The Church Fathers on this verse

Judges 14:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And after some days, returning to take her, he went aside to see the carcass of the lion, and behold there was a swarm of bees in the mouth of the lion, and a honey-comb.

Douay-Rheims

וַיָּ֤שָׁב מִיָּמִים֙ לְקַחְתָּ֔הּ וַיָּ֣סַר לִרְא֔וֹת אֵ֖ת מַפֶּ֣לֶת הָאַרְיֵ֑ה וְהִנֵּ֨ה עֲדַ֧ת דְּבוֹרִ֛ים בִּגְוִיַּ֥ת הָאַרְיֵ֖ה וּדְבָֽשׁ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

Samson concluded that presenting his cherished bride with the hide of a wild animal was not suitable, as such occasions are best celebrated with joyful pastimes and festive garlands rather than with grim trophies. During his journey back, he discovered honeycomb within the carcass of a lion and chose to bring this sweetness as a gift for his parents and the young woman, believing that this was a fitting offering for the bride. He sampled the honey himself and shared it with his family, yet he kept the source of the gift a secret.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.