And when the people saw him: And renders the Hebrew word wayehi (literally “And it was”), which seems to mark an important step in the narrative. It could also suggest a significant break in the text, but many versions combine 14.10-14 in the same paragraph (Revised Standard Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). The people is simply “they” in Hebrew. Though some versions keep the impersonal “they” (King James Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), many others prefer to specify “the Philistines” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New Jerusalem Bible). New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh adds a footnote here to say the people of Timnah are in view. Instead of saw him, the Septuagint has “were afraid of him.” Indeed, the verbs for “see” and “be afraid” are very similar in Hebrew. If the verb is saw (which Hebrew Old Testament Text Project gives a {B} rating), the meaning of this verse could be that the Philistines saw that Samson, not being from that town, was without companions for his wedding party, so they sent thirty young men to help him celebrate. This would be a positive motive. If the verb is “was afraid,” however, then Samson’s presence in the community posed a threat and they sent thirty young men to make sure there was no trouble. Translators will have to decide which reading they wish to follow. Contemporary English Version seems somewhat ambiguous as to motive, saying “When the Philistines saw what Samson was like, they told thirty of their young men to stay with him at the party,” which might imply the latter interpretation. New International Version takes another approach and changes the impersonal “they saw him” to an impersonal “When he appeared.” The text does not say why the companions are sent to Samson, whether to keep him company or to keep an eye on him, so it is best for translators to remain neutral as well, if at all possible.

They brought thirty companions to be with him: As in the previous clause, the impersonal pronoun they probably refers to the Philistines in Timnah, especially the relatives and friends of the bride. Brought renders the same Hebrew verb translated “get” in verse 14.2. Here we might say “sent” (Good News Translation) or “provided.” The keyword thirty links back to verse 10.4 and verse 12.9 and forward to verse 14.19. Companions renders a common word in Hebrew that often refers to friends. Here these companions were probably friends of the bride’s family. Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version say “young men,” which is a good model.

To be with him is literally “and they were with him,” which suggests that the young men did indeed come to keep Samson company or to escort him throughout the wedding celebration.

Translation models for this verse are:

• When the people of Timnah saw him, they sent thirty young men to keep him company.

• When Samson appeared, the Philistines called thirty of their young men to celebrate with 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 .