Judges 14:15

KJV

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? [is it] not [so]?

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117}, that they said {H559} unto Samson's {H8123} wife {H802}, Entice {H6601} thy husband {H376}, that he may declare {H5046} unto us the riddle {H2420}, lest we burn {H8313} thee and thy father's {H1} house {H1004} with fire {H784}: have ye called {H7121} us to take that we have {H3423}? is it not so?

Complete Jewish Bible

On the seventh day, they said to Shimshon's wife, "Coax your husband into telling us the solution to the riddle. Otherwise we'll burn down your father's house and you with it. You two called us here to turn us into paupers, didn't you?"

Berean Standard Bible

So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson’s wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire: have ye called us to impoverish us? is it not so?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:15 powerfully illustrates the intense pressure and manipulative tactics employed by the Philistines against Samson's new wife on the final day of their wedding feast. Unable to solve Samson's riddle, the Philistines resort to a chilling threat of burning her and her father's house with fire, coercing her to extract the answer from her husband. This pivotal moment not only exposes the ruthless nature of Samson's adversaries but also tragically foreshadows his recurring vulnerability to emotional leverage and betrayal, setting a dangerous and destructive precedent for his future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed on the climactic seventh day of Samson's wedding feast in Timnah, immediately following his challenge to thirty Philistine companions to solve a riddle within the seven-day period, a wager with high stakes ([Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12 - Samson's Riddle Challenge")). The riddle, derived from Samson's personal encounter with a lion and his subsequent discovery of honey within its carcass ([Judges 14:8-9](/judges/14-8-9 "Judges 14:8-9 - Samson's Encounter with the Lion and Discovery of Honey")), proved insurmountable for the Philistines. Their inability to solve it honestly, coupled with the significant wager of thirty changes of garments and thirty sheets, drives them to extreme and unethical measures. The narrative flow directly before this verse details their growing frustration and their desperate decision to turn to Samson's wife as their last resort for the answer, highlighting the escalating tension.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern wedding feasts typically spanned seven days, symbolizing a period of sustained celebration, social bonding, and contractual agreement. The Philistines, a dominant and often oppressive force in Israel during the period of the Judges, are here depicted revealing their true character—ruthless and willing to employ terror tactics. The threat to "burn thee and thy father's house with fire" was a common and terrifying form of collective punishment in the ancient world, designed to compel immediate obedience through the fear of complete annihilation of one's family, property, and lineage. This starkly illuminates the precarious position of women in a patriarchal society, where they could easily become pawns in larger power struggles, and the severe consequences of failing to comply with powerful figures, even when under duress.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 14:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and Samson's narrative arc. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Philistine oppression and cruelty**, showcasing their readiness to use violence and intimidation to achieve their ends, a constant backdrop to Israel's struggles throughout this period ([Judges 13:1](/judges/13-1 "Judges 13:1 - Israel in Philistine Hands")). The verse also highlights the pervasive theme of **betrayal and manipulation**, which tragically becomes a recurring motif in Samson's life, most notably and devastatingly with Delilah ([Judges 16:5](/judges/16-5 "Judges 16:5 - Delilah's Enticement of Samson")). Furthermore, it starkly reveals **Samson's inherent vulnerability** to emotional and relational leverage, a profound contrast to his immense physical strength. Despite his divine calling and supernatural power, his susceptibility to the desires and pressures of women, particularly those outside the covenant, proves to be his consistent downfall, illustrating the dangers of compromise and unwise alliances ([Judges 14:3](/judges/14-3 "Judges 14:3 - Samson's Desire for a Philistine Wife")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Entice (Hebrew, _pâthâh'_):** The Hebrew verb H6601 (פָּתָה, _pâthâh'_) primarily means "to open" or "to be roomy," but figuratively, it carries the strong connotation of "to persuade," "to deceive," or "to allure." In this context, it signifies the Philistines' demand that Samson's wife use manipulative persuasion, emotional influence, or even deception to extract the secret of the riddle from her husband. This choice of word underscores the morally compromising and treacherous nature of the Philistine demand, forcing her into a position of profound betrayal against her new spouse.
* **Father's house (Hebrew, _bayithʼâb'_):** The phrase H1004 (בַּיִת, _bayith'_) meaning "house" or "household," combined with H1 (אָב, _ʼâb'_) meaning "father," refers to the entire extended family unit, including all its members, property, and lineage. The threat to burn "thy father's house" emphasizes the collective and devastating nature of the punishment. It signifies not merely the destruction of a physical dwelling but the complete annihilation of the wife's entire family identity, security, and future, designed to instill maximum terror and compel immediate compliance through the fear of total ruin.
* **Seventh day (Hebrew, _shᵉbîyʻîy yôwm'_):** The combination of H7637 (שְׁבִיעִי, _shᵉbîyʻîy'_) meaning "seventh" and H3117 (יוֹם, _yôwm'_) meaning "day," is crucial for understanding the heightened tension of the moment. This specific timing marks the culmination of the traditional seven-day wedding feast and, more importantly, the strict deadline for solving Samson's riddle. The Philistines' patience has completely run out, and the pressure on them to avoid losing the wager has reached its absolute peak. The "seventh day" signifies their desperation and the point of no return, escalating the severity of their coercive tactics to the most extreme level.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife,"**: This opening clause precisely establishes the critical timing—the final day of the feast, when the wager was due—and clearly identifies the Philistines' strategic target: Samson's wife. Their choice of her highlights their understanding of her intimate relationship with Samson and their willingness to exploit it.
* **"Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle,"**: This is the explicit, manipulative demand. Unable to solve the riddle through honest means, the Philistines instruct her to use her persuasive power and emotional leverage on Samson. The objective is unambiguous: to obtain the answer to the riddle and avoid losing the significant wager, revealing their profound lack of integrity and their readiness to cheat.
* **"lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire:"**: This is the chilling and direct threat, serving as the terrifying motivation for the wife's compliance. It is a severe, life-threatening ultimatum, encompassing not just her personal life but the lives and lineage of her entire paternal family and their property. This underscores the ruthless and barbaric nature of the Philistines and the extreme duress under which Samson's wife was placed.
* **"have ye called us to take that we have? [is it] not [so]?"**: This rhetorical question serves as the Philistines' self-serving justification for their heinous actions. It implies a strong accusation that Samson and his family had invited them to the feast only to trick or cheat them out of their possessions (the wager). They cunningly frame their violent threat as a defensive measure against perceived trickery, highlighting their self-righteous, aggressive, and fundamentally dishonest mindset.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 14:15 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and thematic significance. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the Philistines' successful manipulation of Samson's wife tragically anticipates the greater and more devastating betrayal by Delilah in [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah"), establishing a recurring and destructive pattern of Samson's vulnerability to women. There is also a strong element of **Intimidation** and **Coercion** through the explicit and terrifying threat of burning, a common ancient Near Eastern tactic designed to elicit immediate compliance through fear of complete annihilation. The Philistines' rhetorical question, "have ye called us to take that we have?", functions as **Irony**, as they, the oppressive party, portray themselves as victims of potential deceit, thereby attempting to justify their own ruthless and dishonest actions. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is acutely aware of Samson's supernatural strength and divine calling, yet witnesses his profound susceptibility to psychological and emotional pressure—a weakness that ultimately proves far more dangerous than any physical foe he might encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the inherent dangers of compromising one's convictions and entering into unholy alliances. Samson's choice to marry a Philistine woman, despite his parents' initial misgivings and the clear prohibitions of the Mosaic Law, places him in a precarious position where his closest relationship becomes a direct conduit for manipulation and betrayal. Theologically, it highlights how God, in His ultimate sovereignty, can use even the flawed choices and sinful actions of individuals (such as Samson's intermarriage or the Philistines' cruelty) to advance His overarching redemptive purposes—in this specific instance, to find an occasion against the Philistines ([Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Marriage")). However, this divine utilization does not in any way condone the sin itself. Instead, the narrative serves as a stark reminder of the inevitable consequences of yielding to worldly pressures and the critical importance of discernment in all relationships, emphasizing that true strength and spiritual vitality come not from physical prowess alone, but from unwavering spiritual integrity and an uncompromising commitment to God's covenant.

* [Proverbs 7:21-23](/proverbs/7-21-23 "Proverbs 7:21-23 - The Enticement of the Adulteress")
* [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Character")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Process of Temptation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 14:15 serves as a potent and timeless cautionary tale for believers today, urging us to critically examine the nature of our relationships and the influences we willingly allow into our lives. Samson's tragic experience vividly demonstrates how compromising our spiritual standards, even in seemingly personal choices like marriage, can inadvertently open wide doors to manipulation, vulnerability, and ultimately, spiritual defeat. The Philistines' tactics of intimidation and coercion are not confined to ancient history; they manifest in various insidious forms in our contemporary world, whether through overt social pressure, demanding professional environments, or the subtle, pervasive enticements of cultural norms that directly conflict with biblical principles. This verse challenges us to cultivate profound discernment, to stand firm in our integrity, and to recognize that true security and enduring strength are found not in appeasing external pressures or compromising our faith, but in unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God. It prompts us to honestly consider where we might be susceptible to emotional leverage or fear-based compliance and to actively seek God's wisdom, courage, and empowering grace to resist such pressures, diligently protecting our spiritual and relational boundaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be vulnerable to manipulation or coercion, similar to Samson's wife?**
* **How do I typically respond when faced with external pressures or threats that directly challenge my integrity or core faith convictions?**
* **What "unholy alliances" or compromising relationships might I need to prayerfully re-evaluate in light of Samson's costly experience?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to rely more profoundly on God's strength and wisdom when facing difficult choices, rather than yielding to fear or compromise?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samson's wife betray him so quickly?**

Answer: Samson's wife, a Philistine, was caught in an utterly impossible and terrifying situation between her new husband and her own people. The Philistines threatened her and her entire family with a horrific death by fire. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such threats were not idle but carried the full weight of potential execution and complete annihilation of one's lineage. The overwhelming fear for her own life and the lives of her father's household would have been an unbearable burden. Her quick betrayal was almost certainly a desperate act of self-preservation and protection for her family, rather than a reflection of a deep-seated desire to harm Samson. She was under extreme duress, highlighting the tragic and far-reaching consequences of Samson's decision to marry outside the covenant community.

**What does "have ye called us to take that we have?" mean?**

Answer: This rhetorical question from the Philistines carries a strong, indignant, and accusatory tone. It essentially means, "Did you invite us here only for us to lose what we have?" or "Did you call us here with the intention of cheating us out of our possessions?" The Philistines had wagered thirty changes of garments and thirty sheets, which represented a significant sum and a substantial loss for them. They felt that Samson's riddle was designed to be unsolvable, thereby guaranteeing their loss. Their question expresses their profound indignation and serves as their twisted justification for resorting to violent coercion, framing themselves as victims who are merely trying to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs or prevent being cheated by Samson.

**Was Samson wrong to marry a Philistine woman?**

Answer: From the clear perspective of the Mosaic Law, Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman was indeed problematic and disobedient. The Law explicitly forbade Israelites from intermarrying with people from surrounding nations, primarily to prevent the adoption of their idolatrous practices and to preserve the distinct, holy identity of God's chosen people ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")). While the text in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Marriage") states that "it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines," this does not negate Samson's personal sin or poor judgment in choosing a wife. Instead, it powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty in using even human disobedience and flawed choices to advance His divine purposes and judgment. Samson's choice led to significant personal grief, repeated betrayals, and ultimately contributed directly to his downfall, serving as a profound cautionary example of the destructive consequences of compromising God's clear commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Judges 14:15, with its poignant themes of manipulation, coercion, and profound vulnerability, finds its ultimate and perfect Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Samson, despite his divine calling and supernatural physical strength, repeatedly succumbed to the enticements and pressures of those who sought to exploit his weaknesses, particularly his susceptibility to emotional leverage through women, which tragically led to his capture and humiliation. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true and perfect Deliverer, faced the most intense and insidious forms of temptation and manipulation imaginable, yet never once yielded to sin or compromise. He was fiercely tempted by Satan in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")), constantly challenged and entrapped by the cunning religious authorities ([Matthew 22:15-46](/matthew/22-15-46 "Matthew 22:15-46 - Jesus Debates with the Pharisees and Sadducees")), and ultimately betrayed by one of His own chosen disciples ([John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "John 13:21-30 - Jesus Foretells His Betrayal")). Unlike Samson, whose strength was physical and whose weakness was relational, Christ's strength was rooted in His perfect obedience to the Father and His unwavering spiritual integrity. His "vulnerability" on the cross was not a result of manipulation or weakness, but a willing, conscious act of self-sacrifice, where He, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowed Himself to be "enticed" to the point of death for the salvation of humanity. Through this ultimate act of perfect faithfulness and obedience ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")), Jesus conquered sin, death, and all oppressive powers, offering true and lasting freedom. He is the true Judge and Deliverer who perfectly fulfilled God's will, never compromising His sacred mission or divine integrity.

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

Judges 15:6

Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? And they answered, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire.

Judges 16:5

And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength [lieth], and by what [means] we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred [pieces] of silver.

Proverbs 1:11

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Proverbs 5:3

For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil:

Genesis 3:1

¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:6

¶ And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.