Judges 16:28
New International Version
Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

New Living Translation
Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.”

English Standard Version
Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Berean Standard Bible
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 Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then Samson called to the LORD, saying, “O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”

New American Standard Bible
Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

NASB 1995
Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”

NASB 1977
Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Samson called to Yahweh and said, “O Lord Yahweh, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Amplified Bible
Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me just this one time, O God, and let me take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Christian Standard Bible
He called out to the LORD, “Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, God, just once more. With one act of vengeance, let me pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He called out to the LORD: “Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, God, just once more. With one act of vengeance, let me pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Samson prayed, "Please remember me, LORD God. The Philistines poked out my eyes, but make me strong one last time, so I can take revenge for at least one of my eyes!"

English Revised Version
And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember member 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Samson called to the LORD, "Almighty LORD, please remember me! God, give me strength just one more time! Let me get even with the Philistines for at least one of my two eyes."

Good News Translation
Then Samson prayed, "Sovereign LORD, please remember me; please, God, give me my strength just this one time more, so that with this one blow I can get even with the Philistines for putting out my two eyes."

International Standard Version
Then Samson cried out to the LORD, "Lord GOD, please remember me. And please strengthen me this one time, God, so that I can repay the Philistines right now for my two eyes."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
Samson called to the LORD, "O Master, LORD, remember me! Strengthen me just one more time, O God, so I can get swift revenge against the Philistines for my two eyes!"

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

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Samson called to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh, 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.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Samson calls to YHWH and says, “Lord YHWH, please remember me and please strengthen me only this time, O God; and I am avenged—vengeance at once—because of my two eyes, on the Philistines.”

Young's Literal Translation
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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Samson will call to Jehovah, and will say, Lord Jehovah, remember me now, and strengthen me now but this once, O God, and I will avenge myself one vengeance for my two eyes of Philisteim.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, calling upon the Lord, he said, “O Lord God remember me, and restore to me now my former strength, O my God, so that I may avenge myself against my enemies, and so that I may receive one vengeance for the deprivation of my two eyes.”

New American Bible
Samson cried out to the LORD and said, “Lord GOD, remember me! Strengthen me only this once that I may avenge myself on the Philistines at one blow for my two eyes.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “Lord GOD, remember me and strengthen me only this once, O God, so that with this one act of revenge I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Samson called to the LORD, and said, O LORD God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Samson called to LORD JEHOVAH and he said: “I beg you LORD JEHOVAH God, remember me and empower me only this time, oh God, that I will be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 this once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Sampson wept before the Lord, and said, O Lord, my lord, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, O God, yet this once, and I will requite one recompense to the Philistines for my two eyes.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Samson's Vengeance and Death
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,…

Cross References
Hebrews 11:32-34
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

1 Samuel 1:10-11
In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. / And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.

1 Kings 8:28-30
Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today. / May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. / Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive.

2 Kings 20:2-3
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, / “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Psalm 50:15
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

1 Chronicles 4:10
And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.

Isaiah 38:2-3
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, / saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Psalm 145:18-19
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. / He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.


Treasury of Scripture

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

called

2 Chronicles 20:12
O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalm 91:15
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

remember me

Psalm 74:18-23
Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name…

Jonah 2:1,2,7
Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, …

Jeremiah 15:15
O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

and I may

Judges 5:31
So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Psalm 58:10,11
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked…

Psalm 143:12
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

Jump to Previous
Avenged Blow Eyes Once Philistines Please Prayed Remember Samson Sovereign Strengthen
Jump to Next
Avenged Blow Eyes Once Philistines Please Prayed Remember Samson Sovereign Strengthen
Judges 16
1. Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city
4. Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, entices Samson
6. Thrice she is deceived
15. At last she overcomes him
21. The Philistines take him, and put out his eyes
22. His strength renewing, he pulls down the house upon the Philistines and dies














Then Samson called out to the LORD
In this opening phrase, we see Samson, a man who has been set apart as a Nazirite from birth, reaching out to God in a moment of desperation. The Hebrew word for "called out" is "qara," which often implies a loud cry or proclamation. This is not a quiet prayer but a fervent plea. Historically, Samson's life has been marked by both divine empowerment and personal failure. Here, he acknowledges his dependence on the LORD, the covenant name of God, "Yahweh," which signifies a personal relationship with the God of Israel. This moment is pivotal, as it reflects a return to faith and recognition of God's sovereignty.

Sovereign LORD
The term "Sovereign LORD" combines "Adonai" and "Yahweh," emphasizing God's ultimate authority and control over all things. Samson acknowledges God's supreme power, which is crucial given the context of his captivity and blindness. This acknowledgment is a significant shift from his earlier reliance on his own strength. Theologically, it underscores the belief that God is in control, even when human circumstances seem dire.

Remember me
The plea "remember me" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew concept of "zakar," which means more than just recalling to mind. It implies action based on that remembrance. Samson is asking God to act on his behalf, to intervene in his situation. This echoes other biblical figures who have asked God to remember them, such as Hannah and Nehemiah, indicating a trust in God's faithfulness and mercy.

Please, God
The use of "please" here, translated from the Hebrew "na," conveys a sense of urgency and humility. Samson is not demanding but rather beseeching God. This reflects a heart that has been humbled by circumstances, recognizing that any strength or victory must come from God alone. It is a reminder of the importance of approaching God with a humble and contrite spirit.

Strengthen me just once more
Samson's request for strength "just once more" is poignant. The Hebrew word for "strengthen" is "chazaq," which means to make strong or firm. This is a request for divine empowerment, acknowledging that his previous feats of strength were gifts from God. The phrase "just once more" indicates a desire for redemption and a final act of faithfulness to his calling as a judge of Israel.

with one final blow
The phrase "with one final blow" signifies Samson's intention to fulfill his role as a deliverer of Israel, even in his death. The historical context reveals that the Philistines were oppressors of Israel, and Samson's actions are aimed at delivering his people from their enemies. This reflects the biblical theme of God using flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes.

let me avenge the Philistines for my two eyes
Samson's desire for vengeance "for my two eyes" is both personal and national. The Philistines have not only humiliated him but also defied the God of Israel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, personal vengeance was often intertwined with national and divine justice. While modern readers might struggle with the concept of vengeance, it is important to understand it within the framework of divine justice and the deliverance of God's people. Samson's final act is seen as a fulfillment of his role as a judge, bringing judgment upon the Philistines.

(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 Astypalaea, 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.

Verse 28. - And Samson called unto the Lord. This is the first mention we have of Samson praying since the memorable occasion when he gave the fountain the name of En-hakkoreh (Judges 15:19, note). Perhaps we may see in this an evidence that his affliction and shame had not been without their effect, in bringing him back to God humbled and penitent. The language is very earnest. "O Lord, Jehovah, remember me strengthen me only this once, O God!" The threefold name by which he addresses the Almighty implies great tension of spirit. That I may be at once avenged. Meaning at one stroke - he would take one vengeance so terrible that it would be sufficient for his two eyes, which makes very good sense if the Hebrew will bear it. The literal translation would be, that I may be avenged with a vengeance of one stroke. Others take it, that I may be avenged with a vengeance for one of my two eyes, which it is not easy to understand the meaning of.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Samson
שִׁמְשׁ֛וֹן (šim·šō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8123: Samson -- a deliverer of Israel

called out
וַיִּקְרָ֥א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the LORD:
יֱהֹוִ֡ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

“O Lord
אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD,
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

please
נָא֩ (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

remember me.
זָכְרֵ֣נִי (zā·ḵə·rê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

Strengthen me,
וְחַזְּקֵ֨נִי (wə·ḥaz·zə·qê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

O God,
הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

just
אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

once more,
הַפַּ֤עַם (hap·pa·‘am)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

so that with one
אַחַ֛ת (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

vengeful blow
נְקַם־ (nə·qam-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5359: Vengeance

I may pay back
וְאִנָּקְמָ֧ה (wə·’in·nā·qə·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 5358: To grudge, avenge, punish

the Philistines
מִפְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ (mip·pə·liš·tîm)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

for my two
מִשְּׁתֵ֥י (miš·šə·ṯê)
Preposition-m | Number - fdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

eyes.”
עֵינַ֖י (‘ê·nay)
Noun - cdc | first person common singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain


Links
Judges 16:28 NIV
Judges 16:28 NLT
Judges 16:28 ESV
Judges 16:28 NASB
Judges 16:28 KJV

Judges 16:28 BibleApps.com
Judges 16:28 Biblia Paralela
Judges 16:28 Chinese Bible
Judges 16:28 French Bible
Judges 16:28 Catholic Bible

OT History: Judges 16:28 Samson called to Yahweh and said Lord (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 16:27
Top of Page
Top of Page