Old Testament
Judges 14:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When he came back home, he told his father and mother, "I saw a Philistine woman in Timnath. Arrange the marriage for me — I want her as my wife."
Compare translations
And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.
What Judges 14:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Samson returns home and informs his parents about a Philistine woman he has seen in Timnath, expressing his desire to marry her. This request is significant because it highlights Samson's attraction to a woman from a people group that was traditionally enemies of Israel. His choice reflects a disregard for the cultural and religious boundaries set by his people. Samson's parents are likely concerned about this decision, as marrying outside of their community could lead to conflicts and challenges. This moment sets the stage for the unfolding events in Samson's life, showcasing his impulsive nature and the tension between personal desires and communal expectations. It also foreshadows the struggles he will face due to his choices, emphasizing the theme of divine purpose versus human folly. Samson's desire for a Philistine wife illustrates the complexities of relationships and the consequences of decisions made without considering their broader implications.
How to apply Judges 14:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider the implications of our choices, especially in relationships. It reminds us to seek wisdom and guidance from our community and to be aware of the potential consequences of decisions that may go against our values or beliefs.
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: The Lion at Timnath (Judges 14:1–9)
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 14:2
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 14:2
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 14:2 mean?
Judges 14:2 describes Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman, highlighting his attraction to someone from a group that was traditionally opposed to Israel. This choice reflects his impulsive nature and sets the stage for future conflicts.
What does the verse reveal about Samson's character?
The verse reveals Samson's impulsiveness and strong desires, as he makes a significant life choice without considering the potential consequences. His actions foreshadow the struggles he will face later in his life.
How does Judges 14:2 relate to family dynamics?
In Judges 14:2, Samson's request to marry outside his community likely causes concern for his parents, reflecting the tension between individual desires and family expectations. This highlights the challenges families face when personal choices conflict with cultural norms.
What themes are present in Judges 14:2?
Judges 14:2 encompasses themes such as desire, cultural conflict, family dynamics, and the consequences of impulsive decisions. It illustrates the struggle between personal choices and the expectations of one's community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.