Judges 14:19
New International Version
Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him. He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of everything and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle. Burning with anger, he returned to his father’s home.

New Living Translation
Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him. He went down to the town of Ashkelon, killed thirty men, took their belongings, and gave their clothing to the men who had solved his riddle. But Samson was furious about what had happened, and he went back home to live with his father and mother.

English Standard Version
And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men of the town and took their spoil and gave the garments to those who had told the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father’s house.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,

King James Bible
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

New King James Version
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave the changes of clothing to those who had explained the riddle. So his anger was aroused, and he went back up to his father’s house.

New American Standard Bible
Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty men of them and took what they were wearing and gave the outfits of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.

NASB 1995
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.

NASB 1977
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil, and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the Spirit of Yahweh came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.

Amplified Bible
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their gear, and gave changes of clothes to those who had explained the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.

Christian Standard Bible
The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully on him, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of their men. He stripped them and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle. In a rage, Samson returned to his father’s house,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Spirit of the LORD took control of him, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed 30 of their men. He stripped them and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle. In a rage, Samson returned to his father’s house,

American Standard Version
And the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and smote thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave the changes of raiment unto them that declared the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

Contemporary English Version
Then the LORD's Spirit took control of Samson. He went to Ashkelon, where he killed 30 men and took their clothing. Samson then gave it to the 30 young men at Timnah and stormed back home to his own family.

English Revised Version
And the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and smote thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave the changes of raiment unto them that declared the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the LORD's Spirit came over him, he went to Ashkelon and killed 30 men there. He took their clothes and gave them to the men who solved the riddle. He was angry, and he went to his father's house.

Good News Translation
Suddenly the power of the LORD made him strong, and he went down to Ashkelon, where he killed thirty men, stripped them, and gave their fine clothes to the men who had solved the riddle. After that, he went back home, furious about what had happened,

International Standard Version
Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed 30 men, took their belongings, and gave the garments to those who had told him the solution to the riddle. He remained furious, left for his father's house,

Majority Standard Bible
Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,

NET Bible
The LORD's spirit empowered him. He went down to Ashkelon and murdered thirty men. He took their clothes and gave them to the men who had solved the riddle. He was furious as he went back home.

New Heart English Bible
The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and struck thirty men of them, and took their belongings, and gave their garments to those who explained the riddle. His anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments to them who expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

World English Bible
Yahweh’s Spirit came mightily on him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck thirty men of them. He took their plunder, then gave the changes of clothing to those who declared the riddle. His anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Spirit of YHWH prospers over him, and he goes down to Ashkelon, and strikes down thirty of their men, and takes their armor, and gives the changes to those declaring the riddle; and his anger burns, and he goes up to the house of his father;

Young's Literal Translation
And the Spirit of Jehovah prospereth over him, and he goeth down to Ashkelon, and smiteth of them thirty men, and taketh their armour, and giveth the changes to those declaring the riddle; and his anger burneth, and he goeth up to the house of his father;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the spirit of Jehovah will fall suddenly upon him, and he will go down to Ashkelon and will strike from them thirty men, and he will take their spoils, and will give exchanges to those announcing the enigma. And his anger will kindle, and he will go up to his father's house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ascalon, and slew there thirty men, whose garments he took away and gave to them that had declared the riddle. And being exceeding angry he went up to his father's house:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and he descended to Ashkelon, and in that place he struck down thirty men. And taking away their garments, he gave them to those who had solved the problem. And being exceedingly angry, he went up to his father’s house.

New American Bible
The spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, where he killed thirty of their men and stripped them; he gave their garments to those who had answered the riddle. Then he went off to his own family in anger,

New Revised Standard Version
Then the spirit of the LORD rushed on him, and he went down to Ashkelon. He killed thirty men of the town, took their spoil, and gave the festal garments to those who had explained the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father’s house.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and he seized thirty of their men, and he slew them and took their garments and gave them to those who had interpreted his riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And The Spirit of LORD JEHOVAH granted him prosperity and he went down to Ashqalaun and he seized thirty men of them and he killed them, and he took their clothes and he gave to those who interpreted his riddle. And his anger was provoked, and he came up to the house of his father
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and smote thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave the changes of raiment unto them that declared the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully, and he went down to Ascalon, and destroyed of the inhabitants thirty men, and took their garments, and gave the changes of raiment to them that told the riddle; and Sampson was very angry, and went up to the house of his father.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Samson's Riddle
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!” 19Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house, 20and his wife was given to one of the men who had accompanied him.…

Cross References
Judges 15:14-15
When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands. / He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men.

1 Samuel 11:6
When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger.

1 Samuel 18:25-27
Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. / When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived, / David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage.

1 Samuel 19:8
When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.

1 Samuel 30:1-2
On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.

2 Samuel 5:17-25
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” ...

2 Kings 2:24
Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.

2 Kings 5:20-27
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” / So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” / “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” ...

2 Kings 6:32-33
Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” / While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?”

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 12:28
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Luke 4:1
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Luke 4:14
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region.


Treasury of Scripture

And the Spirit of the LORD came on him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments to them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

the Spirit

Judges 14:6
And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.

Judges 3:10
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

Judges 13:25
And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

spoil, or, apparel

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Anger Ashkelon Change Changes Clothing Declared Expounded House Kindled Mightily Raiment Riddle Slew Smote Spirit Spoil Struck Thirty
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Anger Ashkelon Change Changes Clothing Declared Expounded House Kindled Mightily Raiment Riddle Slew Smote Spirit Spoil Struck Thirty
Judges 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.














Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him
This phrase signifies a divine empowerment that is characteristic of the judges in Israel. The Hebrew word for "Spirit" is "Ruach," which can mean breath, wind, or spirit, indicating a force that is both life-giving and dynamic. The phrase "came powerfully upon him" suggests an overwhelming influence, a divine intervention that enables Samson to perform feats beyond human capability. This empowerment is not a permanent indwelling but a temporary endowment for a specific purpose, reflecting the Old Testament pattern of the Spirit's work.

and he went down to Ashkelon
Ashkelon was one of the five major Philistine cities, located on the coastal plain of what is now modern-day Israel. Archaeological findings reveal it as a significant urban center during the time of the Judges. Samson's journey to Ashkelon is both geographical and symbolic, representing a confrontation with the Philistine oppressors. The act of going "down" may also imply a descent into enemy territory, highlighting the boldness and audacity of Samson's actions under divine influence.

struck down thirty of their men
The act of striking down thirty men is a demonstration of Samson's physical strength, which is a recurring theme in his narrative. The Hebrew verb used here, "nakah," often implies a decisive and forceful action. This act of violence is not merely personal vengeance but is seen within the context of Israel's struggle against Philistine domination. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between God's chosen people and their oppressors.

took their apparel
In ancient times, clothing was a valuable commodity, often used as a form of wealth or barter. By taking the apparel of the slain men, Samson is not only fulfilling his obligation to provide garments for those who solved his riddle but is also symbolically stripping the Philistines of their dignity and status. This act can be seen as a form of divine retribution, where the oppressors are humiliated and their resources are appropriated for God's purposes.

and gave the changes of clothes to those who had explained the riddle
This phrase highlights the fulfillment of a vow or promise, even under duress. Samson's adherence to his word, despite the circumstances, reflects a complex character who is bound by his commitments. The "changes of clothes" are a tangible representation of the wager he made, and their delivery signifies the completion of a transaction, albeit one that was manipulated by deceit.

Burning with anger
The phrase "burning with anger" captures the intense emotional state of Samson. The Hebrew word "charah" conveys a sense of heat or burning, indicating a deep-seated rage. This anger is not only personal but also reflects the broader tension between Israel and the Philistines. It serves as a catalyst for Samson's subsequent actions and decisions, driving the narrative forward in the unfolding drama of his life.

he returned to his father’s house
Returning to his father's house signifies a retreat from the immediate conflict and a return to familial roots. It suggests a moment of reflection and regrouping after the intense events in Ashkelon. This return can also be seen as a temporary withdrawal from the public sphere into the private, familial domain, where Samson can reassess his mission and purpose. It underscores the cyclical nature of his journey, moving between confrontation and retreat, action and reflection.

(19) To Ashkelon.--Probably he seized the opportunity of some great feast to Dagon, or even of another marriage festival, since the linen robes and rich garments would not be such as would be worn every day.

Took their spoil.--The Hebrew word chalisah is rendered "armour" in 2Samuel 2:21 (LXX.,panoplia), and the Targum on Judges 14:13 seems to understand "suits of armour."

Gave . . . unto them which expounded the riddle.--They were unaware whence he had obtained the means to discharge his wager. The morality of the act can, of course, only be judged from the standpoint of the time.

Verse 19. - The Spirit of the Lord, etc. - as in ver. 6 and Judges 13:25, where see notes. The verb here, came upon him, is the same as in ver. 6. Thirty men - the number of the companions to whom he felt bound to pay the thirty changes of garment. Ashkelon (Judges 1:18) - one of the five Philistine cities, but the least often mentioned, owing, it is thought, to its remote situation "on the extreme edge of the shore of the Mediterranean, far down in the south." It still preserves its ancient name, and was famous in the time of the Crusaders. "Within the walls and towers now standing Richard (Coeur de Lion) held his court." The onion called eschalot, or shallot, is named from Eshkalon, or Ashkalon. Their spoil - that which was stripped from them. His anger was kindled - against the Philistines in general, and his wife in particular, so that he went back to his father s house without her.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the Spirit
ר֣וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

came mightily
וַתִּצְלַ֨ח (wat·tiṣ·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6743: To push forward

upon him,
עָלָ֜יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and he went down
וַיֵּ֨רֶד (way·yê·reḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to Ashkelon,
אַשְׁקְל֜וֹן (’aš·qə·lō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 831: Ashkelon -- a city of the Philistines

killed
וַיַּ֥ךְ (way·yaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

thirty
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים (šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth

of their men,
אִ֗ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

took
וַיִּקַּח֙ (way·yiq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

their apparel,
חֲלִ֣יצוֹתָ֔ם (ḥă·lî·ṣō·w·ṯām)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2488: What is stripped off (a person)

and gave
וַיִּתֵּן֙ (way·yit·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

their clothes
הַחֲלִיפ֔וֹת (ha·ḥă·lî·p̄ō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2487: Alternation

to those who had solved
לְמַגִּידֵ֖י (lə·mag·gî·ḏê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

the riddle.
הַחִידָ֑ה (ha·ḥî·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2420: A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question

And burning
וַיִּ֣חַר (way·yi·ḥar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

with anger,
אַפּ֔וֹ (’ap·pōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

Samson returned
וַיַּ֖עַל (way·ya·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

to his father’s
אָבִֽיהוּ׃ (’ā·ḇî·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

house,
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT History: Judges 14:19 The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 14:18
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