King James Version

What Does Judges 14:8 Mean?

Judges 14:8 in the King James Version says “And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a s...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.”

Judges 14:8 · KJV

Context

6

And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.

7

And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well .

8

And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.

9

And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion.

10

So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.

This verse belongs to the Samson cycle addressing Samson's marriage and riddle at Timnath. Samson represents both the heights of God-empowered strength and the depths of human weakness through moral compromise. His Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) set him apart as holy to God, yet his persistent violations of this vow—contact with dead animals (14:8-9), seven-day feast (likely involving wine, 14:10), and finally revealing his hair's secret (16:17)—demonstrate progressive spiritual decline.

Theologically, Samson illustrates how spiritual gifts don't guarantee spiritual maturity. The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson repeatedly, giving superhuman strength, yet this empowerment didn't produce corresponding moral transformation. His attraction to Philistine women (14:1-3, 16:1, 16:4) directly violated God's command against intermarriage with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This demonstrates that God can use flawed instruments for His purposes, but this never excuses or endorses sin.

Samson's final prayer—"O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me" (16:28)—shows genuine repentance and renewed faith. His death accomplished more than his life (16:30), suggesting that even spectacular failure can be redeemed when we return to God. However, the tragedy is that Samson's potential was largely wasted through moral compromise. His story warns believers that consistent holy living, not merely spectacular spiritual experiences, characterizes faithful discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: The Book of Judges spans approximately 350-400 years (c. 1375-1050 BCE) during the Late Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age. This period saw the disintegration of major empires (Hittites, Mycenaeans) and weakening of Egyptian control over Canaan, creating a power vacuum filled by emerging peoples including Philistines (Sea Peoples), Aramaeans, and regional kingdoms. The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external oppression and internal chaos.

Cultural Context: This passage relates to Samson's marriage and riddle at Timnath. Canaanite religion dominated the region, centered on Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), and Anat (war goddess). Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (Ras Shamra) have provided extensive information about Canaanite mythology and religious practices. Baal worship involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and fertility rites tied to agricultural seasons. Israel's persistent attraction to these gods demonstrates the strong cultural pressure to conform to surrounding nations' religious practices.

The material culture of this period shows gradual Israelite settlement in the Canaanite hill country, with simpler pottery and architecture than coastal Canaanite cities. Iron technology was beginning to spread, giving military advantage to peoples who mastered it (note the Philistines' iron monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The absence of centralized government during the judges period stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic city-states of Canaan and the imperial administration of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This political structure reflected Israel's theocratic ideal—God as king—yet the repeated cycles of apostasy showed this ideal required more than political structures; it demanded heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage about Samson's marriage and riddle at Timnath reveal God's character in dealing with persistent human rebellion and incomplete obedience?
  2. What patterns of spiritual compromise or incomplete obedience in your own life mirror Israel's failures during the judges period?
  3. How does understanding the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance in Judges help you appreciate Christ's perfect and final deliverance from sin's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיָּ֤שָׁב1 of 14

“he returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מִיָּמִים֙2 of 14

“And after a time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לְקַחְתָּ֔הּ3 of 14

“to take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וַיָּ֣סַר4 of 14

“her and he turned aside”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

לִרְא֔וֹת5 of 14

“to see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֵ֖ת6 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַפֶּ֣לֶת7 of 14

“the carcase”

H4658

fall, i.e., decadence; concretely, a ruin; specifically a carcase

הָֽאַרְיֵ֖ה8 of 14

“of the lion”

H738

a lion

וְהִנֵּ֨ה9 of 14
H2009

lo!

עֲדַ֧ת10 of 14

“and behold there was a swarm”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

דְּבוֹרִ֛ים11 of 14

“of bees”

H1682

the bee (from its systematic instincts)

בִּגְוִיַּ֥ת12 of 14

“in the carcase”

H1472

a body, whether alive or dead

הָֽאַרְיֵ֖ה13 of 14

“of the lion”

H738

a lion

וּדְבָֽשׁ׃14 of 14

“and honey”

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

Study Guide

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 14:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 1:20Genesis 29:21

Places in This Verse

Timnah 1Settlement · Modern: Tel Batash · 31.78°N, 34.91°E9 verses across 3 books
View all places in Judges 14 →

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