Judges 15:11

Judges 15:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied.

King James Version KJV

Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.

American Standard Version ASV

Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what then is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then three thousand of the men of Judah went down to the crack of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, Is it not clear to you that the Philistines are our rulers? What is this you have done to us? And he said to them, I only did to them as they did to me.

Free Bible Version FBV

Three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam and asked Samson, “Don't you understand that the Philistines rule over us? What do you think you're doing to us?” “I only did what they did to me,” he replied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then three thousande men of Iudah went to the top of the rocke Etam, and sayde to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistims are rulers ouer vs? Wherefore then hast thou done thus vnto vs? And he answered them, As they did vnto me, so haue I done vnto them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And three thousand men of Judah go down unto the cleft of the rock Etam, and say to Samson, 'Hast thou now known that the Philistines are rulers over us? and what [is] this thou hast done to us?' And he saith to them, 'As they did to me, so I did to them.'

World English Bible WEB

Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cave in Etam’s rock, and said to Samson, “Don’t you know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?” He said to them, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done to us? And he said to them, As they did to me, so have I done to them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Wherefore three thousand men of Juda, went down to the cave of the rock Etam, and said to Samson: Knowest thou not that the Philistines rule over us? Why wouldst thou do thus? And he said to them: As they did to me, so have I done to them.

Translation for Translators T4T

Someone there knew where Samson was hiding. So 3,000 men from Judah went down to get Samson at the cave in the rock where he was hiding. They said to Samson, “Do you not realize that the people of Philistia are ruling over us? Do you not realize what they will do to us?” Samson replied, “The only thing I did was that I got revenge on them for what they did to me.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 15:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 15:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּרְד֡וּ שְׁלֹשֶׁת֩ אֲלָפִ֨ים אִ֜ישׁ מִֽ/יהוּדָ֗ה אֶל סְעִיף֮ סֶ֣לַע עֵיטָם֒ וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ לְ/שִׁמְשׁ֗וֹן הֲ/לֹ֤א יָדַ֨עְתָּ֙ כִּֽי מֹשְׁלִ֥ים בָּ֨/נוּ֙ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים וּ/מַה זֹּ֖את עָשִׂ֣יתָ לָּ֑/נוּ וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר לָ/הֶ֔ם כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֙ עָ֣שׂוּ לִ֔/י כֵּ֖ן עָשִׂ֥יתִי לָ/הֶֽם

וַ/יֵּרְד֡וּ yârad H3381 to go down Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שְׁלֹשֶׁת֩ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

אֲלָפִ֨ים ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj

אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

מִֽ/יהוּדָ֗ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah Prep | N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

סְעִיף֮ çâʻîyph H5585 cleft N-ms

סֶ֣לַע çelaʻ H5553 crag N-ms

עֵיטָם֒ ʻÊyṭâm H5862 Etam N-proper

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

לְ/שִׁמְשׁ֗וֹן Shimshôwn H8123 Samson Prep | N-proper

הֲ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

יָדַ֨עְתָּ֙ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-2ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

מֹשְׁלִ֥ים mâshal H4910 to rule V-Qal

בָּ֨/נוּ֙ Prep | Suff

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa

וּ/מַה mâh H4100 what? Conj | Part

זֹּ֖את zôʼth H2063 this Pron

עָשִׂ֣יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2ms

לָּ֑/נוּ Prep | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הֶ֔ם Prep | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

עָ֣שׂוּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לִ֔/י Prep | Suff

כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 right Part

עָשִׂ֥יתִי ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לָ/הֶֽם Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 15:11

וַ/יֵּרְד֡וּ yârad H3381 "to go down" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.

Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.

שְׁלֹשֶׁת֩ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

אֲלָפִ֨ים ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj

A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.

Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.

אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

מִֽ/יהוּדָ֗ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" Prep | N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

סְעִיף֮ çâʻîyph H5585 "cleft" N-ms

This word refers to a cleft or branch, like a split in a rock or a tree limb. It is used in the Bible to describe natural features. The KJV translates it as branch or clift.

Definition: 1) cleft, branch 1a) cleft (of a crag) 1b) branches, boughs

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (outmost) branch, clift, top. See also: Judges 15:8; Isaiah 17:6; Isaiah 2:21.

סֶ֣לַע çelaʻ H5553 "crag" N-ms

This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.

Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.

עֵיטָם֒ ʻÊyṭâm H5862 "Etam" N-proper

Etam was a fortified town in Judah, built by King Rehoboam, located between Bethlehem and Tekoa. Its name means lair of wild beasts, indicating a strong and secure place. It is mentioned in the Bible as a strategic location.

Definition: § Etam = "lair of wild beasts" a town in Judah fortified and garrisoned by king Rehoboam of Judah and located between Bethlehem and Tekoa

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Etam. See also: Judges 15:8; 1 Chronicles 4:3; 2 Chronicles 11:6.

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לְ/שִׁמְשׁ֗וֹן Shimshôwn H8123 "Samson" Prep | N-proper

Samson, meaning like the sun, was a Danite and a judge of Israel for 20 years. He was a Nazarite for life, and his story is first mentioned in Judges 13:24, where he is described as the son of Manoah.

Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.13.24; son of: Manoah (H4495); married to Delilah (H1807) Also named: Sampsōn (Σαμψών "Samson" G4546) § Samson = "like the sun" a Danite, son of Manoah, a Nazarite for life, and a judge of Israel for 20 years

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Samson. See also: Judges 13:24; Judges 15:16; Judges 16:30.

הֲ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָדַ֨עְתָּ֙ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

מֹשְׁלִ֥ים mâshal H4910 "to rule" V-Qal

To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.

Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.

בָּ֨/נוּ֙ "" Prep | Suff

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa

A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.

Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)

Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.

וּ/מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

זֹּ֖את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

עָשִׂ֣יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לָּ֑/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הֶ֔ם "" Prep | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עָ֣שׂוּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff

כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

עָשִׂ֥יתִי ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לָ/הֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Judges 15:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 15:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 15:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 15:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 15:11
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 15:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 15:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 15:11
Cambridge Bible on Judges 15:11
Barnes' Notes on Judges 15:11
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 15:11
Sermons on Judges 15:11

Context — Samson’s Revenge

9Then the Philistines went up, camped in Judah, and deployed themselves near the town of Lehi. 10“Why have you attacked us?” said the men of Judah. The Philistines replied, “We have come to arrest Samson and pay him back for what he has done to us.”

11In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied.

12But they said to him, “We have come down to arrest you and hand you over to the Philistines.” Samson replied, “Swear to me that you will not kill me yourselves.” 13“No,” they answered, “we will not kill you, but we will tie you up securely and hand you over to them.” So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 13:1	Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.
2	Judges 14:4	(Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.)
3	Deuteronomy 28:47–48	Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart in all your abundance, you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.
4	Psalms 106:40–42	So the anger of the LORD burned against His people, and He abhorred His own inheritance. He delivered them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and subdued them under their hand.
5	Deuteronomy 28:13	The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward, if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am giving you today.

Judges 15:11 Summary

In this verse, the men of Judah are worried that Samson's actions will get them into trouble with the Philistines, who are ruling over them. Samson responds by saying he's only done to the Philistines what they've done to him, which shows a desire for revenge. This desire for revenge is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Leviticus 24:20, where the principle of 'an eye for an eye' is established. However, as Christians, we are called to forgive and love our enemies, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:44, and to prioritize righteousness over self-preservation, as seen in Isaiah 32:17.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the men of Judah ask Samson if he realized the Philistines ruled over them?

The men of Judah asked Samson this question because they were concerned about the consequences of his actions, as they were already under Philistine rule, as seen in Judges 15:9-10, and they wanted to avoid further conflict, similar to the concerns expressed in Exodus 14:11-12 when the Israelites were trapped between the Egyptians and the Red Sea.

What did Samson mean by saying 'I have done to them what they did to me'?

Samson's response indicates that he was seeking revenge for the wrongs done to him by the Philistines, as mentioned in Judges 14:19-20, where he killed thirty Philistines to pay for his wedding, and this cycle of retaliation is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Matthew 5:38-42, where Jesus teaches about turning the other cheek.

Why did the men of Judah want to arrest Samson and hand him over to the Philistines?

The men of Judah wanted to arrest Samson to protect themselves from the Philistines' wrath, as they had come to arrest Samson and pay him back for what he had done to them, as stated in Judges 15:10, and this fear of retaliation is a common theme in the Bible, such as in 1 Samuel 27:1, where David fears King Saul's retaliation.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Judges?

This verse fits into the broader theme of Judges, which explores the cycle of sin, judgment, and redemption in the lives of the Israelites, as seen in Judges 2:10-19, where the Israelites forget God and turn to idols, and God raises up judges like Samson to deliver them, as mentioned in Judges 3:9-11, where Othniel is raised up to deliver the Israelites from the Mesopotamians.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have sought revenge or retaliation in my own life, and how can I apply the principle of 'turning the other cheek' from Matthew 5:38-42 to those situations?
How do I respond when I feel like I'm being treated unfairly or wrongly, and what can I learn from Samson's response to the men of Judah in this verse?
In what ways am I, like the men of Judah, more concerned with avoiding conflict than with doing what is right, and how can I prioritize righteousness over self-preservation, as seen in Isaiah 32:17?
What does this verse reveal about the character of Samson, and what can I learn from his strengths and weaknesses, such as his bravery in Judges 14:5-6 and his recklessness in Judges 16:1-3?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 15:11

Then three thousand of Judah went up to the top of the rock of Etam,.... Or "went down" (g); that is, into the cave of the rock of Etam, as the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions; and so it is

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 15:11

And the men of Judah said, Why are ye come up against us? And they answered, To bind Samson are we come up, to do to him as he hath done to us. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 15:11

What is this that thou hast done unto us? thou hast by these actions punished not them, as thou intendest; but us, who being under their dominion, are sure to smart for it.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 15:11

Judges 15:11 Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines [are] rulers over us? what [is] this [that] thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.Ver. 11. As they did unto me.] He pleadeth ius talionis, for his own defence. This would not have held good if Samson had been a private person, and the wrong had been done to himself only, though tallying of injuries is by carnal people held but justice, and counted manhood; whereas indeed it is doghood rather. But public revenge is justly exercised by the magistrate; who yet must not rashly make war, but remember what was once gravely spoken by our Henry VII: If we princes should take every occasion that is offered, the world should never be quiet, but wearied with continual brawls.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 15:11

(11) Went to the top of the rock Etam.—Rather, went down to the cave of the rock Etam. They would easily gain information as to Samson’s hiding-place. What is this that thou hast done unto us?—The abject condition into which the Lion Tribe had sunk can best be estimated by this reproach against the national hero, and still more by their baseness in betraying him. He finds no sympathy. There are no patriots in search of heroes. What might not this 3,000 have achieved if they had been like Gideon’s 300?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 15:11

Verse 11. Three thousand men of Judah went] It appears evidently from this that Samson was strongly posted, and they thought that no less than three thousand men were necessary to reduce him.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 15:11

9–20. Local traditions Provoked by Samson’s violence, the Philistines made a raid upon Lehi in Judah for the purpose of capturing their enemy. The name of the place was suggestive, and tradition attached to it the story of S.’s feat with the ‘fresh jawbone (lμḥ ?ξ) of an ass.’ Popular etymology explained Ramath-lehi, ‘the height of Lehi’ (from rϋm), as the place where S. ‘threw away’ (rβmβh) the jawbone; a hollow basin in the hill side, which held the water of the ‘Partridge Spring’ (‘κn haḳ ?ḳ ?τrη’), became the spring which God granted when S. ‘called’ (ḳ ?βrβ’) for help in his exhaustion. It is noteworthy that the exploit of Shammah, one of David’s heroes, also took place at Lehi, 2 Samuel 23:11 (reading unto Lehi for into a troop); cf. also the story of Shamgar, Judges 3:31.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 15:11

The dispirited men of Judah were prepared to give up their champion, in order to conciliate their masters. This shows how hard was the task of the Judge, whose office it was to restore his countrymen to freedom and independence.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 15:11

11. Went to the top of the rock — Hebrew, went down, that is, from the higher hill country of Judah.

Sermons on Judges 15:11

	Sermon	Description
	The Enemy of Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher starts by quoting a scripture about the children of Israel doing evil in the sight of the Lord and being delivered into the hands of the Philistines fo
	The Character of Samson by L.E. Maxwell	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible and highlights the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that Samson, despite his great strength, was ov
	Women of Deliverance (Birmingham Conference) by Gary Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Manoa's wife from the book of Judges. She was a woman in need, feeling unproductive and longing for something. The angel of the
	Hidden in the Cleft of the Rock by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher begins by introducing the story of Manoa and his wife, emphasizing the significance of their encounter with God. He then transitions to discussing the
	(Men God Made) Samson by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Samson from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and the grace of God. The preacher highlights how Samson
	Samson - Physically Strong, Morally Weak by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a river that went dry and a man who tried to cover up a dead body in the riverbed. However, the body was eventually discovered and
	Samson #1 - His Home by Andrew Foster	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking God's Word seriously and living it out. He encourages listeners to read and study the Bible, seeking God's guidance