Judges 14:20 (KJV)

What does Judges 14:20 mean?

Judges 14:20 says that Samson’s wife was given by her father to another man, specifically to someone Samson had considered a friend or companion. This verse marks a turning point, showing that Samson lost his wife to another man after the events at his wedding feast.

The setting is after Samson’s wedding, where things went badly between Samson and his Philistine in-laws. Samson left in anger, and during his absence, his wife was given to a man described as his “companion”—someone who had been close to him during the wedding, possibly a best man. This action sets up further conflict between Samson and the Philistines in the following chapters.

The Hebrew behind Judges 14:20

• "Companion" (מֵרֵעַ, mēre‘a): This word means a close associate or companion, often used for a best man at a wedding. The verse highlights the betrayal Samson experienced, as the man who received his wife was not just any guest but someone Samson had trusted.
• "Friend" (רֵעַ, rēa‘): This word means friend or neighbor, emphasizing the personal relationship. The verse uses both terms to show that the man was more than a stranger—he was someone Samson had relied on, deepening the sense of betrayal.

Why Judges 14:20 matters

• Judges 14:20 clarifies that Samson’s loss was not just to a random Philistine, but to someone he had trusted, which adds a personal dimension to his anger and the conflict that follows.
• The verse sets up the next stage in Samson’s story, explaining why he later acts with such hostility toward the Philistines.
• Understanding the original words for “companion” and “friend” helps the reader see the depth of the betrayal, which is important for grasping Samson’s motivations in the chapters that follow.