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"I have done to them what they did to me," he replied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/15-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/07_Jdg_15_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 15:11 - Samson's Revenge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us? I have done to them what they did to me, he replied." /><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/15-11.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/15-11.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 11</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="/ad11.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/15-10.htm" title="Judges 15:10">◄</a> Judges 15:11 <a href="/judges/15-12.htm" title="Judges 15:12">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/judges/15.htm">New International Version</a> Then three thousand men from Judah went down to the cave in the rock of Etam and said to Samson, &#8220Don&#8217t you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us? What have you done to us?&#8221 He answered, &#8220I merely did to them what they did to me.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> So 3,000 men of Judah went down to get Samson at the cave in the rock of Etam. They said to Samson, “Don’t you realize the Philistines rule over us? What are you doing to us?” But Samson replied, “I only did to them what they did to me.” <a href="/esv/judges/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then 3,000 men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?” And he said to them, “As they did to me, so have I done to them.” <a href="/bsb/judges/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied. <a href="/kjv/judges/15.htm">King James Bible</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them. <a href="/nkjv/judges/15.htm">New King James Version</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines rule over us? What is this you have done to us?” And he said to them, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam and said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?” And he said to them, “Just as they did to me, so I have done to them.” <a href="/nasb/judges/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then 3,000 men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam and said to Samson, &#8220Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?&#8221 And he said to them, &#8220As they did to me, so I have done to them.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then 3,000 men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam and said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?” And he said to them, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.” <a href="/lsb/judges/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then 3,000 men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam and said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?” And he said to them, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.” <a href="/amp/judges/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam and said to Samson, “Have you not known that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this that you have done to us?” He said to them, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.” <a href="/csb/judges/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Don’t you realize that the Philistines rule us? What have you done to us? ” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he answered. <a href="/hcsb/judges/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then 3,000 men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, &#8220Don&#8217t you realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?"&#8221 I have done to them what they did to me,&#8221 he answered. <a href="/asv/judges/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what then is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them. <a href="/cev/judges/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Three thousand men from Judah went to the cave at Etam Rock and said to Samson, "Don't you know that the Philistines rule us, and they will punish us for what you did?" "I was only getting even with them," Samson replied. "They did the same things to me first." <a href="/erv/judges/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what then is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them. <a href="/gwt/judges/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So 3,000 men from Judah went to the cave in the cliff at Etam. They said to Samson, "Don't you know that the Philistines rule us? Why have you done this to us?" Samson replied, "I did to them what they did to me." <a href="/gnt/judges/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> So these three thousand men of Judah went to the cave in the cliff at Etam and said to Samson, "Don't you know that the Philistines are our rulers? What have you done to us?" He answered, "I did to them just what they did to me." <a href="/isv/judges/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> In response, 3,000 soldiers from the tribe of Judah went down to the caves of the rock of Etam and asked Samson, "Don't you know that the Philistines have us in their control? What have you done to us?" "I did to them what they did to me," he answered. <a href="/msb/judges/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, ?Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?? ?I have done to them what they did to me,? he replied. <a href="/net/judges/15.htm">NET Bible</a> Three thousand men of Judah went down to the cave in the cliff of Etam and said to Samson, "Do you not know that the Philistines rule over us? Why have you done this to us?" He said to them, "I have only done to them what they have done to me." <a href="/nheb/judges/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, "Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?" He said to them, "As they did to me, so have I done to them." <a href="/wbt/judges/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done to us? And he said to them, As they did to me, so have I done to them. <a href="/web/judges/15.htm">World English Bible</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cave in Etam’s rock, and said to Samson, “Don’t you know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?” He said to them, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And three thousand men of Judah go down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and say to Samson, “Have you now known that the Philistines are rulers over us? And what [is] this you have done to us?” And he says to them, “As they did to me, so I did to them.” <a href="/ylt/judges/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And three thousand men of Judah go down unto the cleft of the rock Etam, and say to Samson, 'Hast thou now known that the Philistines are rulers over us? and what is this thou hast done to us?' And he saith to them, 'As they did to me, so I did to them.' <a href="/slt/judges/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And three thousand men of Judah will go down to the cleft of the rock Etam, and they will say to Samson, Knewest thou not that Philisteim is ruling over us? and what this thou didst to us? and he will say to them, As they did to me, so did I to them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Wherefore three thousand men of Juda, went down to the cave of the rock Etam, and said to Samson: Knowest thou not that the Philistines rule over us? Why wouldst thou do thus? And he said to them: As they did to me, so have I done to them. <a href="/cpdv/judges/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then three thousand men of Judah descended to the cave of the rock at Etam. And they said to Samson: “Do you not know that the Philistines rule over us? Why would you want to do this?” And he said to them, “As they have done to me, so I have done to them.” <a href="/nabre/judges/15.htm">New American Bible</a> Three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the crag of Etam and said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines are our rulers? Why, then, have you done this to us?” He answered them, “As they have done to me, so have I done to them.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and they said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then have you done to us?” He replied, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cave of the rock of Attain, and said to Samson, Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this you have done to us? And he said to them, As they did to me, so have I done to them. <a href="/hpbt/judges/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And three thousand men went down from Yehuda to the overhang that was at the cliff of Atmin, and they were saying to Samson: “Do you not know that the Philistines rule over us? Why have you done so to us?” He said to them: “According to what they have done, so I have done to them”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson: 'Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what then is this that thou hast done unto us?' And he said unto them: 'As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.' <a href="/sep/judges/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the three thousand men of Juda went down to the hole of the rock Etam, and they said to Sampson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines rule over us? and what is this that thou hast done to us? and Sampson said to them, As they did to me, so have I done to them. <a href="/parallel/judges/15-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4559" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/15.htm">Samson's Revenge</a> …10“Why have you attacked us?” said the men of Judah. The Philistines replied, “We have come to arrest Samson and pay him back for what he has done to us.” 11<a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">In response, three</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: mî·hū·ḏāh (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: way·yê·rə·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come or go down, descend. ">went</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5585.htm" title="5585: sə·‘îp̄ (N-msc) -- A cleft, branch. From ca'aph; a fissure; also a bough.">the cave</a> <a href="/hebrew/5553.htm" title="5553: se·la‘ (N-msc) -- A crag, cliff. From an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively.">at the rock</a> <a href="/hebrew/5862.htm" title="5862: ‘ê·ṭām (N-proper-fs) -- Three places in Isr. From ayit; hawk-ground; Etam, a place in Palestine.">of Etam,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and they asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/8123.htm" title="8123: lə·šim·šō·wn (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A deliverer of Isr. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite.">Samson,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“Do you not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">realize</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: mō·šə·lîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">rule</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">over us?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·mah- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have you done</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">to us?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">“I have done</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">to them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">they did</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me,”</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.">he replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> 12But they said to him, “We have come down to arrest you and hand you over to the Philistines.” Samson replied, “Swear to me that you will not kill me yourselves.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4</a> (Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.) <a href="/judges/16-24.htm">Judges 16:24</a> And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Judges 13:5</a> For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” <a href="/judges/16-28.htm">Judges 16:28</a> 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.” <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Judges 14:19</a> 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, <a href="/judges/16-30.htm">Judges 16:30</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/12-9.htm">1 Samuel 12:9-11</a> But they forgot the LORD their God, and He sold them into the hand of Sisera the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the king of Moab, who fought against them. / Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’ / So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely. <a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32</a> And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, <a href="/1_samuel/15-18.htm">1 Samuel 15:18</a> and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’ <a href="/1_samuel/23-12.htm">1 Samuel 23:12</a> So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">1 Samuel 24:9</a> and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? <a href="/1_samuel/30-6.htm">1 Samuel 30:6</a> And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. <a href="/2_samuel/22-49.htm">2 Samuel 22:49</a> who frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men. <a href="/2_kings/13-3.htm">2 Kings 13:3</a> So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad. <a href="/nehemiah/9-27.htm">Nehemiah 9:27</a> So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Know you not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that you have done to us? And he said to them, As they did to me, so have I done to them.went.<a href="/1_chronicles/4-32.htm">1 Chronicles 4:32</a> And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities:Philistines<a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Judges 13:1</a> And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.<a href="/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4</a> But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13,47,48</a> And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Cave</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Cleft</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Etam</a> <a href="/judges/15-10.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/judges/15-9.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/judges/13-16.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/judges/5-11.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/judges/15-10.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Three</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Top</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">Cave</a> <a href="/job/38-25.htm">Cleft</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-3.htm">Etam</a> <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-43.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/judges/15-12.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/judges/15-13.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/judges/16-8.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/judges/15-12.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/15-15.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Three</a> <a href="/judges/16-3.htm">Top</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 15</div>1. <a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Samson is denied his wife</a> 3. <a href="/judges/15-3.htm">He burns the Philistines' corn with foxes and firebrands</a> 6. <a href="/judges/15-6.htm">His wife and her father are burnt by the Philistines</a> 8. <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Samson smites them hip and thigh</a> 9. <a href="/judges/15-9.htm">He is bound by the men of Judah, and delivered to the Philistines</a> 14. <a href="/judges/15-14.htm">He kills them with a jawbone</a> 18. <a href="/judges/15-18.htm">God makes the fountain En-hakkore for him in Lehi</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam The men of Judah's response indicates the gravity of the situation. The number "three thousand" suggests a significant concern for their safety and the need to confront Samson with a large group, highlighting the fear and respect Samson commanded. The "cave at the rock of Etam" is a specific location, possibly a stronghold or a place of refuge. Etam is mentioned in <a href="/1_chronicles/4-32.htm">1 Chronicles 4:32</a> as a town in the territory of Judah, suggesting a strategic or symbolic significance. This setting underscores the tension between Samson and his own people, who are under Philistine oppression.and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? This question reflects the subjugation of the Israelites under Philistine control during this period. The Philistines were a dominant force in the region, and their rule over Israel is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges. The men of Judah's question reveals their resignation to this oppression and their fear of further retaliation. It also highlights a lack of faith or understanding of God's deliverance through Samson, who was raised as a judge to begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines (<a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Judges 13:5</a>).What have you done to us?” The men of Judah express concern over the consequences of Samson's actions, fearing retribution from the Philistines. This question indicates a communal mindset where individual actions are seen in the context of their impact on the entire community. It also shows a lack of unity and support for Samson's divinely appointed mission, contrasting with the expected solidarity among the tribes of Israel.“I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied. Samson's response is one of personal retribution, reflecting the lex talionis principle, or the law of retaliation, which is seen in the Old Testament (<a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a>). His actions are driven by personal vendetta rather than a collective deliverance strategy. This phrase also highlights Samson's flawed character, as he often acts out of personal motives rather than divine guidance. Despite this, God uses Samson's actions to fulfill His purposes, illustrating how God can work through imperfect individuals to achieve His plans. Samson's life can be seen as a type of Christ in that he is a deliverer of Israel, though imperfect, pointing to the ultimate deliverer, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a> A judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, given by God, and his complex relationship with the Philistines. 2. <a href="/topical/m/men_of_judah.htm">Men of Judah</a> The Israelites from the tribe of Judah who confronted Samson, fearing repercussions from the Philistines. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The ruling oppressors over Israel at the time, known for their enmity with the Israelites. 4. <a href="/topical/c/cave_in_the_rock_of_etam.htm">Cave in the Rock of Etam</a> The location where Samson took refuge, symbolizing a place of both physical and spiritual retreat. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judah's_submission.htm">Judah's Submission</a> The event highlights the Israelites' subjugation and their fear of the Philistines, leading them to confront Samson.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the Philistines' rule, God is ultimately in control. Believers should trust in His plan even when circumstances seem dire. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_retaliation.htm">The Danger of Retaliation</a> Samson's response, "I have done to them what they did to me," highlights the cycle of vengeance. Christians are called to break this cycle by responding with grace and forgiveness. <a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a> The men of Judah's fear of the Philistines shows a lack of faith in God's power. Believers are encouraged to trust God rather than succumb to fear of earthly powers. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> Samson's actions had consequences for his people. Leaders must consider the broader impact of their decisions on those they lead. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_refuge_in_god.htm">Seeking Refuge in God</a> Samson's retreat to the cave can symbolize seeking refuge in God during times of trouble. Believers are encouraged to find their strength and solace in Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 15</a> <a href="/q/is_there_work_in_heaven.htm">What is the identity of the Kenizzites?</a> <a href="/q/did_judah's_kings_follow_or_stray_from_god.htm">How did Judah's kings follow or stray from God?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_philistine_fields_burning.htm">In Judges 15:4-5, is there any historical or archaeological evidence suggesting that the widespread burning of Philistine fields by torched foxes actually took place?</a> <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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) Went to the top of the rock Etam.--Rather, went down to the cave of the rock Etam. They would easily gain information as to Samson's hiding-place.What is this that thou hast done unto us?--The abject condition into which the Lion Tribe had sunk can best be estimated by this reproach against the national hero, and still more by their baseness in betraying him. He finds no sympathy. There are no patriots in search of heroes. What might not this 3,000 have achieved if they had been like Gideon's 300?<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 11. - Men of Judah. It is rather three thousand men went down from Judah, showing that the rock Etam was below. The top. It should be the cleft, as in ver. 8. Knowest thou not, etc. The language of these cowardly men shows how completely the Philistine yoke was fastened upon the necks of Judah. The history gives no account of the Philistine conquest; except the brief allusion in <a href="/judges/10-6.htm">Judges 10:6, 7</a>; but Samson's story brings to light the existence of it. The abject state to which they were reduced is shown By their complaint of Samson, What is this that thou hast done unto us?" instead of hailing him as a deliverer. As they did unto me, etc. It is instructive to read Samson's defence of himself in the very words used by the Philistines in ver. 10. "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." There is no end to rendering "evil for evil." <a href="/commentaries/judges/15-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>In response, three שְׁלֹשֶׁת֩ (šə·lō·šeṯ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice thousand אֲלָפִ֨ים (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Number - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand men אִ֜ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of Judah מִֽיהוּדָ֗ה (mî·hū·ḏāh) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites went וַיֵּרְד֡וּ (way·yê·rə·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the cave סְעִיף֮ (sə·‘îp̄) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5585.htm">Strong's 5585: </a> A fissure, a bough at the rock סֶ֣לַע (se·la‘) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5553.htm">Strong's 5553: </a> A craggy rock of Etam, עֵיטָם֒ (‘ê·ṭām) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5862.htm">Strong's 5862: </a> Etam -- three places in Israel and they asked וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say Samson, לְשִׁמְשׁ֗וֹן (lə·šim·šō·wn) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> Samson -- a deliverer of Israel “Do you not הֲלֹ֤א (hă·lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no realize יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙ (yā·ḏa‘·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia rule מֹשְׁלִ֥ים (mō·šə·lîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> To rule, have dominion, reign over us? בָּ֙נוּ֙ (bā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> What וּמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have you done עָשִׂ֣יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make to us?” לָּ֑נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> “I have done עָ֣שׂוּ (‘ā·śū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make to them what כַּאֲשֶׁר֙ (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that they did to me,” עָשִׂ֥יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make he replied. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/15-11.htm">Judges 15:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/15-11.htm">OT History: Judges 15:11 Then three thousand men of Judah went (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/15-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 15:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 15:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/15-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 15:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 15:12" /></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>