Old Testament
Judges 14:19
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Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully over him. He went down to Ashkelon, killed 30 of their men, stripped them of their belongings, and handed the clothing over to the men who had solved the riddle. Burning with anger, he stormed back to his father's house.
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And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father’s house.
What Judges 14:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the Spirit of the LORD empowering Samson to act decisively. He travels to Ashkelon, where he kills thirty men to settle a bet related to a riddle he posed. After taking their belongings, he gives the clothes to those who solved the riddle, demonstrating his anger and frustration. This act of violence reflects not only his strength but also his impulsive nature and the consequences of his emotions. Samson's actions are driven by a mix of divine empowerment and personal vendetta, highlighting the complexity of his character. His anger leads him to retreat to his father's house, indicating a moment of personal turmoil and conflict. This passage illustrates the themes of divine intervention, personal vengeance, and the struggle between strength and emotion in Samson's life.
How to apply Judges 14:19 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of managing our emotions and the consequences of impulsive actions. While strength can be a gift, it should be guided by wisdom and self-control. Reflecting on our motivations can help us respond more thoughtfully in challenging situations.
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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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 Judges 14:19 mean?
Judges 14:19 describes how the Spirit of the LORD empowered Samson to kill thirty men in Ashkelon to settle a bet related to a riddle. This act reflects his impulsive nature and the consequences of his anger, highlighting the complexity of his character.
What is the significance of the Spirit of the LORD in Judges 14:19?
In Judges 14:19, the Spirit of the LORD coming upon Samson signifies divine empowerment, enabling him to perform extraordinary feats. This moment illustrates the connection between divine influence and human actions in Samson's life.
Why did Samson kill thirty men in Judges 14:19?
Samson killed thirty men in Judges 14:19 to fulfill a bet he made regarding a riddle he posed. His actions were driven by anger and a desire for vengeance after losing the wager.
What themes are present in Judges 14:19?
Judges 14:19 presents themes of divine empowerment, vengeance, anger, and impulsiveness. It showcases the struggle between Samson's strength and his emotional responses, leading to significant consequences.
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