Old Testament
Judges 14:18
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Before sunset on the 7th day, the men of the city came to Samson and said, "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?" Samson shot back, "If you hadn't plowed with my heifer, you never would have solved my riddle."
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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.
What Judges 14:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Samson responds to the men of the city who have just solved his riddle. They ask him what is sweeter than honey and stronger than a lion, which are the answers to his riddle. Samson's reply indicates his frustration, suggesting that they cheated by using his wife to gain the answer. The phrase 'plowed with my heifer' is a metaphor for their deceitful tactics. This moment highlights the themes of betrayal and the consequences of dishonesty. Samson's riddle was meant to be a challenge, but the men’s underhanded methods to solve it reveal their lack of integrity. This interaction sets the stage for the conflict that follows, showcasing the tension between Samson and the Philistines, as well as the personal betrayal he feels from those close to him. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and fair play in relationships and challenges the reader to consider the impact of deceitful actions.
How to apply Judges 14:18 to your life
This verse teaches us about the consequences of dishonesty and betrayal. In our own lives, we should strive for honesty in our relationships and avoid using deceitful tactics to gain an advantage. Trust is essential, and we must be mindful of how our actions affect others.
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 14:18
Related Bible verses
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 Samson mean by 'plowed with my heifer'?
In Judges 14:18, when Samson says 'If you hadn't plowed with my heifer,' he is using a metaphor to express his frustration at the men of the city for using deceitful means to solve his riddle. The phrase implies that they took advantage of his wife to gain the answers, which he views as a betrayal. This highlights the themes of dishonesty and the consequences that arise from such actions.
What is the significance of the riddle in Judges 14?
Samson's riddle in Judges 14 serves as a challenge that reflects his strength and wisdom. The riddle, asking what is sweeter than honey and stronger than a lion, symbolizes the duality of life—sweetness and strength. However, the way the men solve it through deceit reveals their lack of integrity and sets the stage for the conflict between Samson and the Philistines, emphasizing the importance of honesty in relationships.
How does this verse relate to the theme of betrayal?
Judges 14:18 illustrates betrayal through the actions of the men of the city who manipulate Samson's wife to uncover the answer to his riddle. This act of deceit not only undermines the challenge Samson posed but also highlights personal betrayal, as it involves someone close to him. The verse emphasizes how betrayal can lead to conflict and mistrust, serving as a cautionary tale about the impact of dishonest actions on relationships.
What lessons can we learn about honesty from this verse?
From Judges 14:18, we learn that honesty is crucial in maintaining trust within relationships. Samson's frustration with the men’s deceitful tactics illustrates the negative consequences of dishonesty. The verse encourages us to reflect on our own actions and the importance of integrity, reminding us that using deceit to gain an advantage can lead to conflict and damaged relationships.
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