Judges 14:20

But Samson's wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

But Samson's {H8123} wife {H802} was given to his companion {H4828}, whom he had used as his friend {H7462}.

and his wife was given to the companion who had been best man at the wedding.

and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him.

But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 14:20 (KJV)

"But Samson's wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."

Context

Judges 14:20 concludes a dramatic and tumultuous chapter in the life of Samson, the Israelite judge known for his immense strength and rash decisions. This verse immediately follows Samson's violent outburst in Judges 14:19, where he killed thirty Philistines in Ashkelon as retribution for his wife's betrayal. The preceding events involved Samson's wedding feast in Timnath, where he posed a riddle to his Philistine companions. Under duress and threats from her own people, Samson's Philistine wife extracted the answer from him and revealed it to the Philistines. Enraged by this deception, Samson left his wife and returned to his father's house. This verse describes the consequence of his departure: his father-in-law, assuming Samson had abandoned his wife permanently, gave her to one of Samson's wedding companions, whom Samson had considered a "friend."

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Betrayal and Conflict: The verse highlights the immediate and personal fallout of the wife's betrayal and Samson's furious reaction. Her actions, born out of fear, led directly to her being given to another man, while Samson's rage resulted in the loss of his wife and a deepening of his animosity with the Philistines.
  • Humiliation and Insult: For Samson, this act was a profound insult and humiliation. Losing his wife to a "companion" or "friend" he had chosen for his wedding feast was a public degradation, further fueling his desire for vengeance against the Philistines.
  • Philistine Custom: This action likely reflects Philistine legal or cultural practices regarding abandoned wives. If a husband left his wife without formal divorce, her family might have the right to give her to another man, especially if a dowry was involved.
  • Escalation of Hostilities: This personal grievance against Samson sets the stage for future conflicts between Samson and the Philistines, as seen in Judges 15:1 and beyond.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "companion" or "friend" is רֵעַ (rea'), which can refer to a close friend, neighbor, or associate. In this context, it emphasizes the personal nature of the affront to Samson; his wife was given to someone with whom he had shared a convivial meal, not a stranger. The phrase "was given" (passive voice) implies that this was a decision made by her father or family, not necessarily by the wife herself, underscoring her lack of agency in this situation.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a stark reminder of the destructive ripple effects of betrayal, unresolved anger, and poor choices. It illustrates how personal grievances can quickly escalate into larger conflicts. For believers today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Discerning Relationships: The "friend" who received Samson's wife was someone he had trusted, highlighting the need for wisdom in choosing companions.
  • Managing Anger: Samson's initial rage, while perhaps justified, led to a cycle of violence and further loss. We are called to be slow to anger and to seek reconciliation rather than escalating conflict.
  • Understanding Consequences: Every action, especially those driven by emotion, carries consequences that can extend far beyond the immediate moment, affecting others and shaping future events.

Reflection

Judges 14:20 is a pivotal moment that transforms Samson's personal marital dispute into a deeply personal vendetta against the Philistines. It solidifies the animosity and sets the stage for the dramatic acts of vengeance and deliverance that characterize the rest of his story. This verse underscores the tragic consequences of a broken covenant and the cycle of violence that often ensues from unresolved conflict and personal humiliation.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 15:2 (5 votes)

    And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: [is] not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.

  • John 3:29 (4 votes)

    He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

  • John 13:18 (2 votes)

    I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

  • Judges 15:6 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Micah 7:5 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Jeremiah 9:5 (2 votes)

    And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity.

  • Psalms 55:12 (2 votes)

    For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him: