Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. New Living Translation he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.” And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime. English Standard Version And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life. Berean Standard Bible Samson 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. King James Bible And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. New King James Version Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life. New American Standard Bible And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed outwards powerfully, so that the house fell on the governors and all the people who were in it. And the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed during his lifetime. NASB 1995 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he bent with all his might so that the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed in his life. NASB 1977 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he bent with all his might so that the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed in his life. Legacy Standard Bible And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he bent with his strength so that the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he put to death by his death were more than those whom he put to death in his life. Amplified Bible And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he stretched out with all his might [collapsing the support pillars], and the house fell on the lords and on all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life. Christian Standard Bible Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” He pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the leaders and all the people in it. And those he killed at his death were more than those he had killed in his life. Holman Christian Standard Bible Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” He pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the leaders and all the people in it. And the dead he killed at his death were more than those he had killed in his life. American Standard Version And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead that he slew at his death were more than they that he slew in his life. Contemporary English Version Then he shouted, "Let me die with the Philistines!" He pushed against the columns as hard as he could, and the temple collapsed with the Philistine rulers and everyone else still inside. Samson killed more Philistines when he died than he had killed during his entire life. English Revised Version And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Let me die with the Philistines," he said. With that, he pushed with all his might, and the building fell on the rulers and everyone in it. So he killed more Philistines when he died than he had when he was alive. Good News Translation and shouted, "Let me die with the Philistines!" He pushed with all his might, and the building fell down on the five kings and everyone else. Samson killed more people at his death than he had killed during his life. International Standard Version Then Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" He strained with all his strength until the building collapsed on the officials and every person in it. As a result, the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed during his lifetime. NET Bible Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" He pushed hard and the temple collapsed on the rulers and all the people in it. He killed many more people in his death than he had killed during his life. New Heart English Bible Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines." He bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than those who he killed in his life. Webster's Bible Translation And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were in it. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSamson 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. World English Bible Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” He bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than those who he killed in his life. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Samson says, “Let me die with the Philistines,” and he inclines himself powerfully, and the house falls on the princes, and on all the people who [are] in it, and the dead whom he has put to death in his death are more than those whom he put to death in his life. Young's Literal Translation and Samson saith, 'Let me die with the Philistines,' and he inclineth himself powerfully, and the house falleth on the princes, and on all the people who are in it, and the dead whom he hath put to death in his death are more than those whom he put to death in his life. Smith's Literal Translation And Samson will say, My soul shall die with Philisteim. And he will bow with strength, and the house will fall upon the princes and upon all the people which are in it And the dead will be more which he killed in his death than which he killed in his life. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe said: Let me die with the Philistines. And when he had strongly shook the pillars, the house fell upon all the princes, and the rest of the multitude that was there: and he killed many more at his death, than he had killed before in his life. Catholic Public Domain Version he said, “May my life die with the Philistines.” And when he had shaken the pillars strongly, the house fell upon all the leaders, and the rest of the multitude who were there. And he killed many more in his death than he had killed before in his life. New American Bible Then saying, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Samson pushed hard, and the temple fell upon the lords and all the people who were in it. Those he killed by his dying were more than those he had killed during his lifetime. New Revised Standard Version Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” He strained with all his might; and the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So those he killed at his death were more than those he had killed during his life. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. Then he pulled with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead whom Samson slew at his death were more than those whom he slew during his life. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Samson said: “Let my life die with the Philistines!” And he pulled by his power and the house fell on the Tyrants and upon all the people that were in it, and the dead who died in the death of Samson were more than those who died in his life OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Samson said: 'Let me die with the Philistines.' And he bent with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead that he slew at his death were more than they that he slew in his life. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Sampson said, Let my wife perish with the Philistines: and he bowed himself mightily; and the house fell upon the princes, and upon all the people that were in it: and the dead whom Sampson slew in his death were more than those whom he slew in his life. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Samson's Vengeance and Death…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. 31Then Samson’s brothers and his father’s family came down, carried him back, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his father Manoah. And he had judged Israel twenty years.… 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 17:49-50 Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. / Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. 1 Kings 18:36-39 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. ... 2 Samuel 22:30 For in You I can charge an army; with my God I can scale a wall. 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. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. Matthew 27:50-54 When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit. / At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split. / The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. ... Luke 23:44-46 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. / The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. / Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last. John 2:19-21 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” / But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body. Romans 5:6-8 For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. / Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. / But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Revelation 12:11 They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death. Exodus 14:27-28 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea. / The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. Joshua 6:20 So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. 1 Samuel 14:13-14 So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off. / In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in about half an acre of land. Treasury of Scripture And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. me. Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. and the house Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? Job 31:3 Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Psalm 62:3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. do the dead Judges 14:19 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. Judges 15:8,15 And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam… Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Jump to Previous Bent Bowed Dead Death Die House Killed Lords Philistines Samson Slew ThereinJump to Next Bent Bowed Dead Death Die House Killed Lords Philistines Samson Slew ThereinJudges 16 1. Samson at Gaza escapes, and carries away the gates of the city4. 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 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Samson's statement reflects a moment of repentance and acceptance of his fate. His willingness to die with the Philistines shows a sacrificial aspect, reminiscent of Christ's sacrifice. This phrase also highlights the theme of divine justice, as Samson seeks to fulfill God's purpose even in his death. The Philistines, long-time oppressors of Israel, are central to the narrative of Judges, representing the pagan cultures that Israel was commanded to drive out. 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamsonA judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God tied to his Nazirite vow. His life was marked by personal failings and a tumultuous relationship with the Philistines. 2. Philistines A significant enemy of Israel during the time of the Judges. They oppressed the Israelites and were often in conflict with them. 3. Temple of Dagon The place where the Philistines gathered to celebrate their victory over Samson. It was a center of worship for the Philistine god Dagon. 4. Lords of the Philistines The rulers and leaders of the Philistine people who were present in the temple during Samson's final act. 5. Samson's Death The event where Samson, in a final act of strength and faith, brought down the temple, killing himself and many Philistines, achieving a significant victory for Israel even in his death. Teaching Points God's Strength in WeaknessSamson's account reminds us that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. Even in our failures, God can work through us to accomplish His purposes. Repentance and Redemption Samson's final prayer and act demonstrate a return to faith and reliance on God. It is never too late to turn back to God and seek His strength. The Consequences of Sin Samson's life illustrates the destructive nature of sin and the importance of obedience to God. His downfall was due to his disobedience and personal failings. God's Sovereignty Despite human failings, God's plans are not thwarted. He can use even our mistakes to fulfill His divine purposes. The Cost of Disobedience Samson's life and death serve as a warning about the cost of straying from God's path. His account encourages us to remain faithful and obedient to God's calling. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 16:30?2. How does Samson's final act demonstrate God's strength in human weakness? 3. What can we learn about repentance from Samson's prayer in Judges 16:30? 4. How does Samson's sacrifice foreshadow Christ's sacrifice in the New Testament? 5. How can we apply Samson's story to resist personal temptations today? 6. What does Judges 16:30 teach about God's sovereignty over our life's end? 7. How does Judges 16:30 reflect on the concept of divine justice and retribution? 8. What does Samson's final act in Judges 16:30 say about the nature of sacrifice? 9. How does the destruction in Judges 16:30 align with God's will and purpose? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 16? 11. In Judges 16:29-30, is it plausible that a single person could topple a temple by pushing two pillars? 12. In Judges 16:4-20, why would Samson keep trusting Delilah after she repeatedly betrayed him? 13. In Judges 16:1-3, how could Samson realistically carry away an entire city gate on his shoulders? 14. What defines the Delilah spirit? What Does Judges 16:30 Mean Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.”• This cry is more than resignation; it is a final appeal to the LORD who had just answered him (Judges 16:28). • Samson embraces the cost of standing against God’s enemies, willing to surrender his own life—echoing the principle of laying down one’s life for others (John 15:13). • His words mark a moment of repentance and renewed faith (Hebrews 11:32-34), showing that even after failure, turning to God can restore purpose. • Samson recognizes Israel’s battle is ultimately God’s; his death will serve the covenant people and the LORD’s honor, not his personal revenge. Then he pushed with all his might, • The phrase highlights Samson’s cooperation with God’s power; the strength comes from the Spirit who had empowered him before (Judges 14:6; 13:25). • Human effort and divine enablement meet—“not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6), yet God still calls Samson to act. • From a New-Covenant standpoint, this mirrors the truth that believers can “do all things through Christ who gives strength” (Philippians 4:13). • Samson expends every last ounce of physical force, demonstrating total commitment to the LORD’s mission. and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. • The collapse of Dagon’s temple (1 Samuel 5:1-4 anticipates another humiliating fall of this idol) is a tangible judgment on Philistine idolatry (Psalm 96:5). • God vindicates His name in the very place where His enemy was being celebrated; vengeance belongs to Him (Deuteronomy 32:35). • The “lords” represent oppressive power structures; their simultaneous downfall underscores that no ruler can stand against God (Psalm 2:1-6). • Israel’s liberation begins here, paving the way for future judges and kings who will finish subduing the Philistines. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life. • God multiplies Samson’s final act beyond anything he achieved in life, illustrating that the LORD can turn even a tragic end into overwhelming victory (Romans 8:28). • This pattern—victory through death—anticipates the greater Deliverer, Jesus, who destroyed the power of the devil “by His death” (Hebrews 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57). • Samson’s story encourages believers that apparent defeat can be the gateway to God’s greatest triumphs (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). • Though his lifespan closes here, Samson’s faith legacy continues, reminding us that God values perseverance and restored devotion more than flawless records. summary Judges 16:30 records Samson’s final, faith-filled act: surrendering his life to let God judge the Philistines and vindicate His name. Empowered by the Spirit, Samson exerts all his strength, topples the idol’s temple, and achieves a greater victory in death than in life. The verse teaches that God can redeem failure, use sacrificial obedience for mighty deliverance, and foreshadow the ultimate triumph accomplished at the cross. Verse 30. - Let me die, or, my life shall perish with the Philistines. He knew it was certain death to himself, but he did not shrink from it. His last act should be to destroy the oppressors of his country. So the dead which he slew, etc. The words sound like the snatch of some song or proverb in which Samson's death was described.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Samsonשִׁמְשׁ֗וֹן (šim·šō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8123: Samson -- a deliverer of Israel said, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Let me נַפְשִׁי֮ (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion die תָּמ֣וֹת (tā·mō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with the Philistines.” פְּלִשְׁתִּים֒ (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia Then he pushed וַיֵּ֣ט (way·yêṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend with all his might, בְּכֹ֔חַ (bə·ḵō·aḥ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species) and the temple הַבַּ֙יִת֙ (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house fell וַיִּפֹּ֤ל (way·yip·pōl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the lords הַסְּרָנִ֔ים (has·sə·rā·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5633: An axle, a peer and וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people in it. הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock So in his death בְּמוֹת֔וֹ (bə·mō·w·ṯōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin he killed הֵמִ֣ית (hê·mîṯ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill more רַבִּ֕ים (rab·bîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7227: Much, many, great than מֵאֲשֶׁ֥ר (mê·’ă·šer) Preposition-m | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he had killed הֵמִ֖ית (hê·mîṯ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill in his life. בְּחַיָּֽיו׃ (bə·ḥay·yāw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life Links Judges 16:30 NIVJudges 16:30 NLT Judges 16:30 ESV Judges 16:30 NASB Judges 16:30 KJV Judges 16:30 BibleApps.com Judges 16:30 Biblia Paralela Judges 16:30 Chinese Bible Judges 16:30 French Bible Judges 16:30 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 16:30 Samson said Let me die (Jd Judg. 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