And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years: The Hebrew waw conjunction rendered And introduces this summary statement. Most English versions omit this connector (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). The pronoun he refers to Samson. Since this verse is either at the end of a unit or in a paragraph by itself, most languages will prefer to replace he with the name “Samson” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). The use of the verb judged shows that despite his weaknesses and shortcomings, Samson is considered an important leader or deliverer. He judged Israel like Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, and Gideon. For the Hebrew verb rendered judged (shafat), see verse 3.10. In this context Israel refers to a restricted area, rather than all the territory of Israel. However, it is better to respect the style and viewpoint of the narrator here, who views Israel as a united whole (see comments on verse 1.1). He judged Israel may be rendered “Samson was a leader in Israel,” “Samson led Israel,” or “Samson was a deliverer in Israel.” Translators should be careful to use the same term for judged as in the previous judges’ episodes.
In the days of the Philistines refers to the period of time that the Philistines ruled over the Israelites, rather than the entire period that they lived in the region. To make this clear, Good News Translation says “while the Philistines ruled the land.”
Twenty years is quite a long time for a judge to lead the Israelites. This same information is given again at the “real” ending of the story (verse 16.31).
Translation models for this verse are:
• Samson was a leader of the Israelites for twenty years during the time the Philistines occupied their territory.
• Samson led the people of Israel for twenty years. This was during the time the Philistines ruled the land.
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 .