Judges 14:15

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י׀

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י

H7637

And it came to pass on the seventh

seventh

וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ

H559

that they said

to say (used with great latitude)

לְאֵֽשֶׁת

H802

wife

a woman

שִׁמְשׁוֹן֙

H8123

unto Samson's

shimshon, an israelite

פַּתִּ֣י

H6601

Entice

to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִישֵׁ֗ךְ

H376

thy husband

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

וְיַגֶּד

H5046

that he may declare

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#11

לָ֙נוּ֙

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

הַ֣חִידָ֔ה

H2420

unto us the riddle

a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim

#14

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#15

נִשְׂרֹ֥ף

H8313

lest we burn

to be (causatively, set) on fire

#16

אוֹתָ֛ךְ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#19

אָבִ֖יךְ

thee and thy father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#20

בָּאֵ֑שׁ

H784

with fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#21

הַלְיָרְשֵׁ֕נוּ

H3423

us to take that we have

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#22

קְרָאתֶ֥ם

H7121

have ye called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#23

לָ֖נוּ

#24

הֲלֹֽא׃

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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