But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.

JUDGES 14:4KJV
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Judges 14:4 (KJV)

What does Judges 14:4 mean?

Judges 14:4 explains that Samson’s desire to marry a Philistine woman was actually part of the LORD’s plan, even though his parents did not realize it. God was using this situation to create a reason for conflict with the Philistines, who were ruling over Israel at the time.

In this verse, the narrator steps in to clarify that what seemed like a questionable choice—Samson wanting to marry outside Israel—was guided by the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh). Samson’s parents were unaware of this bigger purpose. The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, showing that God was at work behind the scenes to challenge the Philistines’ control over Israel.

The Hebrew behind Judges 14:4

  • LORD (יהוה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that the events are under God’s direct control, not just general fate or chance.
  • Sought (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means to seek or look for. The verse uses it to show that God was actively looking for an opportunity or reason ("occasion") to confront the Philistines, not just passively allowing events to happen.
  • Occasion (תְּאֵנָה, te'enah): This word can mean a pretext, reason, or opportunity. It highlights that God was creating a specific situation to bring about conflict with the Philistines, rather than leaving things to random chance.
  • Dominion (מָשַׁל, mashal): This word means to rule or have authority over. It reminds the reader that the Philistines were oppressing Israel at this time, which is why God’s intervention was needed.

Why Judges 14:4 matters

  • Judges 14:4 clears up confusion about Samson’s actions, showing that even choices that seem wrong or puzzling can be part of God’s larger plan.
  • The verse emphasizes that God is actively involved in Israel’s history, even when people do not see or understand His reasons at the time.
  • This explanation connects Samson’s personal story to the bigger struggle between Israel and the Philistines, helping the reader see how individual events fit into the larger narrative of deliverance in Judges.

Where else these words appear

“occasion” Hebrew H8385 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 2:24 A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.

“dominion” Hebrew H4910 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
  • Psalms 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
  • Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.