Judges 14:18

KJV

And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What [is] sweeter than honey? and what [is] stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} of the city {H5892} said {H559} unto him on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} before the sun {H2775} went down {H935}, What is sweeter {H4966} than honey {H1706}? and what is stronger {H5794} than a lion {H738}? And he said {H559} unto them, If {H3884} ye had not plowed {H2790} with my heifer {H5697}, ye had not found out {H4672} my riddle {H2420}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, before sundown on the seventh day, the men of the city said to him, "What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion?" Shimshon answered, "If you hadn't plowed with my young cow, you wouldn't have solved my riddle now."

Berean Standard Bible

Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to Samson: “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” So he said to them: “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!”

American Standard Version

And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, Ye had not found out my riddle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:18 marks the dramatic climax of Samson's wedding feast riddle, revealing the Philistines' treacherous discovery of its solution through the coercion of his wife. This verse captures Samson's immediate, bitter retort, exposing the betrayal and setting the stage for his subsequent acts of vengeance against the Philistines, underscoring the themes of trust violated and divine sovereignty working through human sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the narrative arc of Judges 14. Samson, endowed with divine strength and a Nazarite vow, has chosen a Philistine wife against his parents' wishes, though it was "of the LORD" to seek an occasion against the Philistines ([Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - Samson's Marriage is of the Lord")). During his seven-day wedding feast in Timnath, he poses a riddle to thirty Philistine companions: "Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness" ([Judges 14:14](/judges/14-14 "Judges 14:14 - Samson's Riddle")). The answer, unknown to them, was the honey he had miraculously taken from the carcass of a lion he had killed earlier ([Judges 14:8-9](/judges/14-8 "Judges 14:8-9 - Samson and the Lion")). Unable to solve it, the Philistine men resorted to threats against Samson's wife and her father's household, compelling her to "weep before him seven days" ([Judges 14:17](/judges/14-17 "Judges 14:17 - Samson's Wife's Persistent Nagging")) until he revealed the secret. Judges 14:18 captures the moment just before sunset on the final day, when the Philistines present the answer, leading directly to Samson's furious response and the escalation of conflict.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The story unfolds during a period when the Philistines exerted significant oppressive control over Israel ([Judges 13:1](/judges/13-1 "Judges 13:1 - Israel in Philistine Oppression")). Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnath, a border town, was culturally problematic for an Israelite, as intermarriage with foreign nations was forbidden to maintain Israel's distinct identity and faith ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")). Wedding feasts in this era were elaborate, often lasting seven days, providing a social context for challenges like riddles, which were a common form of intellectual entertainment and a test of wit. The Philistines' use of threats against Samson's wife and her family reflects the harsh realities of power dynamics and the vulnerability of individuals within a patriarchal society dominated by a foreign power. The phrase "plowed with my heifer" is an agricultural metaphor, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, reflecting a society deeply connected to agrarian life.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 14:18 powerfully articulates several recurring themes in the book of Judges and Samson's narrative. **Betrayal and Deception** are paramount, as Samson's intimate secret is divulged by his own wife under duress, highlighting the dangers of unequal yokes and compromise with those who do not share one's spiritual or national allegiances. This incident serves as a significant **foreshadowing** of Samson's later, more devastating betrayal by Delilah in [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and Delilah"). Despite his immense physical strength, Samson consistently demonstrates **emotional vulnerability and impulsiveness**, particularly in his relationships with women, which often lead him into compromising situations. Ultimately, the narrative underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, as God uses Samson's flawed choices, personal vendettas, and even the Philistines' treachery to further His overarching purpose of beginning to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, as prophesied in [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Birth Prophecy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heifer (עֶגְלָה, _‘eglāh'_):** This Hebrew term literally means "a young cow" or "heifer." In Samson's cutting retort, it is used metaphorically to refer to his wife. While the term itself is not inherently derogatory, in this context, it emphasizes Samson's sense of ownership and the Philistines' illicit use of his "property" (his wife) to exploit him. It highlights the manipulation and the profound breach of trust within the marital relationship, reducing his wife to a tool used against him.
* **Plowed (חָרַשׁ, _ḥāraš'_):** The verb "to plow" is an agricultural term, signifying the act of tilling the ground. Here, it is used idiomatically within the metaphor "plowed with my heifer." It implies working, laboring, or exploiting something to gain an outcome. In Samson's bitter accusation, it means that the Philistines "worked" or "exploited" his wife to extract the secret of his riddle, underscoring the deceitful and underhanded method they employed.
* **Riddle (חִידָה, _ḥîḏāh'_):** This noun refers to a perplexing question, an enigma, a dark saying, or a puzzle. In the ancient world, riddles were often used to test wisdom or to convey hidden truths. Samson's riddle was a personal one, based on his unique experience with the lion and the honey. The Philistines' inability to solve it honestly, and their subsequent resort to coercion, highlights their lack of true insight and their reliance on cunning and force.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down":** This precise temporal detail underscores the urgency and the pressure of the moment. The seven-day feast was drawing to a close, and the Philistines faced a significant penalty if they failed to answer the riddle. Their timing, just before the deadline, indicates their relief and triumph at having finally obtained the answer, albeit through illicit means.
* **"What [is] sweeter than honey? and what [is] stronger than a lion?":** These are rhetorical questions posed by the Philistine men, serving as their answer to Samson's riddle. They directly echo the two elements of his riddle ("out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness"), demonstrating their full knowledge of the solution. The phrasing confirms they have the correct answer, but the manner in which they obtained it is the key to Samson's reaction.
* **"And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.":** This is Samson's immediate, incensed, and insightful retort. The idiom "plowed with my heifer" is a powerful and vivid metaphor for the Philistines' manipulation of his wife to extract the secret. It reveals Samson's understanding of their deceit and his profound sense of personal betrayal. His words are not merely an accusation but a declaration of his awareness of their underhanded tactics, setting the stage for his subsequent violent retaliation.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 14:18 is rich with **Metaphor**, most notably in Samson's cutting retort, "If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle." The "heifer" is a direct metaphorical reference to his wife, while "plowed" signifies the exploitation and manipulation employed by the Philistines to extract the riddle's solution. This agricultural imagery effectively conveys Samson's feeling of being used and betrayed, reducing his intimate relationship to a tool for others' gain. The Philistines' questions, "What [is] sweeter than honey? and what [is] stronger than a lion?", function as **Rhetorical Questions** that, while serving as the answer, also underscore their cunning and the dramatic tension of the scene. Furthermore, there is significant **Irony** present: Samson, the physically strongest man, is shown to be emotionally vulnerable and easily manipulated through his affections, leading to the revelation of his secret. This particular betrayal also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the greater and more devastating betrayal by Delilah in a later chapter, where Samson's deepest secret (his Nazarite vow) will be revealed, leading to his capture and blinding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 14:18 serves as a poignant illustration of the destructive power of betrayal and the consequences of compromise. Samson's choice to marry outside the covenant community, though divinely purposed for a larger conflict, opens him to vulnerability. The Philistines' manipulative tactics, exploiting an intimate relationship, highlight the insidious nature of deceit and the importance of guarding one's trust. The verse underscores that even when human sin and weakness are prominent, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold, using these very circumstances to advance His purposes for Israel's deliverance. It is a stark reminder that spiritual compromise can lead to painful personal consequences, even as God works through imperfect vessels.

* [Proverbs 11:13](/proverbs/11-13 "Proverbs 11:13 - A Talebearer Reveals Secrets")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Proverbs 25:26](/proverbs/25-26 "Proverbs 25:26 - A Righteous Man Who Falters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samson's bitter experience in Judges 14:18 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding the sanctity of trust, the dangers of manipulation, and the consequences of spiritual compromise. We are called to exercise discernment in our relationships, recognizing that not everyone has our best interests at heart. Just as Samson's secret was exploited, we must be wise about whom we confide in, especially concerning matters of spiritual or personal vulnerability. The Philistines' coercion of Samson's wife serves as a stark warning against allowing external pressures to compromise our integrity or to exploit those we love. Furthermore, Samson's initial decision to marry a Philistine woman, despite the clear biblical injunctions against intermarriage, set the stage for this painful betrayal. This reminds us of the importance of maintaining clear spiritual boundaries and seeking relationships that are "equally yoked" in faith and values, lest we open ourselves to unnecessary heartache and compromise that can hinder our walk with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern trustworthy relationships in our lives, and what red flags might indicate a potential for betrayal?**
* **In what subtle ways might manipulation operate in our relationships, and how can we develop the spiritual fortitude to resist it?**
* **Where might we be tempted to compromise our biblical convictions in our relationships or life choices, and what are the potential spiritual consequences?**
* **How does Samson's story, despite his flaws, encourage us to trust in God's overarching plan even when our personal circumstances are difficult or painful?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samson marry a Philistine woman despite the law?**

Answer: While the Mosaic Law clearly forbade intermarriage with foreign nations to preserve Israel's distinct identity and prevent idolatry ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")), Judges 14:4 states that Samson's desire for a Philistine wife was "of the LORD" because He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. This highlights a tension between human choice and divine sovereignty. Samson's personal desires and impulsive nature led him to this marriage, but God used his flawed choices to initiate the deliverance of Israel from Philistine oppression, fulfilling the prophecy given at his birth ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Birth Prophecy")).

**What does "plowed with my heifer" mean?**

Answer: This is an ancient agricultural idiom used by Samson to accuse the Philistines of exploiting his wife to gain information. The "heifer" (young cow) metaphorically refers to his wife, and "plowing" refers to the act of working or exploiting her. Essentially, Samson is saying, "If you hadn't used my wife to get the answer, you never would have solved my riddle." It conveys a deep sense of personal violation, betrayal, and the underhanded nature of their actions.

**How does this event fit into God's larger plan for Samson and Israel?**

Answer: This incident, born of Samson's personal desires and the Philistines' treachery, is a pivotal moment in God's plan. It directly provokes Samson's wrath, leading to his first major act of judgment against the Philistines—killing thirty men to pay for the riddle's wager ([Judges 14:19](/judges/14-19 "Judges 14:19 - Samson's Vengeance")). This act marks the beginning of Samson's role as a deliverer, fulfilling the divine purpose for which he was born ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Birth Prophecy")). God sovereignly uses even the sin and conflict of humanity to advance His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson's story, particularly the betrayal he experiences in Judges 14:18, serves as a poignant type and shadow, pointing forward to the ultimate betrayal and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Samson, the divinely appointed deliverer of Israel, is characterized by immense physical strength yet profound personal weakness and vulnerability to betrayal, especially from those close to him. His "secret" is extracted through coercion and leads to his violent retribution. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true and ultimate Deliverer, was not only betrayed, but this betrayal came from one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas Betrays Jesus")). Yet, unlike Samson, whose strength was physical and whose response was vengeful, Christ's strength was spiritual, perfected in weakness, and His response to betrayal was not retribution but willing submission to the cross. His "secret" – the mystery of God's redemptive plan and His divine identity – was not extracted through manipulation but freely revealed through His life, teachings, and ultimately, His sacrificial death and resurrection ([Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery Revealed")). Where Samson's betrayal led to further conflict and personal vendetta, Christ's betrayal led to the ultimate victory over sin and death, offering reconciliation and salvation to all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, Samson's flawed and tragic experience of betrayal foreshadows the perfect, redemptive betrayal of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.