Judges 14:4 net — Now his father and mother did not realize this was the LORD’s doing, because he was looking for an opportunity to stir…

NET Bible

"Now his father and mother did not realize this was the LORD’s doing, because he was looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble with the Philistines(for at that time the Philistines were ruling Israel)."

— Judges 14:4, NET Bible

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Judges 14:4 in Other Translations

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Judges 14 — Context

1

Samson’s Unconsummated Marriage Samson went down to Timnah, where a Philistine girl caught his eye.

2

When he got home, he told his father and mother,“A Philistine girl in Timnah has caught my eye. Now get her for my wife.”

3

But his father and mother said to him,“Certainly you can find a wife among your relatives or among all our people! You should not have to go and get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines.” But Samson said to his father,“Get her for me, because she is the right one for me.”

4

Now his father and mother did not realize this was the LORD’s doing, because he was looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble with the Philistines(for at that time the Philistines were ruling Israel).

5

Samson went down to Timnah. When he approached the vineyards of Timnah, he saw a roaring young lion attacking him.

6

The LORD’s Spirit empowered him and he tore the lion in two with his bare hands as easily as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.

7

Samson continued on down to Timnah and spoke to the girl. In his opinion, she was just the right one.

Judges 14:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Judges 14:4 say?
Judges 14:4 in the NET Bible reads: “Now his father and mother did not realize this was the LORD’s doing, because he was looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble with the Philistines(for at that time the Philistines were ruling Israel).”
Where is Judges 14:4 in the Bible?
Judges 14:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Judges, chapter 14, verse 4.
Who wrote Judges?
Judges is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel). It was written c. 1050–1000 BC.
What is the book of Judges about?
Judges chronicles the cycle of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that defined Israel between Joshua and Samuel. Through twelve raised-up deliverers — including Deborah, Gideon, and Samson — God repeatedly rescues a people who keep doing what is right in their own eyes.
What are the major themes of Judges?
Judges explores themes including Apostasy, Deliverance, Cycles of Sin, Need for a King, Mercy. These themes shape the meaning and context of Judges 14:4.
What translation should I read Judges 14:4 in?
Judges 14:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Judges 14:4?
Judges 14:4 reads (NET): “Now his father and mother did not realize this was the LORD’s doing, because he was looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble with the Philistines(for at that time the Philistines were ruling Israel).” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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