Old Testament
Judges 14:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 14:17, we see a tense moment between Samson and his wife during their wedding feast.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
She cried before him for the seven days of the feast. On the seventh day, he told her because she pressed him hard, and she told 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 lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 14:17, we see a tense moment between Samson and his wife during their wedding feast. For seven days, she cried and pleaded with him to reveal the answer to a riddle he had posed. Her persistent emotional appeals finally wore him down, leading him to disclose the answer on the last day of the feast. This passage highlights the dynamics of their relationship, showcasing both her desperation and his eventual capitulation. It also reflects the cultural context of the time, where emotional expressions were significant in interpersonal relationships. The riddle itself, which was meant to be a test of wit, becomes a source of conflict, illustrating how challenges can arise even in joyful occasions. Ultimately, this moment sets the stage for further events in the narrative, emphasizing themes of trust, manipulation, and the consequences of revealing secrets.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 14:17 to your life
This passage teaches us about the importance of communication and trust in relationships. It reminds us that persistent pressure can lead to unwanted outcomes. We should strive for open dialogue rather than emotional manipulation, fostering healthier connections with those around us.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 14:17 mean?
Judges 14:17 describes a moment during Samson's wedding feast where his wife pleads with him for seven days to reveal the answer to a riddle he posed. Her emotional persistence leads him to finally disclose the answer on the last day, highlighting the dynamics of their relationship and the cultural significance of emotional expression.
What is the significance of the seven days in Judges 14:17?
The seven days in Judges 14:17 represent the duration of the wedding feast, a time traditionally filled with joy and celebration. However, it also becomes a period of tension as Samson's wife uses emotional appeals to extract the answer to the riddle, illustrating how conflict can arise even in festive settings.
What does emotional manipulation mean in Judges 14:17?
Emotional manipulation in Judges 14:17 refers to the wife's persistent crying and pleading to get Samson to reveal the riddle's answer. This behavior shows how emotional pressure can influence decisions and relationships, often leading to unintended consequences.
What themes are present in Judges 14:17?
Judges 14:17 presents themes of emotional manipulation, trust in relationships, and the impact of cultural customs on interpersonal dynamics. It also highlights conflict resolution and the consequences of revealing secrets, setting the stage for further developments in the narrative.
The Book of Judges
Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin
After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.
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