Judges 16:28

Judges 16:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Samson called out to the LORD: “O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one vengeful blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.”

King James Version KJV

And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

American Standard Version ASV

And Samson called unto Jehovah, and said, O Lord Jehovah, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Samson, crying out to the Lord, said, O Lord God, do have me now in mind, and do make me strong only this once, O God, so that I may take one last payment from the Philistines for my two eyes.

Free Bible Version FBV

Samson called out to the Lord, “Lord God, please remember me and give me strength. Please God, do this just once more, so that with one act I may pay the Philistines back in revenge for the loss of my two eyes.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Samson called vnto the Lord, and sayde, O Lord God, I pray thee, thinke vpon me: O God, I beseech thee, strengthen me at this time onely, that I may be at once auenged of the Philistims for my two eyes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Samson calleth unto Jehovah, and saith, 'Lord Jehovah, remember me, I pray Thee, and strengthen me, I pray Thee, only this time, O God; and I am avenged — vengeance at once — because of my two eyes, on the Philistines.'

World English Bible WEB

Samson called to the LORD, and said, “Lord GOD, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Samson called to the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But he called upon the Lord, saying: O Lord God, remember me, and restore to me now my former strength, O my God, that I may revenge myself on my enemies, and for the loss of my two eyes I may take one revenge.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Samson prayed, saying, “Yahweh, my Lord, think about me again! Please give me strength one more time, so that I may get revenge on the Philistines for gouging out my eyes!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 16:28

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 16:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א שִׁמְשׁ֛וֹן אֶל יְהוָ֖ה וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר אֲדֹנָ֣/י יֱהֹוִ֡ה זָכְרֵ֣/נִי נָא֩ וְ/חַזְּקֵ֨/נִי נָ֜א אַ֣ךְ הַ/פַּ֤עַם הַ/זֶּה֙ הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְ/אִנָּקְמָ֧ה נְקַם אַחַ֛ת מִ/שְּׁתֵ֥י עֵינַ֖/י מִ/פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים

וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שִׁמְשׁ֛וֹן Shimshôwn H8123 Samson N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

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

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

יֱהֹוִ֡ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper

זָכְרֵ֣/נִי zâkar H2142 to remember V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

נָא֩ nâʼ H4994 please Part

וְ/חַזְּקֵ֨/נִי châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff

נָ֜א nâʼ H4994 please Part

אַ֣ךְ ʼak H389 surely DirObjM

הַ/פַּ֤עַם paʻam H6471 beat Art | N-fs

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

וְ/אִנָּקְמָ֧ה nâqam H5358 to avenge Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs

נְקַם nâqâm H5359 vengeance N-ms

אַחַ֛ת ʼechâd H259 one Adj

מִ/שְּׁתֵ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 two Prep | Adj

עֵינַ֖/י ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

מִ/פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Prep | Ngmpa

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 16:28

וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

שִׁמְשׁ֛וֹן Shimshôwn H8123 "Samson" 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.

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.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

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

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.

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

יֱהֹוִ֡ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 "YHWH/God" N-proper

YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.

Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.

זָכְרֵ֣/נִי zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

נָא֩ nâʼ H4994 "please" Part

The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.

Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.

וְ/חַזְּקֵ֨/נִי châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff

To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with

Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.

נָ֜א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part

Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.

אַ֣ךְ ʼak H389 "surely" DirObjM

This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.

Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.

הַ/פַּ֤עַם paʻam H6471 "beat" Art | N-fs

This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.

Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, 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 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

וְ/אִנָּקְמָ֧ה nâqam H5358 "to avenge" Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs

This verb means to avenge or punish, often used to describe God's justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:43 where God avenges His people.

Definition: 1) to avenge, take vengeance, revenge, avenge oneself, be avenged, be punished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to avenge, take vengeance 1a2) to entertain revengeful feelings 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to avenge oneself 1b2) to suffer vengeance 1c) (Piel) to avenge 1d) (Hophal) to be avenged, vengeance be taken (for blood) 1e) (Hithpael) to avenge oneself

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), [idiom] surely, take vengeance. See also: Genesis 4:15; Esther 8:13; Psalms 8:3.

נְקַם nâqâm H5359 "vengeance" N-ms

This noun means revenge or vengeance, like the vengeance God took on the Egyptians in Exodus 12:12.

Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Samson, by enemies of Judah)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenged, quarrel, vengeance. See also: Leviticus 26:25; Isaiah 35:4; Psalms 58:11.

אַחַ֛ת ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

מִ/שְּׁתֵ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Prep | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

עֵינַ֖/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

מִ/פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Prep | 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.

Study Notes — Judges 16:28

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Context
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Judges 16:28 Summary
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Context — Samson’s Vengeance and Death

26Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.” 27Now the temple was full of men and women; all the lords of the Philistines were there, and about three thousand men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain them.

28Then Samson called out to the LORD: “O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one vengeful blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.”

29And Samson reached out for the two central pillars supporting the temple. Bracing himself against them with his right hand on one pillar and his left hand on the other, 30Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 15:15	You understand, O LORD; remember me and attend to me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In Your patience, do not take me away. Know that I endure reproach for Your honor.
2	Lamentations 3:31–32	For the Lord will not cast us off forever. Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion.
3	Psalms 143:12	And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies. Destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant.
4	Psalms 58:10–11	The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!”
5	Psalms 91:15	When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
6	Psalms 50:15	Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
7	Revelation 6:10	And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?”
8	2 Timothy 4:14	Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
9	Jonah 2:1–2	From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God, saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice.
10	Psalms 74:18–23	Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name. Do not deliver the soul of Your dove to beasts; do not forget the lives of Your afflicted forever. Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land. Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name. Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long. Do not disregard the clamor of Your adversaries, the uproar of Your enemies that ascends continually.

Judges 16:28 Summary

In this verse, Samson is asking God to remember him and give him strength one more time so he can take revenge on the Philistines. This shows that even in our darkest moments, we can cry out to God for help and trust in His power. As it says in Psalm 34:17-18, God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. We can learn from Samson's example to trust in God's strength, even when we feel weak, and to seek His justice rather than our own revenge, as seen in Romans 12:19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samson ask God to remember him?

Samson asked God to remember him because he was seeking God's strength and favor in his time of need, just as God had helped him in the past, as seen in Judges 14:6 and Judges 15:14.

What was Samson's motivation for asking God for strength?

Samson's motivation was to take revenge on the Philistines for gouging out his eyes, but this also ultimately led to the destruction of the temple and the death of many Philistines, as prophesied in Judges 13:5.

Is it okay to ask God for revenge?

While Samson's request for revenge may seem justified, the Bible teaches us to leave vengeance to God, as seen in Romans 12:19, and instead focus on loving our enemies and trusting in God's justice, as seen in Matthew 5:44.

What can we learn from Samson's prayer?

We can learn that even in our weakness and brokenness, we can cry out to God for help and strength, and that God is faithful to hear our prayers, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I feel weak or powerless, and how can I cry out to God for strength like Samson did?
How can I balance my desire for justice with the command to love my enemies and trust in God's justice?
What are some ways that I can trust in God's power and strength, even when I feel like I'm at my weakest point?
How can I use my experiences of weakness and brokenness to point others to God's power and strength, just like Samson's story does?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 16:28

And Samson called unto the Lord,.... In an ejaculatory manner, by mental prayer; though he might possibly express it aloud, without being heard and observed by the people, amidst their noise and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 16:28

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 16:28

This prayer was not an act of malice and revenge, but of faith and zeal for God, who was there publicly dishonoured; and justice, in punishing their insolences, and vindicating the whole commonwealth of Israel, which was his duty, as he was judge, to do. And this is manifest from hence, because God, who heareth not sinners, and would never use his omnipotency to gratify any man’ s impotent malice, did manifest by the effect that he accepted and owned his prayer, as the dictate of his own Spirit. And that in this prayer he mentions only his personal injury, the loss of his eyes, and not their indignities to God and his people, must be ascribed to that prudent care which he had, and declared upon former occasions, of deriving the rage and hatred of the Philistines upon himself alone, and diverting it from the people. For which end I conceive this prayer was made with an audible voice, though he knew they would entertain it only with scorn and laughter, which also he knew would quickly be turned into mourning.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 16:28

Judges 16:28 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.Ver. 28. And Samson called unto the Lord.] This was a prayer of faith, and a fruit of his repentance. Nunquam sero, si serio.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 16:28

(28) O Lord God . . . O God.—Three names of God—Adonai, Jehovah, Elohim. That I may be at once avenged of the Philistines.—Again we see that Samson stood at a comparatively low level of spiritual enlightenment as well as of moral purity. One cannot help feeling that Milton has read into the hero’s character an austere grandeur which it did not possess. His Samson of the Samson Agonistes is rather Milton himself than the Jewish hero. That stern classic poem is the “thundering reverberation of a mighty spirit, struck by the plectrum of disappointment.” For my two eyes.—The words rendered “at once” in the previous clause may be rendered “that I may avenge myself the revenge of one of my two eyes.” If so, there seems to be in the words a grim jest, as though no vengeance would suffice for the fearful loss of both his eyes (LXX., “one revenge for my two eyes”), “one last tremendous deed, one last fearful jest.” There is a curious parallel to this achievement of Samson in the story of Cleo-medes of Astypalæa, who in revenge for a fine pulls down a pillar, and crushes the boys in a school (Pausan. Perieg. Vi. 2, 3). Cassel tells us that on July 21st, 1864, many people were killed by the breaking of a granite pillar in the Church of the Transfiguration at St. Petersburg.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 16:28

Verse 28. Samson called unto the Lord] It was in consequence of his faith in God that he should be strengthened to overthrow his enemies and the enemies of his country, that he is mentioned, Hebrews 11:32, among those who were remarkable for their faith.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 16:28

28. that I may be at once avenged] A questionable rendering; follow the mg., that I may be avenged … for one of my two eyes. The grim humour of the words, as Moore points out, is altogether in character. The utmost vengeance would barely compensate for the loss of one eye alone.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 16:28

At once avenged - “i. e. with one final revenge.” These words do not breathe the spirit of the Gospel, but they express a sentiment, natural to the age, knowledge, and character of Samson.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 16:28

28. Only this once — Samson does, upon attempting this last act of his life, what he is not said to have done before when he undertook his great feats of strength — invokes the help of Jehovah.

Sermons on Judges 16:28

	Sermon	Description
	The Spirit of a True Prophet by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with God rather than seeking material success and prestige. He highlights the role of John t
	The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil,
	Samson - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of dying to oneself and surrendering to God's plans. He emphasizes that true success comes from God's triumph and that He will
	Victory or Survival - Part 3 by Winkie Pratney	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and putting our faith into action. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer to illustrate this p
	Loneliness by Robert Constable	Robert Constable addresses the pervasive issue of loneliness, emphasizing that it is an emotional experience rather than a physical state. He explores various causes of loneliness,
	Desperation Revelation Resignation by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker shares anecdotes from his childhood, including a story about being chased by monkeys and baboons. He then transitions to discussing the impact of John W
	Kashrut and Famine by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision where a tablecloth comes down from the sky containing various animals and a voice instructs Peter to kill and eat them. T