BibleWord.ai› Bible› Judges› Chapter 14› Verse 20

Judges 14:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 14:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But Samson`s wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But Samson`s wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
Judges 14:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And 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 pressed him sore; and she told the riddle to the children of her people.
18And 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.
19And the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and smote thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave the changes [of raiment] unto them that declared the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father`s house.
20But Samson`s wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
← Judges 14:19Judges 15:1 →
← Full Chapter 14 Judges Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, etc.] By her father, and with her consent, both being affronted and provoked by Samson leaving her, who judged her not only to be injured, but hereby discharged from him, and free to marry another: and whom he had used as his friend; though there were thirty of them that were his companions, yet there was one of them that was the principal of them, and was the most intimate with him, whom he used in the most friendly manner, and admitted to a more free conversation than the rest, the same that is called the friend of the bridegroom, (<430329>John 3:29) while the others were called the children of the bridechamber, (<400915>Matthew 9:15). It is…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend--that is, "the friend of the bridegroom," who was the medium of communicating during the festivities between him and his bride. The acceptance of her hand, therefore, was an act of base treachery, that could not fail to provoke the just resentment of Samson. Next: Judges Chapter 15”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“His companion - Perhaps one of those mentioned in Judges 14:11. The transaction denotes loose notions of the sanctity of marriage among the Philistines. It should be noted carefully that the practical lesson against ungodly marriages comes out most strongly in this case and that the providential purpose which out of this evil brought discomfiture to the Philistines, has nothing to do with the right or wrong of Samson’s conduct. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Judges 14". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/judges-14.html. 1870.…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Was given - By her father. Whom he had used - That is, to the chief of the bride - men, to whom he had shewed most respect and kindness. Next: Judges Chapter 15”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“given to: Jdg 15:2 his friend: Psa 55:12, Psa 55:13; Jer 9:5; Mic 7:5; Mat 26:49, Mat 26:50; Joh 3:29, Joh 13:18 Next: Judges Chapter 15”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Judges 14 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification