CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 15:3 Samson said to them, "This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/15-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/07_Jdg_15_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 15:3 - Samson's Revenge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Samson said to them, This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/15-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/15-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/15-2.htm" title="Judges 15:2">◄</a> Judges 15:3 <a href="/judges/15-4.htm" title="Judges 15:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Samson said to them, &#8220This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Samson said, “This time I cannot be blamed for everything I am going to do to you Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Samson said to them, “This time I shall be innocent in regard to the Philistines, when I do them harm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Samson said to them, “This time I shall be blameless regarding the Philistines if I harm them!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson then said to them, “This time I will have been blameless regarding the Philistines when I do them harm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Samson then said to them, &#8220This time I shall be blameless in regard to the Philistines when I do them harm.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Samson then said to them, “This time I shall be blameless in regard to the Philistines when I do them harm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Samson then said to them, “This time I shall be innocent in regard to the Philistines when I do them harm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to them, “This time I shall be blameless in regard to the Philistines when I do them harm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless when I harm the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to them, &#8220This time I won&#8217t be responsible when I harm the Philistines.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Samson said unto them, This time shall I be blameless in regard of the Philistines, when I do them a mischief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"This time," Samson answered, "I have a good reason for really hurting some Philistines." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Samson said unto them, This time shall I be blameless in regard of the Philistines, when I do them a mischief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Samson said to him, "This time I won't be guilty when I get even with the Philistines, even though I'm going to do something terrible to them."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Samson said, "This time I'm not going to be responsible for what I do to the Philistines!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Samson replied to them, "This time I'll be blameless when I do something evil to the Philistines." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to them, ?This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to them, "This time I am justified in doing the Philistines harm!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to him, "This time I will be blameless in regard of the Philistines, when I harm them."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless in the case of the Philistines when I harm them.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Samson says of them, “I am more innocent this time than the Philistines, though I am doing evil with them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Samson saith of them, 'I am more innocent this time than the Philistines, though I am doing with them evil.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Samson will say to them, This time I was more blameless than Philisteim if I shall do evil with them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Samson answered him: From this day I shall be blameless in what I do against the Philistines: for I will do you evils. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Samson answered him: “From this day, there shall be no guilt for me against the Philistines. For I will do harm to you all.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Samson said to him, “This time I am guiltless if I harm the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Samson said to them, “This time, when I do mischief to the Philistines, I will be without blame.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Samson said to them, Now I shall be more blameless than the Philistines, although I am going to do them mischief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Samson said to them: “I am more blameless than the Philistines, because I do evil with you”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Samson said unto them: 'This time shall I be quits with the Philistines, when I do them a mischief.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Sampson said to them, Even for once am I guiltless with regard to the Philistines, in that I do mischief among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/15-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4476" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/15.htm">Samson's Revenge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“I was sure that you thoroughly hated her,” said her father, “so I gave her to one of the men who accompanied you. Is not her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please take her instead.” <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8123.htm" title="8123: šim·šō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A deliverer of Isr. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite.">Samson</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6471.htm" title="6471: hap·pa·‘am (Art:: N-fs) -- A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence. Or pa;amah; from pa'am; a stroke, literally or figuratively.">“This time</a> <a href="/hebrew/5352.htm" title="5352: niq·qê·ṯî (V-Nifal-Perf-1cs) -- To be empty or clean. A primitive root; to be clean; by implication to be bare, i.e. Extirpated.">I will be blameless</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mām (Prep:: 3mp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">in doing</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">harm</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: mip·pə·liš·tîm (Prep-m:: N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">to the Philistines.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes. And he took torches, turned the foxes tail-to-tail, and fastened a torch between each pair of tails.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Judges 14:19</a></span><br />Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/16-28.htm">Judges 16:28-30</a></span><br />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.” / And 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, / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">1 Samuel 18:25</a></span><br />Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">1 Samuel 25:33</a></span><br />Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17</a></span><br />and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10</a></span><br />David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-48.htm">2 Samuel 22:48</a></span><br />the God who avenges me and brings down nations beneath me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-7.htm">2 Kings 9:7</a></span><br />And you are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the LORD shed by the hand of Jezebel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Luke 6:29</a></span><br />If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-35.htm">Luke 6:35</a></span><br />But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/14-15.htm">Judges 14:15</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? <i>is it</i> not <i>so</i>?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/2-17.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-19.htm">Displeasure</a> <a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/joshua/24-20.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/joshua/2-19.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/exodus/32-22.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-43.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/judges/14-4.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/judges/15-2.htm">Really</a> <a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/judges/14-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/29-9.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/job/10-17.htm">Displeasure</a> <a href="/judges/19-23.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-9.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-9.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/judges/15-7.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/judges/15-5.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">Really</a> <a href="/ruth/2-10.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/judges/16-29.htm">Right</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Samson is denied his wife</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/15-3.htm">He burns the Philistines' corn with foxes and firebrands</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/15-6.htm">His wife and her father are burnt by the Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Samson smites them hip and thigh</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/15-9.htm">He is bound by the men of Judah, and delivered to the Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/15-14.htm">He kills them with a jawbone</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/15-18.htm">God makes the fountain En-hakkore for him in Lehi</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Samson said to them</b><br>Samson, a judge of Israel, is speaking to the Philistines. His role as a judge was to deliver Israel from its oppressors, and his life is marked by personal vendettas against the Philistines. This phrase indicates a direct confrontation, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines during this period. Samson's actions are often seen as both personal and divinely ordained, reflecting the complex nature of his judgeship.<p><b>This time I will be blameless</b><br>Samson refers to a previous incident where he felt wronged by the Philistines, specifically regarding his wife being given to another man. By stating he will be blameless, Samson implies that his forthcoming actions are justified. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern concept of honor and retribution, where personal and familial honor was paramount. The idea of being "blameless" suggests a moral or ethical justification for his actions, which is significant in understanding the cyclical nature of sin and retribution in the Book of Judges.<p><b>in doing harm to the Philistines</b><br>The Philistines were a significant threat to Israel during the time of the Judges, often oppressing them. Samson's actions against them are part of a larger narrative of deliverance, where God uses flawed individuals to achieve His purposes. The harm Samson intends to inflict is both personal revenge and part of his divine mission to begin the deliverance of Israel from Philistine domination. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using imperfect people to fulfill His plans, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a></b><br>A judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was given to him by God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life was marked by conflict with the Philistines.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the judges. They were known for their advanced military technology and frequent skirmishes with the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/timnah.htm">Timnah</a></b><br>A place in Philistine territory where Samson had previously sought a wife, leading to a series of conflicts with the Philistines.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>Samson's declaration of being blameless in his actions against the Philistines marks a turning point in his personal vendetta against them, following a series of provocations and betrayals.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_righteous_anger.htm">Understanding Righteous Anger</a></b><br>Samson's claim of being "blameless" suggests a belief in justified anger. Believers must discern when anger is righteous and when it is self-serving.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_personal_vendettas.htm">Consequences of Personal Vendettas</a></b><br>Samson's actions remind us of the destructive nature of personal vendettas. Christians are called to seek peace and reconciliation rather than revenge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_actions.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Actions</a></b><br>Despite Samson's personal motives, God used his actions to fulfill His purposes for Israel. This teaches us that God can work through imperfect people to achieve His divine plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_keeping_vows.htm">The Importance of Keeping Vows</a></b><br>As a Nazirite, Samson was bound by vows to God. His life illustrates the importance of faithfulness to our commitments to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Samson's strength was a gift from God, symbolizing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Believers today are empowered by the Spirit to accomplish God's work.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_judges_15's_supernatural_events_align.htm">How do these supernatural elements in Judges 15 align or conflict with other biblical passages or historical sources describing similar events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_samson_carry_a_city_gate.htm">In Judges 16:1-3, how could Samson realistically carry away an entire city gate on his shoulders?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_samson_catch_300_foxes_safely.htm">In Judges 15:4, how could Samson realistically capture 300 foxes and tie torches to their tails without them escaping or injuring him?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/samson's_strength_source.htm">What was the source of Samson's strength?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Concerning them.</span>--There is no reason for this rendering. It should be <span class= "ital">to them. </span>The Vulg. has <span class= "ital">cui, </span>and the LXX. "to them," or "to him."<p><span class= "bld">Now</span><span class= "ital">--i.e., </span>This time. He means that his second act of vengeance will at least have more excuse than his assault on the Askelonites.<p><span class= "bld">More blameless than the Philistines.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">innocent as regards the Philistines. </span>The words are somewhat obscure. Ewald renders them--<p>"This time I am quit of the Philistines,<p>If 'tis evil I think of doing them."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I shall be more blameless than the Philistines</span>. The phrase rather means, <span class="accented">I shall be blameless</span> (or guiltless) <span class="accented">before the Philistines</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in relation to the Philistines, - they will have nothing to lay to my charge; my revenge will be a just one, - as in <a href="/numbers/32-22.htm">Numbers 32:22</a>: Then <span class="accented">shall ye be guiltless before the Lord</span>, <span class="accented">and be. fore Israel.</span> He means that so grievous an injury as he had received in having his wife taken from him and given to a Philistine will justify any requitals on his part. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/15-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Samson</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(šim·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samson -- a deliverer of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(lā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">“This time</span><br /><span class="heb">הַפַּ֖עַם</span> <span class="translit">(hap·pa·‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6471.htm">Strong's 6471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will be blameless</span><br /><span class="heb">נִקֵּ֥יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(niq·qê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5352.htm">Strong's 5352: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in doing</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹשֶׂ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">harm</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the Philistines.”</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/15-3.htm">Judges 15:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/15-3.htm">OT History: Judges 15:3 Samson said to them This time shall (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/15-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 15:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 15:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/15-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 15:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 15:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>