King James Version

What Does Judges 14:17 Mean?

“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. the seven: or, the rest of the seven days”

Context

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so? take: Heb. possess us, or, impoverish us?

And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?

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. the seven: or, the rest of the seven days

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.

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. spoil: or, apparel

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **The seven days.**—The margin suggests that it may mean *the rest of the seven days. *If not, it can only imply that mere feminine curiosity had induced Samson’s wife to weary her husband to tell her the secret from the first. **On the seventh day.**—Perhaps he hoped that he might prevent her from finding an opportunity to betray his secret. **He told her.**—“Keep the door of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom” (Micah 7:5). **She lay sore upon him**—i.e., she grievously troubled him (LXX., Vulg.). **She told the riddle.**—Perhaps she might have done so in any case, but she now had the excuse of violent menaces.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 14:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.