Old Testament
Judges 14:15
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On the seventh day, they went to Samson's wife and threatened her: 'Trick your husband into telling us the answer, or we'll burn you and your father's house with fire. Did you invite us here to take what we have? Isn't that right?'
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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?
What Judges 14:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Philistines confront Samson's wife on the seventh day of a wedding feast. They threaten her, demanding that she persuade her husband, Samson, to reveal the answer to a riddle he posed. The Philistines are desperate to win a wager they made with Samson, and they resort to intimidation, threatening to harm her and her family if she does not comply. This situation highlights the lengths to which people will go to achieve their desires, even using fear and manipulation. It also shows the tension between Samson and the Philistines, setting the stage for further conflict. The pressure on Samson's wife illustrates the vulnerability of individuals caught in the crossfire of larger conflicts, as well as the moral dilemmas they face when forced to choose between loyalty to family and self-preservation.
How to apply Judges 14:15 to your life
This verse reminds us of the dangers of manipulation and coercion in relationships. It encourages us to stand firm in our values and not succumb to pressure from others. We should seek to communicate openly and honestly, avoiding situations where fear is used to control or influence decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samson's story: Samson's Riddle (Judges 14:10–20)
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Samson
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Judges 14:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 14:15 mean?
Judges 14:15 describes a tense moment where the Philistines threaten Samson's wife to manipulate her into revealing the answer to a riddle. This highlights themes of coercion and the lengths people will go to win a bet.
What is the significance of the seventh day in Judges 14:15?
The seventh day marks the end of the wedding feast, creating urgency for the Philistines as they pressure Samson's wife to get the answer before the festivities conclude.
What does the riddle in Judges 14 represent?
The riddle in Judges 14 symbolizes the conflict between Samson and the Philistines, showcasing how his strength and cleverness are challenged by their desperation and deceit.
How does Judges 14:15 illustrate manipulation?
In this verse, the Philistines use threats against Samson's wife to manipulate her into betraying her husband, demonstrating how fear can be used to control others.
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