Judges 14:15
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?
Judges 14:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Book of Judges, we see a group of men pressuring Samson's wife to reveal the answer to a riddle that Samson had given them. The men threatened to burn her and her father's house with fire if she did not comply. The men felt entitled to know the answer to the riddle, believing that it was something they deserved to have. This verse reflects the destructive power of pride and the lengths to which people will go to obtain what they desire. It also highlights the consequences of succumbing to peer pressure and making decisions out of fear. Ultimately, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity.
Theological Overview
Within the theological interpretation of this verse from the Book of Judges, we see a clear demonstration of the consequences of deception and manipulation. Samson's wife is put in a difficult position by the Philistines who threaten to harm her and her family if she does not betray her husband. This raises important questions about loyalty, trust, and the lengths to which individuals may go to achieve their goals. The verse also highlights the theme of power dynamics, as the Philistines exert their authority over Samson's wife and attempt to assert control over the situation. Through a deeper word study, we can examine the implications of phrases such as "Entice thy husband" and "is it not so?" to gain a better understanding of the motivations and intentions of the characters involved. Overall, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and the importance of staying true to one's values even in the face of adversity.
Judges 14:15 in other translations
American Standard 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 impoverish us? is it not [so] ?
World English Bible
On the seventh day, they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband, that he may declare to us the riddle, lest we burn you and your father’s house with fire. Have you called us to impoverish us? Is it not so?”
Douay-Rheims
And when the seventh day came, they said to the wife of Samson: Sooth thy husband, and persuade him to tell thee what the riddle meaneth. But if thou wilt not do it, we will burn thee, and thy father's house. Have you called us to the wedding on purpose to strip us?
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when the seuenth day was come, they said vnto Samsons wife, Entise thine husband, that he may declare vs the riddle, lest wee burne thee and thy fathers house with fire. Haue ye called vs, to possesse vs? is it not so?