Judges 14:17

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Judges 14:17

Judges 14:17 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Samson's first marriage. Samson, a man endowed with supernatural strength and designated as a Nazirite from birth (Judges 13:5), chose a Philistine woman from Timnath as his wife, despite the objections of his parents. At their wedding feast, which traditionally lasted seven days, Samson posed a riddle to thirty Philistine companions (Judges 14:14). Unable to solve it, the Philistines threatened Samson's wife, saying they would burn her and her father's house if she did not extract the answer from her husband (Judges 14:15). This verse describes the culmination of her relentless emotional pressure on Samson.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Manipulation and Deception: The verse powerfully illustrates how Samson's wife, under duress from her own people, resorted to emotional manipulation to gain information. Her weeping was a tactic to wear down Samson's resolve, revealing a pattern of deception that would plague Samson's relationships.
  • Human Weakness and Vulnerability: Despite his immense physical strength, Samson proves remarkably vulnerable to emotional pressure and romantic attachment. His inability to withstand his wife's persistent pleas highlights a significant character flaw that would later be exploited by Delilah (Judges 16:17). This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's principles or secrets under duress.
  • Consequences of Unequal Yokes: Samson's decision to marry outside his people, specifically with a Philistine, brought inevitable conflict and distress. This episode underscores the difficulties and spiritual dangers that can arise from alliances or intimate relationships with those who do not share one's core values or faith.
  • Divine Sovereignty (Subtle): While Samson's actions seem driven by personal desire and weakness, the broader narrative of Judges often reminds us that God works through imperfect vessels and even human failures to accomplish His purposes (e.g., Judges 14:4 states it was "of the LORD").

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "she lay sore upon him" in the KJV is a vivid translation of the Hebrew verb tsârar (צרר), which means "to bind," "to be narrow," "to distress," or "to vex." It conveys the idea of intense, persistent pressure, akin to being bound or squeezed. This accurately describes the relentless emotional burden Samson's wife placed on him, making it impossible for him to find peace until he yielded.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • Guard Your Secrets: What is entrusted to you, especially sensitive information, should be guarded carefully, even from those closest to you, if revealing it would compromise your integrity or safety.
  • Beware of Manipulation: Recognize and resist manipulative tactics, whether emotional, psychological, or otherwise. True love and healthy relationships do not rely on coercion or emotional blackmail.
  • Choose Wisely: The narrative of Samson consistently highlights the challenges of being unequally yoked. Choosing companions and partners who align with your values and principles can save much heartache and prevent compromise.
  • Strength in Weakness: Even the physically strongest can have profound weaknesses. This reminds us to seek strength beyond ourselves, often found in wisdom, self-control, and divine guidance, to navigate life's pressures.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 16:16 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:5 (2 votes)

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

  • Job 2:9 (2 votes)

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

  • Luke 11:8 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.