew 9:15

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.