The Church Fathers on this verse

Judges 14:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, and he tore the lion as he would have torn a kid in pieces, having nothing at all in his hand: and he would not tell this to his father and mother.

Douay-Rheims

וַתִּצְלַ֨ח עָלָ֜יו ר֣וּחַ יְהוָ֗ה וַֽיְשַׁסְּעֵ֙הוּ֙ כְּשַׁסַּ֣ע הַגְּדִ֔י וּמְא֖וּמָה אֵ֣ין בְּיָד֑וֹ וְלֹ֤א הִגִּיד֙ לְאָבִ֣יו וּלְאִמּ֔וֹ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָֽׂה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Explore the Scriptures and observe that whenever they aim to signify something supernaturally achieved, it is invariably credited to the action of the Spirit. As you read the Scriptures, you will notice that the influence of the Spirit is highlighted before every notable act. When the outsiders arrived, the Spirit of the Lord descended upon Samson. A lion charged, and he tore the lion apart as if it were a young goat.

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

Samson found himself alone, without a partner nearby and weaponless. To withdraw was a dishonor; his awareness of his own might instilled him with boldness, enabling him to slay the creature that charged at him, overpowering it with his bare hands. Once the life left the beast in his grasp, he cast its lifeless body aside along the path, leaving it hidden amongst the lush grass. The area was a bountiful pasture, rich with verdant growth and thriving vineyards.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.