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Judges 14:11

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 14:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.
Judges 14:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And after a while he returned to take her; and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey.
9And he took it into his hands, and went on, eating as he went; and he came to his father and mother, and gave unto them, and they did eat: but he told them not that he had taken the honey out of the body of the lion.
10And his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.
11And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.
12And Samson said unto them, Let me now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can declare it unto me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment;
13but if ye cannot declare it unto me, then shall ye give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.
14And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth food, And out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days declare the riddle.
← Judges 14:10Judges 14:12 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass; when they saw him, etc.] That is, the Philistines, the citizens of Timnath, when they saw that he was come to consummate his marriage: that they brought thirty companions to be with him; to be the bridegroom’s men, or children of the bridechamber, as they are called, (<400915>Matthew 9:15) or friends of the bridegroom, (<430329>John 3:29) to keep him company during the nuptial feast: this they did according to custom, and in honour and respect unto him; though some think, and so Josephus f291, that they were brought to be guards upon him, observing that he was a man of great might, strength, and courage, so that they were afraid of him, lest he should have some design…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Thirty companions - These were “the children of the bride-chamber” (Matthew 9:15; see Judges 14:20). From the number of them it may be inferred that Samson’s family was of some wealth and importance. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Saw him - Or, observed him, his stature, and strength, and countenance, and carriage, which were extraordinary. Brought - Partly in compliance with the custom of having bride - men; though they were not so numerous; but principally by way of caution, and as a guard put upon him under a pretence of respect and affection. Judges 14:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“saw him: Sa1 10:23, Sa1 16:6 thirty: Mat 9:15; Joh 3:29 Judges 14:12”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification