Judges 14:20

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

American King James Version (AKJV)

But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

American Standard Version (ASV)

But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

But Samson's wife was given to the friend who had been his best man.

Webster's Revision

But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

World English Bible

But Samson's wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

English Revised Version (ERV)

But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

Clarke's Judges 14:20 Bible Commentary

But Samson's wife was given to his companion - This was the same kind of person who is called the friend of the bridegroom, John 3:29. And it is very likely that she loved this person better than she loved her husband, and went to him as soon as Samson had gone to his father's house at Zorah. She might, however, have thought herself abandoned by him, and therefore took another; this appears to have been the persuasion of her father, Judges 15:2. But her betraying his secret and his interests to his enemies was a full proof he was not very dear to her; though, to persuade him to the contrary, she shed many crocodile tears; see Judges 14:16. He could not keep his own secret, and he was fool enough to suppose that another would be more faithful to him than he was to himself. Multitudes complain of the treachery of friends betraying their secrets, etc., never considering that they themselves have been their first betrayers, in confiding to others what they pretend to wish should be a secret to the whole world! If a man never let his secret out of his own bosom, it is impossible that he should ever be betrayed.

Barnes's Judges 14:20 Bible Commentary

His companion - Perhaps one of those mentioned in Judges 14:11. The transaction denotes loose notions of the sanctity of marriage among the Philistines. It should be noted carefully that the practical lesson against ungodly marriages comes out most strongly in this case and that the providential purpose which out of this evil brought discomfiture to the Philistines, has nothing to do with the right or wrong of Samson's conduct.

Wesley's Judges 14:20 Bible Commentary

14:20 Was given - By her father. Whom he had used - That is, to the chief of the bride - men, to whom he had shewed most respect and kindness.