Old Testament
Judges 14:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Judges 14:17 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Samson's story: Samson's Riddle (Judges 14:10–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 14:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 14:17
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 14:17 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.