Judges 15:6 (KJV)

What does Judges 15:6 mean?

Judges 15:6 describes how the Philistines, after learning that Samson was responsible for burning their crops, retaliated by burning Samson’s wife and her father with fire. The Philistines blamed Samson because his wife had been given to another man, which led to Samson’s act of destruction.

This verse takes place after Samson, angry that his wife was given to his companion, set fire to the Philistines’ fields. The Philistines ask who caused the damage, and when they find out it was Samson—because of what the Timnite (his father-in-law) did—they respond with brutal violence against Samson’s wife and her father. The verse highlights the cycle of revenge and escalating conflict between Samson and the Philistines.

The Hebrew behind Judges 15:6

• "Philistines" (פְּלִשְׁתִּים, P'lishtim): This word refers to the main antagonists in this section of Judges, a people group living along the coastal region. Their repeated mention emphasizes the ongoing conflict between them and Samson.
• "Burnt" (שָׂרַף, saraf): This verb means to burn or destroy with fire. The use of this word underlines the severity and cruelty of the Philistines’ response, mirroring the way Samson destroyed their crops.
• "Companion" (מֵרֵעַ, merea): This term means a close friend or associate. The fact that Samson’s wife was given to his "companion" adds a personal betrayal to the story, fueling the cycle of vengeance.

Why Judges 15:6 matters

• Judges 15:6 clarifies that the Philistines’ violence was not just random cruelty, but a direct response to Samson’s actions, showing how personal grievances can spiral into wider conflict.
• The verse reveals the tragic consequences for Samson’s wife and her father, who become victims in a struggle between larger forces, highlighting the collateral damage of revenge.
• This event sets the stage for further escalation in the story, as Samson’s response to this act of violence leads to even greater conflict with the Philistines.