Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah is literally “And he went down Samson and his father and his mother to Timnah.” Samson seems to have convinced his parents to do what he asked. They accompany him to Timnah to work out the arrangements for his marriage. 14.4 has interrupted the narration, so the Hebrew waw conjunction rendered Then may be rather translated “So” (Good News Translation) or “Thus.” Some languages may prefer “Sometime later,” along with starting a new paragraph. For went down, see verse 14.1. This verb is singular in Hebrew, since Samson is the primary actor. Many languages show agreement with the first noun of a series. Some versions, such as Revised English Bible and New Jerusalem Bible, omit with his father and mother, believing this phrase to be a later addition, but Hebrew Old Testament Text Project gives an {A} rating to the Hebrew text. While New International Version says “together with his father and mother,” we could also say “along with his mother and father.” For his father and mother, see verse 14.2; for Timnah see verse 14.1.

And he came to the vineyards of Timnah: Instead of he came, the Hebrew text has “they came.” The Hebrew verb here is plural, but in light of the previous singular verb, Revised Standard Version and many other versions change it to a singular one (also New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Nevertheless, many versions maintain the Hebrew plural verb (Good News Translation, New International Version, New American Bible), which Hebrew Old Testament Text Project gives a {B} rating. Following the Hebrew text here does cause a problem, however, since it becomes clear later in verse 14.6 that Samson’s parents do not seem to know anything about the lion that he killed. To avoid any confusion, following Revised Standard Version (he came) seems a better translation choice here.

It is quite possible that the vineyards of Timnah were outside the town. For vineyards see verse 9.27. Samson’s mother had made a vow to never drink wine while pregnant with Samson, and she received instructions from the angel that she should raise Samson in this way. Therefore the mention of Samson heading toward vineyards may symbolize disobedience of the Nazirite vow. The text does not say that he drank wine, but once again it gives the impression that Samson is going to places where he should not be.

And behold, a young lion roared against him: This description gives the impression that the lion was ready to attack Samson. Behold renders the attention-getting Hebrew word hinneh, marking a climactic moment in the story. New Revised Standard Version and New International Version render it “suddenly,” which conveys some of its impact. Another possible rendering is “out of nowhere.” Translators should look for an expression that marks a story climax, or one that expresses surprise or danger. A young lion is literally “a young lion of the lions.” The Hebrew word for “young lion” refers to a lion not old enough to look for prey, while the word for “lions” is the general term. It is likely this Hebrew expression is a superlative referring to a very strong young lion. Although New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh suggests “a full grown lion,” Contemporary English Version‘s “a fierce young lion” is probably closer to the meaning in Hebrew. However, translators should be careful in rendering “young lion,” not to use an expression that would evoke pity on the part of readers or hearers (for example, “a poor young lion”).

Roared against him is literally “roaring to meet him,” which renders a Hebrew participle describing the lion letting out a fearful cry as he moved toward Samson. There is a slight problem here since scientists today note that roaring lions do not attack, but in traditional stories all over the world, roaring signals an imminent attack. New International Version renders well the excitement of the moment by saying “suddenly a young lion came roaring toward him.” Revised English Bible is similar with “a young lion came at him growling.” Good News Translation‘s “he heard a young lion roaring” seems flat and does not say enough, while Contemporary English Version‘s “a fierce young lion suddenly roared and attacked Samson” may be perhaps too explicit. Translators need to express the excitement without going too far beyond the text.

Translation models for this verse are:

• Thus Samson along with his parents went to Timnah. As he reached the vineyards there, suddenly a young lion came roaring at him.

• So Samson and his parents departed for Timnah. Later as he went by the vineyards of that town, out of nowhere a young fierce lion came roaring toward him.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .