Judges 14:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When the Philistines see Samson, they assign thirty companions to accompany him at the feast.
What Does Judges 14:11 Mean?
As the feast begins, the Philistines bring thirty young men to be Samson's companions. In the custom of the day such groomsmen attended the bridegroom, though here their number and the watchful tone hint at more than friendship.
The thirty are with Samson, yet they are of the Philistines, among whom he is a stranger and, unknown to them, an instrument of their coming defeat. The verse sets the stage for conflict dressed as celebration. Surrounded but not truly accompanied, Samson stands alone among many. It is a picture of how a person may be encircled by company and still belong to a purpose none of them share.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 14:11
What does Judges 14:11 mean?
When the Philistines see Samson, they assign thirty companions to accompany him at the feast.