Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.” New Living Translation When he returned home, he told his father and mother, “A young Philistine woman in Timnah caught my eye. I want to marry her. Get her for me.” English Standard Version Then he came up and told his father and mother, “I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now get her for me as my wife.” Berean Standard Bible So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” King James Bible And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. New King James Version So he went up and told his father and mother, saying, “I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.” New American Standard Bible So he came back and told his father and mother, “I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; so now, get her for me as a wife.” NASB 1995 So he came back and told his father and mother, “I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.” NASB 1977 So he came back and told his father and mother, “I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.” Legacy Standard Bible So he came back up and told his father and mother, “I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; so now, take her for me as a wife.” Amplified Bible So he went back and told his father and his mother, “I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; now get her for me as a wife.” Christian Standard Bible He went back and told his father and his mother, “I have seen a young Philistine woman in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” Holman Christian Standard Bible He went back and told his father and his mother: “I have seen a young Philistine woman in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” American Standard Version And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. Contemporary English Version When he got back home, he told his parents, "I saw a Philistine woman in Timnah, and I want to marry her. Get her for me!" English Revised Version And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. GOD'S WORD® Translation He went [home] and told his father and mother, "I've seen a Philistine woman at Timnah. Now get her for me so that I can marry her." Good News Translation He went back home and told his father and mother, "There is a Philistine woman down at Timnah who caught my attention. Get her for me; I want to marry her." International Standard Version Then he returned and told his father and mother, "In Timnah I saw a woman of Philistine origin." He ordered them, "Get her for me as a wife. Now!" NET Bible When he got home, he told his father and mother, "A Philistine girl in Timnah has caught my eye. Now get her for my wife." New Heart English Bible He came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, "I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines. Now therefore get her for me as wife." Webster's Bible Translation And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me for a wife. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” World English Bible He came up, and told his father and his mother, saying, “I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines. Now therefore get her for me as my wife.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand comes up and declares [it] to his father and to his mother, and says, “I have seen a woman in Timnath, of the daughters of the Philistines; and now, take her for me for a wife.” Young's Literal Translation and cometh up and declareth to his father, and to his mother, and saith, 'A woman I have seen in Timnath, of the daughters of the Philistines; and now, take her for me for a wife.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will go up and announce to his father and his mother, and will say, I saw a woman in Timnath from the daughters of Philisteim: and now take her to me for a wife. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe came up, and told his father and his mother, saying: I saw a woman in Thamnatha of the daughters of the Philistines: I beseech you, take her for me to wife. Catholic Public Domain Version he went up, and he told his father and his mother, saying: “I saw a woman in Timnah from the daughters of the Philistines. I ask that you take her to me as wife.” New American Bible On his return he told his father and mother, “I saw in Timnah a woman, a Philistine. Get her for me as a wife.” New Revised Standard Version Then he came up, and told his father and mother, “I saw a Philistine woman at Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore get her for me to wife. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he came up and he told his father and his mother and said to them: “I have seen a woman in Tamnath of the daughters of the Philistines. Now get her for me as a wife.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said: 'I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore get her for me to wife.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he went up and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Thamnatha of the daughters of the Phylistines; and now take her to me for a wife. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Samson's Marriage1One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. 2So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” 3But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.”… Cross References Genesis 24:3-4 and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, / but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, / because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you. Joshua 23:12-13 For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, / know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you. 1 Kings 11:1-2 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. Nehemiah 13:25-27 I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! / Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin. / Must we now hear that you too are doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?” Genesis 6:2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose. Exodus 34:16 And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same. 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. 2 Kings 8:27 And Ahaziah walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab, for he was a son-in-law of the house of Ahab. Ezra 9:12 Now, therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you may be strong and may eat the good things of the land, leaving it as an inheritance to your sons forever.’ Malachi 2:11 Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god. 1 Samuel 8:5 “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” Matthew 19:4-6 Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ / and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? / So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Romans 7:2-3 For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. Treasury of Scripture And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. get her Genesis 21:21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt. Genesis 24:2,3 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: … Genesis 34:4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. Jump to Previous Daughters Mother Philistine Philistines Timnah Timnath WifeJump to Next Daughters Mother Philistine Philistines Timnah Timnath WifeJudges 14 1. Samson desires a wife of the Philistines.6. In his journey he kills a lion 8. In a second journey he finds honey in the carcass 10. Samson's marriage feast 12. His riddle by his wife is made known 19. He strikes down thirty Philistines 20. His wife is married to another. So he returned and told his father and mother In the cultural context of ancient Israel, family played a central role in decision-making, especially regarding marriage. Samson's return to his parents indicates the importance of familial approval and involvement in marital arrangements. This reflects the patriarchal structure of society, where parents, particularly the father, had significant authority over their children's choices. The act of returning to his parents also highlights the close-knit family dynamics typical of the time. “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah.” Now get her for me as a wife.” Persons / Places / Events 1. SamsonA judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God. He is a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth, and his life is marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines. 2. Timnah A Philistine town where Samson sees a woman he desires to marry. The Philistines were the oppressors of Israel during this period. 3. Philistine Woman The woman from Timnah whom Samson desires to marry, despite the Philistines being enemies of Israel. This choice sets the stage for future conflicts. Teaching Points The Danger of Unequally Yoked RelationshipsSamson's desire for a Philistine woman highlights the potential spiritual dangers of forming close relationships with those who do not share the same faith. Believers are encouraged to seek relationships that honor God and support their spiritual growth. God's Sovereignty in Human Choices Despite Samson's seemingly impulsive decision, God uses it to fulfill His purposes. This teaches us that God can work through our choices, even when they seem contrary to His commands. The Importance of Parental Guidance Samson's parents express concern over his choice, reflecting the biblical principle of honoring and seeking wisdom from one's parents. This underscores the value of godly counsel in decision-making. Seeing Beyond the Surface Samson's decision is based on what he sees, reminding us of the importance of looking beyond outward appearances and seeking God's wisdom in our choices. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 14:2?2. How does Judges 14:2 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in decisions? 3. What can we learn from Samson's actions about honoring parental authority and wisdom? 4. How does Samson's desire in Judges 14:2 relate to 1 John 2:16? 5. In what ways can we guard against impulsive decisions like Samson's in Judges 14:2? 6. How can we apply the lessons from Judges 14:2 to our relationships today? 7. Why did Samson desire a Philistine woman in Judges 14:2 despite Israelite laws against intermarriage? 8. How does Judges 14:2 reflect on God's sovereignty in using flawed individuals for His purposes? 9. What cultural tensions are highlighted in Samson's request in Judges 14:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 14? 11. When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14) 12. How does Samson's marriage to a Philistine (Judges 14:1-3) align with the prohibition on intermarriage in Deuteronomy 7:3-4? 13. 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5? 14. What does the Bible say about arranged marriages? What Does Judges 14:2 Mean So he returnedSamson leaves Timnah and heads back to Zorah. The narrative slows down to underline that this is a deliberate, conscious move. • Earlier, the Spirit had begun to stir Samson “between Zorah and Eshtaol” (Judges 13:25), so the reader already knows God is at work in this region. • “Return” scenes in Scripture often signal a pivotal choice—think of Jacob returning to Canaan (Genesis 32 – 33) or the prodigal son returning home (Luke 15:20). Samson’s return marks a turning point leading to conflict with the Philistines. • God’s sovereignty is in view: even decisions that look impulsive are woven into His larger deliverance plan (Romans 8:28). and told his father and mother Patriarchal culture expected parental involvement in marriage. • Isaac’s marriage was arranged through Abraham and Rebekah’s family (Genesis 24:50-51). • The Law honored parental authority: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12; cf. Ephesians 6:1-3). • Yet here Samson reverses the obedience flow—he informs, not consults. This foreshadows his pattern of pushing boundaries throughout Judges 14–16. • By bringing the matter to his parents, he sets up the tension between filial duty and personal desire, a tension that God will use (Judges 14:4). I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah Samson’s words spotlight two issues: sight and nationality. • Sight: “I have seen.” Scripture warns about living by sight rather than faith. Eve “saw that the tree was good” (Genesis 3:6), Lot lifted his eyes toward Sodom (Genesis 13:10), and John cautions against “the lust of the eyes” (1 John 2:16). • Philistine: The Philistines are Israel’s sworn enemies (Judges 3:31; 1 Samuel 17). Intermarriage was explicitly forbidden: “You shall not intermarry with them” (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). • Timnah sits inside Philistine territory but within the geographic allotment of Dan, underscoring how deeply Israel has compromised (Judges 13:1). • God’s hidden purpose: “His father and mother did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion against the Philistines” (Judges 14:4). Even Samson’s misplaced gaze will serve divine judgment on the oppressors. Now get her for me as a wife The command is abrupt, showing Samson’s impulsive nature. • Parental role: In ancient Israel, parents arranged marriages (Genesis 28:1-2). Samson’s imperative tone flips the God-ordained order of parental leading and filial submission. • Covenant boundaries: Marrying a Philistine violates God’s clear warnings (Joshua 23:12-13). Samson is a Nazirite judge whose very calling is to keep Israel separate, yet he crosses the line himself. • Divine overruling: God will transform Samson’s disobedient request into a catalyst for delivering Israel, proving Proverbs 19:21 true—“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail”. • New-Testament echo: The unequal-yoke principle remains (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). Samson’s story cautions believers to trust God’s boundaries rather than follow impulse. summary Judges 14:2 captures Samson’s first recorded adult act: an impulsive demand for a forbidden marriage. Each phrase exposes a layered reality—his deliberate return, undue dominance over parental authority, fixation on what he sees, and blunt dismissal of God’s covenant limits. Yet the verse also reveals God’s sovereign hand, steering even flawed choices toward Israel’s deliverance. The lesson is two-fold: human rebellion carries real consequences, and God’s purposes still stand. (2) Get her for me to wife.--These arrangements were always left to parents, who paid the marriage dower (Genesis 34:4-12). (Comp. Judges 12:9; Nehemiah 10:30, &c.)Verse 2. - Get her, etc. Rather, take her. It is the technical phrase(1) for a man taking a wife for himself, as Genesis 4:19; Genesis 6:2; 1 Samuel 25:39, 43, and vers. 3, 8 of this chapter; (2) for a man's parents taking a wife for him, as Exodus 34:16; Nehemiah 10:30. The parents of the bridegroom paid the dowry agreed upon (see Genesis 34:12; 1 Samuel 18:25). Hebrew So he returnedוַיַּ֗עַל (way·ya·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively and told וַיַּגֵּד֙ (way·yag·gêḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous his father לְאָבִ֣יו (lə·’ā·ḇîw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father and his mother, וּלְאִמּ֔וֹ (ū·lə·’im·mōw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 517: A mother, ) “I have seen רָאִ֥יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see a daughter מִבְּנ֣וֹת (mib·bə·nō·wṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 1323: A daughter of the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia in Timnah. בְתִמְנָ֖תָה (ḇə·ṯim·nā·ṯāh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 8553: Timnah -- 'territory', two cities in Judah Now וְעַתָּ֕ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time get קְחוּ־ (qə·ḥū-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 3947: To take her אוֹתָ֥הּ (’ō·w·ṯāh) Direct object marker | third person feminine singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case for me לִּ֖י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew as a wife.” לְאִשָּֽׁה׃ (lə·’iš·šāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female Links Judges 14:2 NIVJudges 14:2 NLT Judges 14:2 ESV Judges 14:2 NASB Judges 14:2 KJV Judges 14:2 BibleApps.com Judges 14:2 Biblia Paralela Judges 14:2 Chinese Bible Judges 14:2 French Bible Judges 14:2 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 14:2 He came up and told his father (Jd Judg. 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