Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version She cried the whole seven days of the feast. So on the seventh day he finally told her, because she continued to press him. She in turn explained the riddle to her people. New Living Translation So she cried whenever she was with him and kept it up for the rest of the celebration. At last, on the seventh day he told her the answer because she was tormenting him with her nagging. Then she explained the riddle to the young men. English Standard Version She wept before him the seven days that their feast lasted, and on the seventh day he told her, because she pressed him hard. Then she told the riddle to her people. Berean Standard Bible She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. Berean Literal Bible And she wept on him the seven days, while their feast lasted. And it came to pass on the seventh day that he told her, because she had pressed him so much, and she explained the riddle to the sons of her people. King James Bible And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people. New King James Version Now she had wept on him the seven days while their feast lasted. And it happened on the seventh day that he told her, because she pressed him so much. Then she explained the riddle to the sons of her people. New American Standard Bible However she wept before him for seven days while their feast lasted. And on the seventh day he told her because she pressed him so hard. She then told the riddle to the sons of her people. NASB 1995 However she wept before him seven days while their feast lasted. And on the seventh day he told her because she pressed him so hard. She then told the riddle to the sons of her people. NASB 1977 However she wept before him seven days while their feast lasted. And it came about on the seventh day that he told her because she pressed him so hard. She then told the riddle to the sons of her people. Legacy Standard Bible However she wept before him seven days while their feast lasted. And on the seventh day he told her because she pressed him so hard. She then told the riddle to the sons of her people. Amplified Bible However Samson’s wife wept before him seven days while their [wedding] feast lasted, and on the seventh day he told her because she pressed him so hard. Then she told the [answer to the] riddle to her countrymen. Berean Annotated Bible She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. Christian Standard Bible She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and at last, on the seventh day, he explained it to her, because she had nagged him so much. Then she explained it to her people. Holman Christian Standard Bible She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and at last, on the seventh day, he explained it to her, because she had nagged him so much. Then she explained it to her people. American Standard Version And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she pressed him sore; and she told the riddle to the children of her people. Contemporary English Version For the entire seven days of the party, she had been whining and trying to get the answer from him. But that seventh day she put so much pressure on Samson that he finally gave in and told her the answer. She went straight to the young men and told them. English Revised Version And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she pressed him sore: and she told the riddle to the children of her people. GOD'S WORD® Translation But she cried on his shoulder for the rest of the seven days of the party. Finally, on the seventh day he told her the answer because she made his life miserable. Then she told her friends the answer to the riddle. Good News Translation She cried about it for the whole seven days of the feast. But on the seventh day he told her what the riddle meant, for she nagged him so about it. Then she told the Philistines. International Standard Version So she kept on crying in front of him for the entire seven days of the wedding party. On the seventh day he told the solution to her because she nagged him, and then she told the solution to the riddle to her relatives. NET Bible She cried on his shoulder until the party was almost over. Finally, on the seventh day, he told her because she had nagged him so much. Then she told the young men the solution to the riddle. New Heart English Bible She wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it happened on the seventh day, that he told her, because she pressed him hard; and she told the riddle to the children of her people. Webster's Bible Translation And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she urged him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleShe wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. World English Bible She wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted; and on the seventh day, he told her, because she pressed him severely; and she told the riddle to the children of her people. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd she weeps for it the seven days [in] which their banquet has been, and it comes to pass on the seventh day that he declares [it] to her, for she has distressed him; and she declares the riddle to the sons of her people. Berean Literal Bible And she wept on him the seven days, while their feast lasted. And it came to pass on the seventh day that he told her, because she had pressed him so much, and she explained the riddle to the sons of her people. Young's Literal Translation And she weepeth for it the seven days in which their banquet hath been, and it cometh to pass on the seventh day that he declareth it to her, for she hath distressed him; and she declareth the riddle to the sons of her people. Smith's Literal Translation And she will weep upon him seven days which were to them of the drinking: and it will be in the seventh day, and he will announce to her, for she urged him: and she will announce the enigma to the sons of her people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo she wept before him the seven days of the feast: and at length on the seventh day as she was troublesome to him, he expounded it. And she immediately told her countrymen. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, she wept before him during the seven days of the feast. And at length, on the seventh day, since she had been troubling him, he explained it. And immediately she revealed it to her countrymen. New American Bible But she wept beside him during the seven days the feast lasted, and on the seventh day, he told her the answer, because she pressed him, and she explained the riddle to her people. New Revised Standard Version She wept before him the seven days that their feast lasted; and because she nagged him, on the seventh day he told her. Then she explained the riddle to her people. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd she wept the seven days, while the feast lasted; and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she distressed him; and she told the riddle to her countrymen. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And she was weeping those seven days of the wedding feast, and on the seventh day he told her, because she tormented him, and she revealed the riddle to the sons of her people OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted; and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she pressed him sore; and she told the riddle to the children of her people. Brenton Septuagint Translation And she wept before him the seven days, during which their banquet lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she troubled him; and she told it to the children of her people. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Samson's Riddle…16Then Samson’s wife came to him, weeping, and said, “You hate me! You do not really love me! You have posed to my people a riddle, but have not explained it to me.” “Look,” he said, “I have not even explained it to my father or mother, so why should I explain it to you?” 17She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. 18Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to Samson: “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” So he said to them: “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!”… Cross References She wept the whole seven days of the feast, Esther 1:5 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. 2 Chronicles 30:23 The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy. Genesis 50:10 When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days. and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. Luke 18:5 yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Otherwise, she will wear me out with her perpetual requests.’” Luke 11:8 I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 2 Kings 2:17 But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. Proverbs 1:6 by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. Daniel 5:12 did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.” Daniel 2:22 He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. Judges 16:16-17 Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death, / Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.” Proverbs 7:21 With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 29:20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. Genesis 29:27-28 Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work.” / And Jacob did just that. He finished the week’s celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife. Genesis 34:12 Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!” 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. Treasury of Scripture And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore on him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people. Judges 16:6,13,16 And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee… Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. and she told Proverbs 2:16,17 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; … Jump to Previous Children Continued Countrymen Cried Explained Hard However Lasted Peace Press Pressed Riddle Seven Seventh Sore Turn Urged Weeping Wept Whole WordJump to Next Children Continued Countrymen Cried Explained Hard However Lasted Peace Press Pressed Riddle Seven Seventh Sore Turn Urged Weeping Wept Whole WordJudges 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. She wept the whole seven days of the feast In ancient Israel, wedding feasts typically lasted seven days, a time of celebration and joy. However, Samson's wife weeping throughout the feast indicates a significant disruption to the expected festivities. Her persistent weeping reflects the cultural and emotional pressure she faced, possibly from her Philistine kin, to extract the answer to Samson's riddle. This act of weeping can be seen as a form of manipulation, a tactic used to wear down Samson's resolve. The number seven is often symbolic in the Bible, representing completeness or perfection, which contrasts with the imperfect and deceitful nature of the events unfolding. and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer And in turn she explained the riddle to her people Persons / Places / Events 1. SamsonA 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 was marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines. 2. Delilah Although not directly mentioned in Judges 14:17, she is a significant figure in Samson's life. In this chapter, Samson's wife, who is unnamed, foreshadows Delilah's later betrayal. 3. Philistines A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the judges. They were often in conflict with Samson, who was raised up by God to begin delivering Israel from their oppression. 4. Timnah A Philistine town where Samson went to find a wife, which led to a series of events that increased tensions between him and the Philistines. 5. The Feast A seven-day wedding feast, a customary celebration during which Samson posed a riddle to the Philistine guests, leading to the events of Judges 14:17. Teaching Points The Consequences of Unequally Yoked RelationshipsSamson's choice to marry a Philistine woman led to betrayal and conflict. Believers are encouraged to seek relationships that honor God and align with their faith. The Power of Persistence Samson's wife wept and pressed him for seven days until he revealed the answer to his riddle. This persistence, though used negatively here, can remind us of the importance of perseverance in prayer and faith. Guarding One's Heart Samson's vulnerability to emotional manipulation serves as a warning to guard our hearts and be discerning in our relationships. The Danger of Compromise Samson's willingness to reveal his secret under pressure shows the danger of compromising one's values and commitments. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure Despite Samson's personal failures, God used the situation to fulfill His purposes against the Philistines, reminding us that God's plans prevail even when we falter. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 14:17?2. How does Judges 14:17 illustrate the consequences of yielding to emotional pressure? 3. What can we learn about Samson's character from his actions in Judges 14:17? 4. How does Judges 14:17 connect to Proverbs 21:23 about guarding one's mouth? 5. In what ways can we apply Samson's experience to resist temptation today? 6. How does Judges 14:17 demonstrate the importance of discernment in relationships? 7. Why did Samson's wife betray him by revealing the riddle's answer in Judges 14:17? 8. How does Judges 14:17 reflect on the nature of trust in relationships? 9. What cultural practices influenced the events in Judges 14:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 14? 11. What riddles are found in the Bible? 12. Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the wedding feast customs described in Judges 14:10-12? 13. In Judges 17:1-4, how does Micah's mother shift from cursing the stolen silver to dedicating it for an idol, and what does this imply about her religious consistency? 14. Can Christians celebrate Christmas? What Does Judges 14:17 Mean Seven Days of TearsSamson’s bride “wept the whole seven days of the feast” (Judges 14:17). • In the straightforward chronology of the wedding banquet (Judges 14:10-12), the text shows her tears lasting the entire celebration. • Continuous weeping highlights deep emotional manipulation, much like Delilah’s later appeals (Judges 16:15-16) and contrasts with the joy normally expected at such feasts (John 2:9). • Proverbs 21:9 and 27:15 illustrate the wearing effects of constant contention in a household, underscoring how her persistence eroded Samson’s resolve. Relentless Pressure on the Seventh Day “Finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much…” • The phrase “pressed him” mirrors the nagging tactic Delilah will use (Judges 16:16-17), showing a pattern of Samson succumbing to sustained pressure. • Genesis 19:9 and Luke 18:5 depict similar scenarios where relentless pleading brings capitulation. • The literal timeline—“on the seventh day”—emphasizes both God’s perfect number and the completion of the test of Samson’s patience. Samson Gives Up the Secret “…he told her the answer.” • Samson’s vow of secrecy (Judges 14:13-14) breaks under emotional strain, prefiguring greater breaches that will eventually cost him his strength (Judges 16:17). • Proverbs 13:3 warns that “he who guards his mouth protects his life,” spotlighting the spiritual danger of careless disclosure. • His concession shows the vulnerability of God’s chosen judge when personal desires override divine calling (Judges 13:5; 1 Corinthians 10:12). A Betrayal Revealed to Her People “And in turn she explained the riddle to her people.” • Her immediate report to the Philistines (Judges 14:15-18) confirms her divided loyalties, echoing Proverbs 26:24-26 about hidden hatred revealed by speech. • This act triggers Samson’s violent retaliation (Judges 14:19-20), illustrating the cascading consequences of betrayal. • Psalm 41:9 foreshadows Christ’s betrayal, linking the pain of treachery across redemptive history. summary Judges 14:17 portrays a literal sequence: seven days of unrelenting tears, intensified pressure on the final day, Samson’s surrender of the riddle, and the bride’s swift betrayal. The passage warns of the destructive power of persistent manipulation, the peril of divulging sacred truths, and the severe fallout when covenant loyalty is broken. God’s Word stands accurate and clear, reminding believers to guard their hearts and tongues, remain steadfast under pressure, and trust the Lord rather than yielding to human demands. (17) The seven days.--The margin suggests that it may mean the rest of the seven days. If not, it can only imply that mere feminine curiosity had induced Samson's wife to weary her husband to tell her the secret from the first.On the seventh day.--Perhaps he hoped that he might prevent her from finding an opportunity to betray his secret. He told her.--"Keep the door of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom" (Micah 7:5). She lay sore upon him--i.e., she grievously troubled him (LXX., Vulg.). She told the riddle.--Perhaps she might have done so in any case, but she now had the excuse of violent menaces. Verse 17. - She lay sore upon him. In Judges 16:16 the same word is rendered pressed him. It came to pass on the seventh day. This is the confluence of the two streams of narrative.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew She weptוַתֵּ֤בְךְּ (wat·tê·ḇək) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan the whole seven שִׁבְעַ֣ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ) Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number days הַיָּמִ֔ים (hay·yā·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day of the feast, הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֑ה (ham·miš·teh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast and finally וַיְהִ֣י ׀ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be on the seventh הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י (haš·šə·ḇî·‘î) Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular Strong's 7637: Seventh (an ordinal number) day, בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction she had pressed him so much, הֱצִיקַ֔תְהוּ (hĕ·ṣî·qaṯ·hū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 6693: To constrain, bring into straits, press upon he told וַיַּגֶּד־ (way·yag·geḏ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous her [the answer]. לָהּ֙ (lāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew And in turn she explained וַתַּגֵּ֥ד (wat·tag·gêḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous the riddle הַחִידָ֖ה (ha·ḥî·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2420: A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question to her people. לִבְנֵ֥י (liḇ·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son Links Judges 14:17 NIVJudges 14:17 NLT Judges 14:17 ESV Judges 14:17 NASB Judges 14:17 KJV Judges 14:17 BibleApps.com Judges 14:17 Biblia Paralela Judges 14:17 Chinese Bible Judges 14:17 French Bible Judges 14:17 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 14:17 She wept before him the seven days (Jd Judg. 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