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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 14:10 Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/14-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/07_Jdg_14_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 14:10 - Samson's Riddle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/14-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/14-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/14-9.htm" title="Judges 14:9">◄</a> Judges 14:10 <a href="/judges/14-11.htm" title="Judges 14:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Now his father went down to see the woman. And there Samson held a feast, as was customary for young men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As his father was making final arrangements for the marriage, Samson threw a party at Timnah, as was the custom for elite young men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />His father went down to the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, for so the young men used to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So his father went down to the woman. And Samson gave a feast there, for young men used to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his father went down to the woman; and Samson held a feast there, for the young men customarily did this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then his father went down to the woman; and Samson made a feast there, for the young men customarily did this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then his father went down to the woman; and Samson made a feast there, for the young men customarily did this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then his father went down to the woman; and Samson made a feast there, for the young men customarily did this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />His father went down to the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, for that was the customary thing for young men to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as young men were accustomed to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as young men were accustomed to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />While Samson's father went to make the final arrangements with the bride and her family, Samson threw a big party, as grooms usually did. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After his father went to see the woman, Samson threw a party. (This is what young men used to do.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />His father went to the woman's house, and Samson gave a banquet there. This was a custom among the young men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later on, when his father went down to visit the woman, Samson threw a party there, since young men customarily did this. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Samson's father accompanied him to Timnah for the marriage. Samson hosted a party there, for this was customary for bridegrooms to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />His father went down to the woman, and Samson made a feast there, since young men used to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So his father went down to the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His father went down to the woman; and Samson made a feast there, for the young men used to do so. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And his father goes down to the woman, and Samson makes a banquet there, for so the young men does;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And his father goeth down unto the woman, and Samson maketh there a banquet, for so the young men do;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And his father will go down to the woman; and Samson will make there a drinking, for so did the young men.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So his father went down to the woman, and made a feast for his son Samson: for so the young men used to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so his father went down to the woman, and he made a feast for his son Samson. For so the young men were accustomed to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />His father also went down to the woman, and Samson gave a feast there, since it was customary for the young men to do this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />His father went down to the woman, and Samson made a feast there as the young men were accustomed to do.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So his father went down to the woman; and Samson made there a wedding feast for seven days; for so the young men used to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And his father came down to the woman, and Samson made there a wedding feast seven days, for so were young men making a wedding feast<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And his father went down unto the woman; and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his father went down to the woman, and Sampson made there a banquet for seven days, for so the young men are used to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/14-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4309" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/14.htm">Samson's Riddle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. And when he returned to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">Then his father</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: way·yê·reḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">went</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: hā·’iš·šāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">visit the woman,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8123.htm" title="8123: šim·šō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A deliverer of Isr. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite.">and Samson</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘aś (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">prepared</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: miš·teh (N-ms) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">a feast</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">was customary</a> <a href="/hebrew/970.htm" title="970: hab·ba·ḥū·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A young man. Or bachur; participle passive of bachar; properly, selected, i.e. A youth.">for the bridegroom.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>And when the Philistines saw him, they selected thirty men to accompany him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-22.htm">Genesis 29:22</a></span><br />So Laban invited all the men of that place and prepared a feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-1.htm">John 2:1-11</a></span><br />On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. / When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Matthew 22:2</a></span><br />“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Luke 5:29</a></span><br />Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Esther 1:5</a></span><br />At the end of this time, in the garden court of the royal palace, the king held a seven-day feast for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">1 Samuel 25:36</a></span><br />When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-8.htm">Luke 14:8</a></span><br />“When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-29.htm">John 3:29</a></span><br />The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-15.htm">1 Kings 3:15</a></span><br />Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-10</a></span><br />“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/3-11.htm">Song of Solomon 3:11</a></span><br />Come out, O daughters of Zion, and gaze at King Solomon, wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding—the day of his heart’s rejoicing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7-9</a></span><br />Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. / She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. / Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-2.htm">Proverbs 9:2</a></span><br />She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Isaiah 62:5</a></span><br />For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So his father went down to the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.</p><p class="hdg">made there</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-22.htm">Genesis 29:22</a></b></br> And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/1-7.htm">Esther 1:7</a></b></br> And they gave <i>them</i> drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:19</a></b></br> A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all <i>things</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/29-22.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/luke/2-43.htm">Customary</a> <a href="/judges/8-27.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/judges/14-7.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Used</a> <a href="/judges/14-9.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/14-6.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-20.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Customary</a> <a href="/judges/16-19.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/14-20.htm">Used</a> <a href="/judges/17-8.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-1.htm">Samson desires a wife of the Philistines.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-6.htm">In his journey he kills a lion</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-8.htm">In a second journey he finds honey in the carcass</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Samson's marriage feast</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-12.htm">His riddle by his wife is made known</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-19.htm">He strikes down thirty Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-20.htm">His wife is married to another.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then his father went to visit the woman</b><br>This phrase indicates the involvement of Samson's father, Manoah, in the marriage process, which was customary in ancient Israelite culture. The father's role in arranging marriages was significant, reflecting the patriarchal structure of society. This visit signifies the formalization of the betrothal, a critical step in the marriage process. The woman in question is a Philistine, highlighting the tension between Israel and the Philistines, as Israelites were generally discouraged from intermarrying with foreign nations (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-3.htm">Deuteronomy 7:3-4</a>). This sets the stage for the conflict and divine purpose that unfolds in Samson's life.<p><b>and Samson prepared a feast there</b><br>The feast mentioned here is a traditional wedding feast, which was an essential part of the marriage celebration in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Such feasts could last for several days, as seen in the wedding at Cana (<a href="/john/2.htm">John 2:1-11</a>). The preparation of the feast by Samson himself may indicate his active role in the proceedings, which is somewhat unusual given the typical involvement of family and community in such events. This feast also foreshadows the events that will lead to conflict with the Philistines, as it is during this time that Samson poses his famous riddle.<p><b>as was customary for the bridegroom</b><br>This phrase underscores the cultural norms of the time, where the bridegroom was expected to host a feast for the wedding guests. The custom reflects the social and communal nature of marriage in ancient Israel, where weddings were not just personal but community events. The bridegroom's responsibility to provide a feast is a precursor to the New Testament imagery of Christ as the bridegroom (<a href="/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15</a>; <a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7-9</a>), who prepares a heavenly banquet for His bride, the Church. This typology points to the ultimate fulfillment of marriage in the union between Christ and His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a></b><br>A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life is a series of conflicts with the Philistines.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timnah.htm">Timnah</a></b><br>A Philistine town where Samson went to marry a Philistine woman, which was against the traditional Israelite customs of marrying within their own people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/samson's_father.htm">Samson's Father</a></b><br>Manoah, who accompanied Samson to Timnah for the wedding feast, showing a degree of acceptance of Samson's decision despite cultural and religious tensions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>The ruling people in the region during Samson's time, often in conflict with the Israelites. Samson's interactions with them are central to his account.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wedding_feast.htm">Wedding Feast</a></b><br>A significant cultural event, often lasting several days, where Samson held a feast as was customary for bridegrooms.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_compromise.htm">Cultural Compromise</a></b><br>Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman shows the tension between cultural practices and religious convictions. Believers today must navigate cultural pressures while maintaining their faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/parental_influence.htm">Parental Influence</a></b><br>Manoah's involvement in the wedding feast suggests the importance of parental guidance and influence, even when children make questionable decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Samson's life illustrates the consequences of straying from God's commands, reminding believers of the importance of obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite Samson's flawed decisions, God used his actions to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that God's plans can prevail even through human weakness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_fellowship.htm">Community and Fellowship</a></b><br>The wedding feast represents community and fellowship, encouraging believers to consider how they engage with others in social settings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_judges_14_10-12_customs.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the wedding feast customs described in Judges 14:10–12? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_god_stop_jephthah's_vow.htm">Why did God allow Jephthah to sacrifice his daughter in Judges 11 without stopping him?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_not_judge_others_in_romans_14_10.htm">Romans 14:10 - Why emphasize not judging others when other passages in the New Testament do pronounce judgment on certain behaviors?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_bees_make_honey_in_a_lion's_carcass.htm">Is it scientifically plausible for bees to produce honey in the carcass of a recently slain lion (Judges 14:8-9)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">Went down unto the woman.</span>--Formally, to claim her as the bride of his son.<p><span class= "bld">Made there a feast.</span>--According to the universal custom in all ages (<a href="/genesis/29-22.htm" title="And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.">Genesis 29:22</a>; <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm" title="And he said to me, Write, Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God.">Revelation 19:9</a>). The LXX. add the words "seven days." (Comp. <a href="/genesis/29-27.htm" title="Fulfill her week, and we will give you this also for the service which you shall serve with me yet seven other years.">Genesis 29:27</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So his father went down</span>. It is not clear what is meant by this mention of his father alone; but it was probably some part of the wedding etiquette that the father should go to the bride first alone; perhaps, as Kimehi says, to give her notice of the bridegroom's approach, that she might get ready. Among the preparations may have been the selection of the thirty young men to be "the children of the bride-chamber" (<a href="/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15</a>). As these were all Philistines, the inference is that they were selected by the bride, just as with us the bride has the privilege of choosing the minister who is to officiate at the marriage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/14-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then his father</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִ֖יהוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇî·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֥רֶד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·reḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">visit the woman,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִשָּׁ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Samson</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁמְשׁוֹן֙</span> <span class="translit">(šim·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samson -- a deliverer of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prepared</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֨עַשׂ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘aś)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a feast</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(miš·teh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was customary</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲשׂ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the bridegroom.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבַּחוּרִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(hab·ba·ḥū·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_970.htm">Strong's 970: </a> </span><span class="str2">Selected, a youth</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/14-10.htm">OT History: Judges 14:10 His father went down to the woman: (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/14-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 14:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 14:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/14-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 14:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 14:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>