Judges 14:17

KJV

And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she wept {H1058} before him the seven {H7651} days {H3117}, while their feast {H4960} lasted {H1961}: and it came to pass on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117}, that he told {H5046} her, because she lay sore {H6693} upon him: and she told {H5046} the riddle {H2420} to the children {H1121} of her people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But she had been crying throughout the seven days of the banquet; so on the seventh day, because she had kept pressing him, he told her the solution; and she passed it on to her people.

Berean Standard Bible

She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people.

American Standard Version

And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she pressed him sore; and she told the riddle to the children of her people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:17 describes the culmination of Samson's wife's relentless emotional manipulation, as she finally extracts the answer to his riddle on the seventh and final day of their wedding feast. Under severe duress from her Philistine kinsmen, she employs persistent weeping and psychological pressure, ultimately wearing down Samson's resolve. This pivotal moment reveals Samson's significant vulnerability despite his immense physical strength, setting in motion a chain of events that further escalates the conflict between Samson and the Philistines, orchestrated by God's sovereign hand to deliver Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 14:17 is the climax of the narrative arc initiated by Samson's desire for a Philistine wife from Timnah, despite his parents' objections and his Nazirite vow. The preceding verses detail Samson's journey to Timnah, his encounter with a lion and later finding honey in its carcass, and the subsequent wedding feast. At this feast, Samson poses a riddle to thirty Philistine companions, promising them thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes if they solve it, and vice versa. The Philistines' inability to solve the riddle within three days leads them to threaten Samson's wife and her father's house with fire if she does not betray the secret. Verse 17 directly follows this threat, depicting her seven-day campaign of emotional coercion, culminating in Samson's capitulation and her subsequent betrayal. This event immediately precedes Samson's violent retaliation against the Philistines in the following verses, demonstrating the direct consequences of his compromised secret.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a period in Israelite history marked by cyclical apostasy, oppression, and deliverance through divinely appointed "judges." Samson's story is set against the backdrop of Philistine domination over Israel, a period characterized by inter-ethnic tension and conflict. Wedding feasts in ancient Near Eastern cultures, particularly among the Philistines and Israelites, were elaborate affairs lasting several days, often seven, as indicated here. Riddles were a common form of entertainment and intellectual challenge at such gatherings. The threat to burn the wife and her father's house was a severe and credible form of coercion, highlighting the precarious position of women in patriarchal societies and the communal responsibility for one's actions. Samson's choice of a Philistine wife was culturally transgressive for an Israelite, especially a Nazirite, and is presented as part of God's larger plan to instigate conflict with the Philistines, as noted in [the divine purpose for Samson's marriage](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Marriage").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and Samson's narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human weakness and vulnerability**, demonstrating that even a physically strong individual like Samson can be overcome by emotional pressure and relational compromise. This foreshadows his later, more devastating vulnerability to Delilah in [the account of Samson and Delilah](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah"). Secondly, it highlights the dangers of **unequal yokes** and the spiritual and practical perils of intimate relationships with those outside the covenant community, as Samson's choice directly leads to betrayal and conflict. Thirdly, the theme of **manipulation and deception** is prominent, as Samson's wife employs calculated emotional tactics to achieve her people's ends. Finally, while Samson's actions appear driven by personal desire and weakness, the broader narrative subtly emphasizes **divine sovereignty**, suggesting that even through Samson's flawed choices and the Philistines' oppression, God is working to fulfill His purposes for Israel's deliverance, as explicitly stated in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Purpose in Samson's Marriage").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wept (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** This primitive root means "to weep" or "to bemoan," often conveying intense sorrow or lamentation. In this context, while the wife's tears might have been genuinely spurred by fear of the Philistine threats against her and her family, the narrative presents her weeping as a sustained, strategic act. Her "weeping before him the seven days" signifies a relentless, emotionally draining campaign, designed to erode Samson's resistance and compel him to reveal the riddle's solution. It was not a fleeting outburst but a prolonged, calculated display of distress.
* **Lay sore upon him (Hebrew, _tsûwq'_):** This primitive root means "to compress," "to oppress," or "to distress." It vividly conveys the idea of intense, persistent pressure, akin to being squeezed or confined. The image is one of a relentless, oppressive burden that Samson found inescapable. This word choice effectively communicates the suffocating nature of her psychological and emotional manipulation, making it impossible for him to find peace or relief until he yielded to her demands. It underscores the profound emotional duress Samson experienced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted:":** This clause establishes the duration and intensity of the wife's emotional assault. The "seven days" refers to the entire span of the wedding feast, emphasizing her sustained effort. Her weeping was not a fleeting display but a constant, visible act of distress, designed to elicit sympathy and wear down Samson's resolve over the entire duration of the celebratory period, turning a time of joy into one of relentless pressure.
* **"and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him:":** This marks the climax of the emotional battle. On the final day, under the extreme pressure described by "she lay sore upon him," Samson finally capitulates. The phrase "it came to pass" highlights the inevitability of his surrender given the relentless nature of her coercion. His revealing of the riddle's answer is presented as a direct consequence of her unceasing emotional burden, demonstrating his inability to withstand prolonged psychological distress.
* **"and she told the riddle to the children of her people.":** This final clause reveals the immediate outcome of Samson's disclosure: his wife's betrayal. Driven by fear for her life and her family, she immediately relays the secret to the Philistines. This action underscores the manipulative nature of her weeping and the profound trust Samson misplaced, leading directly to his humiliation, the loss of his wager, and the escalation of conflict between Samson and the Philistines.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in "she wept before him the seven days," emphasizing the extreme and continuous nature of her emotional pressure, likely beyond literal non-stop weeping, to convey its overwhelming effect. The phrase "she lay sore upon him" is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, vividly portraying the suffocating, oppressive emotional burden Samson experienced, likening it to a physical weight or constriction. There is also a strong sense of **Foreshadowing** in this episode, as Samson's vulnerability to a woman's emotional manipulation here directly anticipates his more catastrophic downfall at the hands of Delilah in [the narrative of Samson and Delilah](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah"). The entire scene is imbued with **Irony**, as Samson, the physically strongest man, is shown to be emotionally weak and easily overcome by persistent tears, a stark contrast to his physical prowess.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 14:17 profoundly illustrates the destructive power of emotional manipulation and the vulnerability of even the strongest individuals to relational pressure. Samson's inability to guard his secret, despite its critical importance, reveals a significant character flaw that would plague his entire life. Theologically, this event highlights the dangers of being "unequally yoked" (a concept later articulated in the New Testament), as Samson's choice of a Philistine wife directly leads to betrayal and conflict, demonstrating how compromise in core values can lead to spiritual and personal distress. Yet, even in this moment of human weakness and sin, the broader narrative of Judges reminds us of God's sovereign hand, working through imperfect vessels and human failures to accomplish His redemptive purposes, ultimately using this betrayal as a catalyst for Samson's conflict with the Philistines.

* [Proverbs 25:28](/proverbs/25-28 "Proverbs 25:28 - A City Without Walls")
* [Proverbs 6:24-26](/proverbs/6-24-26 "Proverbs 6:24-26 - Warning Against Adultery")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging believers to cultivate wisdom, self-control, and discernment in their relationships. Samson's physical strength was unparalleled, yet his emotional and relational boundaries were tragically weak. We are reminded that true strength lies not merely in physical prowess but in spiritual integrity, the ability to withstand pressure, and the wisdom to guard what is precious. The relentless weeping of Samson's wife, though perhaps born of her own fear, became a tool of manipulation, highlighting the importance of recognizing and resisting coercive tactics in any relationship. We are called to build relationships based on trust, honesty, and mutual respect, not on emotional blackmail or the exploitation of vulnerabilities. Furthermore, Samson's choice of a partner outside his faith tradition underscores the profound challenges and potential compromises that arise from being unequally yoked, emphasizing the importance of seeking partners who share one's core values and commitment to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I most vulnerable to emotional pressure or manipulation, and how can I strengthen those areas?**
* **How do I discern between genuine distress and manipulative tactics in my relationships?**
* **What "secrets" or principles am I called to guard, and from whom might I need to protect them?**
* **In what ways might my relational choices impact my spiritual walk and broader life purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why was Samson so easily manipulated despite his strength?**

Answer: Samson's physical strength, a gift from God, was indeed immense, but his moral and emotional character often proved weak. His susceptibility to manipulation, particularly by women, is a recurring theme in his story. In Judges 14:17, his wife's "weeping before him the seven days" (KJV: "lay sore upon him") describes an intense, relentless emotional siege. Samson, despite his Nazirite calling, consistently prioritized his personal desires and emotional comfort over his divine mission and wisdom. He lacked the inner fortitude and self-control to withstand such persistent pressure, highlighting that spiritual and emotional strength are distinct from physical prowess. This vulnerability is a key aspect of his tragic character arc, ultimately leading to his downfall with Delilah in [the narrative of Samson and Delilah](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson's story, particularly his vulnerability in [Judges 14:17](/judges/14-17 "Judges 14:17 - Samson's Betrayal"), serves as a stark contrast to the perfect obedience and unwavering resolve of Jesus Christ. Samson, though called to deliver Israel, repeatedly succumbed to his own desires and the pressures of others, ultimately compromising his divine calling through weakness and misplaced trust. His inability to guard a simple secret foreshadows his greater failure with Delilah, revealing the tragic consequences of a compromised life. In contrast, Jesus, the true Deliverer, faced infinitely greater temptation and pressure—from the devil in the wilderness ([the temptation of Jesus](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")), from His disciples to avoid the cross ([Peter rebukes Jesus](/matthew/16-21-23 "Matthew 16:21-23 - Peter Rebukes Jesus")), and from the agonizing prospect of crucifixion ([Jesus prays in Gethsemane](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Yet, He never yielded, never compromised His mission, and never betrayed the Father's will. Where Samson's weakness led to further conflict and personal ruin, Christ's perfect strength and obedience, even unto death on the cross, secured ultimate victory over sin and death, delivering His people not from Philistine oppression, but from eternal bondage, establishing a new covenant of grace for all who believe in Him ([Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")).

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 16:16

And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, [so] that his soul was vexed unto death;

Judges 16:6

And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength [lieth], and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.

Luke 18:4

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Luke 18:5

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Job 2:9

Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

Luke 11:8

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

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.