Judges 14:3

KJV

Then his father and his mother said unto him, [Is there] never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then his father {H1} and his mother {H517} said {H559} unto him, Is there never {H369} a woman {H802} among the daughters {H1323} of thy brethren {H251}, or among all my people {H5971}, that thou goest {H1980} to take {H3947} a wife {H802} of the uncircumcised {H6189} Philistines {H6430}? And Samson {H8123} said {H559} unto his father {H1}, Get {H3947} her for me; for she pleaseth me well {H3474}{H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His father and mother replied, "Isn't there any woman from the daughters of your kinsmen or among all my people? Must you go to the uncircumcised P'lishtim to find a wife?" Shimshon said to his father, "Get her for me. I like her."

Berean Standard Bible

But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.”

American Standard Version

Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:3 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Samson's narrative, revealing his defiant demand for a Philistine wife, a choice that directly contravenes his parents' counsel and the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against intermarriage. This verse starkly portrays the tension between Samson's personal desires and his divine calling, setting the stage for his self-willed character and illustrating God's sovereign ability to orchestrate His redemptive purposes even through human disobedience and flawed choices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Samson's initial encounter with a Philistine woman in Timnah, an event where he "saw a woman" and was instantly captivated by her, expressing his desire to his parents in [Judges 14:1-2](/judges/14-1-2 "Judges 14:1-2 - Samson Sees a Philistine Woman"). It builds directly upon the foundational narrative established in [Judges 13](/judges/13 "Judges 13 - The Birth of Samson"), which meticulously details Samson's miraculous birth, the angelic pronouncements concerning his Nazirite vow, and his dedication for a special purpose as Israel's deliverer. His parents, Manoah and his wife, are consistently depicted as devout and obedient, having received and followed direct divine instruction regarding their son's upbringing. Samson's blunt demand for a Philistine wife in [Judges 14:3](/judges/14-3 "Judges 14:3 - Samson's Demand for a Philistine Wife") thus represents a direct and audacious challenge to the spiritual expectations placed upon him as a Nazirite and the son of faithful parents, initiating a recurring pattern of self-will and impulsive behavior that will characterize much of his tragic story within [the Book of Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of the Judges was a tumultuous period marked by cycles of apostasy, divine judgment, and subsequent oppression by foreign powers, with the Philistines being a dominant and formidable oppressor of Israel during Samson's lifetime. The Philistines were a non-Semitic, technologically advanced people (notably in iron-working) who had migrated from the Aegean region and settled along the fertile southwestern coast of Canaan. Their distinct polytheistic religion, advanced military capabilities, and cultural practices made them a constant threat to Israel's national and spiritual identity. For an Israelite, intermarriage with foreign nations was explicitly and repeatedly prohibited by God's covenant law, as clearly articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage with Foreign Nations"). This prohibition was not merely a social custom but a critical theological safeguard designed to prevent Israel's assimilation into idolatrous practices and to preserve their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Samson's parents' rhetorical question, emphasizing "daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people," forcefully underscores this deeply ingrained cultural and religious expectation of endogamy within the Israelite community, highlighting the gravity of Samson's transgression.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 14:3 introduces and powerfully reinforces several critical themes that permeate both the narrative of Samson and the broader theological message of [the Book of Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges"). Firstly, it starkly highlights the theme of **human desire versus divine will**. Samson's declaration, "she pleaseth me well," exemplifies a subjective, self-centered approach to life's most significant choices, standing in sharp contrast to the divine purpose articulated for him in [Judges 13](/judges/13 "Judges 13 - The Birth of Samson"). Secondly, the verse serves as an early manifestation of the pervasive theme, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes"); [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")), which characterizes the profound moral and spiritual decline of Israel during this anarchic period. Samson's impulsiveness and blatant disregard for covenant principles are presented as a microcosm of this widespread societal breakdown. Lastly, when read in conjunction with the subsequent verse, [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose"), this verse introduces the profound theological concept of **divine sovereignty amidst human flaws**. It demonstrates God's remarkable ability to orchestrate His redemptive plan and achieve His purposes even through the disobedient, self-serving, and deeply flawed choices of His servants, a powerful and often paradoxical underlying message of the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Philistines (Hebrew, _Pᵉlishtîy'_):** This term refers to the inhabitants of Pelesheth, a powerful non-Semitic people who migrated from the Aegean region (likely Crete) and settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan. They were a constant oppressor of Israel during the period of the Judges. The specific mention of "uncircumcised Philistines" (from Hebrew _ʻârêl_, meaning "exposed" or "uncircumcised") is not merely a physical descriptor but carries profound theological and cultural weight, marking them as outside the covenant of God and thus ritually impure, spiritually alien, and a symbol of Israel's enemies.
* **Pleaseth me well (Hebrew, _yâshar bəʿênay'_):** This phrase, literally translated as "is straight/right in my eyes" (from Hebrew _yâshar_, "to be straight or even; figuratively, to be right, pleasant, prosperous," and _ʻayin_, "an eye, figuratively a fountain; by analogy, outward appearance, sight"), is highly significant. It reflects a subjective standard of judgment, prioritizing personal attraction and desire over objective, divine standards or parental wisdom. This motif of "doing what is right in one's own eyes" is a recurring theme in [the Book of Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges"), particularly in its concluding chapters (e.g., [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")), where it encapsulates the moral and spiritual anarchy of the era. Samson's immediate use of this phrase signals his self-will and profound lack of spiritual discernment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines?":** This opening clause vividly portrays the parents' shock, dismay, and deep concern. Their rhetorical question underscores their adherence to covenantal law and cultural norms, expressing disbelief that Samson would seek a wife outside the Israelite community, especially among the "uncircumcised Philistines," a people considered both national enemies and idolatrous. It highlights the profound spiritual and national identity at stake, reflecting their understanding of God's command against intermarriage and their desire for Samson to honor his Nazirite dedication.
* **"And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.":** Samson's response is remarkably terse, demanding, and utterly dismissive of his parents' wisdom, the covenant principles they represent, and his own sacred vows. His immediate command, "Get her for me," demonstrates an arrogant self-assertion and a profound lack of respect for authority. The justification, "for she pleaseth me well," reveals a deep-seated self-centeredness, prioritizing personal attraction and subjective desire over divine guidance, parental counsel, and the sacred obligations of his Nazirite vow. This phrase sets the tone for Samson's subsequent actions throughout his life, which are consistently driven by impulse and personal gratification rather than spiritual principle or obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The **Rhetorical Question** posed by Samson's parents ("Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren...?") powerfully conveys their disbelief, sorrow, and challenge to his choice, emphasizing the unsuitability and forbidden nature of a Philistine wife. A stark **Contrast** is immediately established between the parents' adherence to covenantal law and their son's self-gratifying demand, setting up the central conflict of Samson's narrative: the tension between divine purpose and human will. Furthermore, there is significant **Foreshadowing** in Samson's impulsive and self-centered response, which predicts a consistent pattern of similar choices throughout his life that will ultimately lead to his downfall and tragic end. Finally, when read in conjunction with the subsequent verse ([Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose")), the verse creates powerful **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is made aware of God's overarching, sovereign purpose in using Samson's seemingly disobedient act, a purpose entirely unknown to Samson or his parents at the time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 14:3 serves as a microcosm of the spiritual decline depicted throughout [the Book of Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges"), where individual will often superseded divine command, leading to societal and spiritual chaos. Samson's choice highlights the profound tension between human autonomy and God's sovereignty, demonstrating that even when individuals make choices driven by self-interest and in apparent disregard of God's law, God can still weave these actions into His larger redemptive plan. This does not condone Samson's sin but rather magnifies God's incredible ability to work His purposes through imperfect vessels. The emphasis on "uncircumcised Philistines" also underscores the enduring biblical principle of spiritual distinction and avoiding "unequal yoking," a concept reiterated in the New Testament for believers regarding their associations and commitments.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage with Foreign Nations")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a Way That Seems Right to a Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samson's defiant declaration, "Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well," serves as a timeless cautionary tale for believers today, challenging us to deeply examine the motivations behind our own decisions, particularly in significant life choices such as marriage, career, or spiritual commitments. Are we primarily driven by fleeting personal desires, subjective preferences, and immediate gratification, or are we earnestly seeking God's revealed will, discerning His voice through His Word, and humbly accepting the wise counsel of godly mentors and our spiritual community? This passage powerfully reminds us that true freedom, lasting joy, and genuine blessing are found not in pursuing what "pleases us well" apart from God, but in submitting our desires to His perfect wisdom and aligning our choices with His holy Word. While God can indeed work through our imperfections and even our disobedience, our unwavering responsibility remains to pursue holiness, obedience, and spiritual discernment, recognizing that our choices have profound spiritual implications for ourselves, our relationships, and our witness to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to prioritize "what pleases me well" over God's revealed will or the wise counsel of others?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that truly seeks God's will and discerns His voice, even when it contradicts my immediate desires or societal norms?**
* **What are the potential long-term consequences of making significant life decisions based solely on personal attraction or subjective preference, without seeking spiritual discernment and alignment with God's principles?**

### FAQ
**Was Samson's desire for a Philistine woman inherently sinful, given that Judges 14:4 says it was "of the LORD"?**

Answer: Samson's desire for a Philistine woman was, in itself, a direct and clear violation of God's explicit commands against intermarriage with foreign nations, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage with Foreign Nations"). This prohibition was not merely a cultural preference but a fundamental theological safeguard designed to preserve Israel's covenant purity and prevent assimilation into idolatrous practices. Samson's choice was driven by personal desire ("she pleaseth me well") rather than spiritual discernment or obedience to God's law. However, [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - God's Sovereign Purpose") introduces a crucial theological nuance: "his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines." This statement reveals God's profound sovereignty. It means that while Samson's *motive* was disobedient and self-serving, God, in His infinite wisdom and power, *used* Samson's flawed choice to initiate a conflict that would ultimately serve His larger purpose of delivering Israel from Philistine oppression. This does not justify Samson's sin or make his disobedience righteous, but rather highlights God's incredible ability to work His will and bring about His redemptive purposes even through human sin, imperfection, and rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson, despite being consecrated from birth for a divine purpose as a Nazirite, tragically and consistently allowed his personal desires and fleshly impulses to override his sacred vows and God's covenant commands. His story, particularly his impulsive pursuit of what "pleased him well" and his disregard for divine law, stands in stark and illuminating contrast to the perfect obedience and self-sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. While Samson sought a bride from among the uncircumcised Philistines, a people hostile to God's covenant, Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, submitting His will entirely to the Father's, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Samson who sought his own pleasure, Jesus explicitly declared, "I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does Not Seek His Own Will")). Furthermore, unlike Samson who was used by God *despite* his disobedience, Jesus perfectly embodied God's redemptive plan, becoming the ultimate deliverer who defeats sin and death, not merely by creating "occasions" for conflict, but by offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for humanity's sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Through Christ, God brings His people, both Jew and Gentile, into a new covenant, making them one body, a true bride purified and sanctified by His blood, rather than being unequally yoked to the world ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")). Samson's flawed narrative, therefore, serves as a powerful pointer to the profound human need for a Savior who would perfectly obey God's will and perfectly deliver His people, a role fulfilled completely and gloriously in Jesus Christ.

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 15:18

¶ And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

1 Samuel 17:36

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

1 Samuel 31:4

Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

2 Samuel 1:20

Tell [it] not in Gath, publish [it] not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

1 Samuel 17:26

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

Deuteronomy 7:2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Deuteronomy 7:3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.