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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 14:20. It’s a really surprising and unsettling part of the story! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Samson’s wife, Ruth, was abandoned by him. She was treated as a friend, but then she was given to his companion – essentially, a servant. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But Samson’s wife…” : This refers to the woman named Ruth. “…was [given] to his companion…” : This means she was assigned to someone else. She wasn’t left alone. “…whom he had used as his friend.” : This is the key part. Samson had been using Ruth as a friend, perhaps because she was kind and offered him comfort or support. But he chose to give her away. The Significance & Why it's Important: This verse is a major turning point in the story of Samson. It highlights several things: Loss of Trust: It shows that Samson wasn’t entirely trustworthy, even with someone he considered a friend. He prioritized his own needs and desires over loyalty and devotion. Moral Compromise: It suggests Samson was potentially compromising his principles by treating Ruth as a friend. This is a significant point because it raises questions about the nature of his relationship with her. The Beginning of His Downfall: This act of giving Ruth away sets the stage for much of what happens to Samson – ultimately leading to his downfall and imprisonment. It’s a pivotal moment that demonstrates the consequences of his choices. In short, it's a story about betrayal, abandonment, and the potential dangers of prioritizing personal desires over loyalty and responsibility. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse or would you like me to: Explain it in a different way? Relate it to other parts of the Bible?