What does Judges 14:11 mean?
"And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him." - Judges 14:11
Judges 14:11 - "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."
Judges 14:11 (KJV) says, "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of Judges, and it is part of the story of Samson, a man who was known for his incredible strength and his role as a judge and leader of the Israelites. The context of this particular verse is that Samson had just returned to his home village and was preparing for his wedding feast. In the verses leading up to this one, Samson had posed a riddle to the thirty Philistine men who had been chosen as his companions for the wedding feast. The riddle was a challenge to the Philistines, and they were determined to solve it in order to avoid the penalty Samson had set for them if they failed.
This verse is significant in a number of ways, both within the context of the story of Samson and in terms of broader biblical themes. One important aspect of this verse is the portrayal of Samson's character and his interactions with the Philistines. Samson was a fierce and independent figure who was willing to challenge the Philistines and assert his own strength and authority. In this verse, we see him in a position of power, surrounded by thirty companions who were chosen specifically to be with him. This serves as a reminder of Samson's strength and leadership qualities, as well as his ability to command the loyalty and attention of others.
In addition, this verse also speaks to the theme of conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Judges and the Old Testament as a whole. The presence of the thirty Philistine companions at Samson's feast is a reminder of the ongoing tension and hostility between these two groups, as well as the ways in which Samson was willing to confront and challenge the Philistines in various ways. This conflict is central to the narrative of Samson and is reflective of the broader struggle between the Israelites and their enemies throughout the Old Testament.
Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the number thirty. In biblical numerology, the number thirty is often associated with dedication and consecration, as well as unity and maturity. The fact that Samson had thirty companions with him at his feast could be seen as symbolic of his own dedication to the task at hand, as well as the unity and fellowship that existed among the people of Israel. Additionally, the presence of the thirty Philistine companions could be seen as symbolic of the ongoing conflict and tension between the Israelites and their enemies, as well as the broader theme of spiritual warfare that is present throughout the Bible.
Overall, Judges 14:11 is a verse that is rich in meaning and significance within the broader context of the story of Samson and the themes of conflict, strength, and symbolism present in the Old Testament. It serves as a reminder of Samson's powerful and independent character, the ongoing struggles between the Israelites and the Philistines, and the broader themes of dedication, unity, and spiritual warfare that are central to the biblical narrative.
Judges 14:11 Artwork
Judges 14:11 - "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."
Judges 11:14 - "And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon:"
Judges 12:11 - "¶ And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years."
1 Corinthians 11:31 - "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."
Job 31:11 - "For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges."
Psalms 148:11 - "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:"
Judges 2:11 - "¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:"
Judges 14:1 - "And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines."
Judges 14:7 - "And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well."
Judges 3:14 - "So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years."
Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."
John 16:11 - "Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."
Judges 9:14 - "Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us."
Ezekiel 11:11 - "This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof; but I will judge you in the border of Israel:"
Judges 11:4 - "¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel."
Judges 14:14 - "And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle."
Judges 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."
Judges 11:27 - "Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon."
Judges 17:11 - "And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons."
Judges 12:14 - "And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years."
Judges 11:40 - "That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year."
Judges 11:6 - "And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."
Judges 11:11 - "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh."
Matthew 11:14 - "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come."
Leviticus 11:14 - "And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;"
Romans 14:13 - "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."
Judges 11:28 - "Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him."
Judges 1:11 - "And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher:"
Judges 11:1 - "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah."
Judges 20:11 - "So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man."