Menu

Judges 15:12

Judges 15:12 in Multiple Translations

But 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.”

And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.

And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.

Then they said to him, We have come down to take you and give you up into the hands of the Philistines. And Samson said to them, Give me your oath that you will not make an attack on me yourselves.

“Well, we've come to take you prisoner and hand you over to the Philistines,” they told him. “Just swear to me that you're not going to kill me yourselves,” Samson answered.

Againe they sayd vnto him, Wee are come to binde thee, and to deliuer thee into the hande of the Philistims. And Samson sayde vnto them, Sweare vnto me, that yee will not fall vpon me your selues.

And they say to him, 'To bind thee we have come down — to give thee into the hand of the Philistines.' And Samson saith to them, 'Swear to me, lest ye fall upon me yourselves.'

They said to him, “We have come down to bind you, that we may deliver you into the hand of the Philistines.” Samson said to them, “Swear to me that you will not attack me yourselves.”

And they said to him, We have come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said to them, Swear to me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.

And they said to him, We are come to bind thee and to deliver thee into the hands of the Philistines. And Samson said to them: Swear to me, and promise me, that you will not kill me.

But the men from Judah said to him, “We have come to tie you up and put you in the hands of the Philistines.” Samson said, “All right, but promise me that you yourselves will not kill me!”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 15:12

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 15:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמְרוּ ל/וֹ֙ לֶ/אֱסָרְ/ךָ֣ יָרַ֔דְנוּ לְ/תִתְּ/ךָ֖ בְּ/יַד פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר לָ/הֶם֙ שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן הִשָּׁבְע֣וּ לִ֔/י פֶּֽן תִּפְגְּע֥וּ/ן בִּ֖/י אַתֶּֽם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff
לֶ/אֱסָרְ/ךָ֣ ʼâçar H631 to bind Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
יָרַ֔דְנוּ yârad H3381 to go down V-Qal-Perf-1cp
לְ/תִתְּ/ךָ֖ nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְּ/יַד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff
שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן Shimshôwn H8123 Samson N-proper
הִשָּׁבְע֣וּ shâbaʻ H7650 to swear V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
לִ֔/י Prep | Suff
פֶּֽן pên H6435 lest Conj
תִּפְגְּע֥וּ/ן pâgaʻ H6293 to fall on V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
בִּ֖/י Prep | Suff
אַתֶּֽם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 15:12

וַ/יֹּ֤אמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff
לֶ/אֱסָרְ/ךָ֣ ʼâçar H631 "to bind" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
יָרַ֔דְנוּ yârad H3381 "to go down" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
לְ/תִתְּ/ךָ֖ nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְּ/יַד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff
שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן Shimshôwn H8123 "Samson" N-proper
Samson, meaning like the sun, was a Danite and a judge of Israel for 20 years. He was a Nazarite for life, and his story is first mentioned in Judges 13:24, where he is described as the son of Manoah.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.13.24; son of: Manoah (H4495); married to Delilah (H1807) Also named: Sampsōn (Σαμψών "Samson" G4546) § Samson = "like the sun" a Danite, son of Manoah, a Nazarite for life, and a judge of Israel for 20 years
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Samson. See also: Judges 13:24; Judges 15:16; Judges 16:30.
הִשָּׁבְע֣וּ shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
לִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff
פֶּֽן pên H6435 "lest" Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תִּפְגְּע֥וּ/ן pâgaʻ H6293 "to fall on" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
בִּ֖/י "" Prep | Suff
אַתֶּֽם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

Study Notes — Judges 15:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 8:21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels.
2 Acts 7:25 He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not.
3 1 Kings 2:25 So King Solomon sent the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died.
4 1 Kings 2:34 So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness.
5 Matthew 27:2 They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor.

Judges 15:12 Summary

[In this verse, Samson is being arrested by the men of Judah, who want to hand him over to the Philistines. Samson asks them to swear that they will not kill him themselves, which shows that he is trying to protect himself. This event is part of the bigger story of Samson's life, where he is fighting against the Philistines and trusting in God's strength, as seen in Judges 14:6, where Samson kills a lion with his bare hands. We can learn from Samson's example to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when things seem difficult or uncertain, and to seek guidance and protection from Him, as seen in Psalm 23:4, where it says that God is with us even in the darkest valley.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the men of Judah want to arrest Samson?

The men of Judah wanted to arrest Samson because the Philistines were threatening them and they thought that by handing Samson over, they could avoid conflict, as seen in Judges 15:10-11, where the Philistines sought revenge against Samson for his actions against them.

What was Samson's concern when the men of Judah came to arrest him?

Samson's concern was that the men of Judah would kill him themselves, which is why he asked them to swear that they would not kill him, but instead hand him over to the Philistines, as stated in Judges 15:12.

How does this event relate to the broader story of Samson's life?

This event is part of the ongoing struggle between Samson and the Philistines, and it ultimately leads to Samson's victory over the Philistines, as seen in Judges 15:14-17, where the Spirit of the LORD comes upon Samson and he defeats the Philistines.

What can we learn from Samson's request to the men of Judah?

We can learn that even in difficult situations, we should trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on our own strength or the actions of others, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the LORD with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have felt like I am being 'handed over' to my enemies, and how did I respond?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when things seem uncertain or difficult?
  3. What are some ways that I can apply Samson's request to the men of Judah to my own life, in terms of seeking protection and guidance from God?
  4. How does this verse relate to the concept of surrender and trust in God, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it says that all things work together for good to those who love God?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 15:12

And they said unto him, we are come down to bind thee,.... That is, they were come down into the cave where he was; otherwise more properly they were come up to the top of the rock: that we may

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 15:12

And the men of Judah said, Why are ye come up against us? And they answered, To bind Samson are we come up, to do to him as he hath done to us. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 15:12

Not that he feared them, or could not as easily have conquered them, as he did the whole host of the Philistines; but because he would be free from all obligation or temptation of doing them any harm, though it were in his own just and necessary defence.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 15:12

Judges 15:12 And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.Ver. 12. We are come down to bind thee.] In these Israelites we have an example of ingratitude: as in Samson, of meekness, and care of his unworthy countrymen. How fitly might he have said to them, as once Themistocles in like case did to his Athenians, "Are ye weary of receiving so many benefits by one man?" That we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines.] With shame enough they might speak it, like a company of cowards as they were. But he upbraideth them not with their pusillanimity or perfidy; but, as solicitous of their safety, yieldeth to be bound. So did our dear Saviour, &c. Facinus vincere civem Romanum, saith the orator. Let me imitate his gradation, It was much for the Son of God to he bound, more to be beaten, most of all to be slain. Quid dicam, in crucem tolli? That ye will not fall upon me yourselves.] And so occasion me, in mine own defence, to fall foul again upon you. He made no question of making his party good with the Philistines, though they were an army of them: this showeth the strength of his faith.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 15:12

(12) Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.—It seems as if Samson were parleying with them from some point of vantage which he could easily have defended for a time.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 15:12

Verse 12. That ye will not fall upon me yourselves.] He could not bear the thought of contending with and slaying his own countrymen; for there is no doubt that he could have as easily rescued himself from their hands as from those of the Philistines.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 15:12

9–20. Local traditions Provoked by Samson’s violence, the Philistines made a raid upon Lehi in Judah for the purpose of capturing their enemy. The name of the place was suggestive, and tradition attached to it the story of S.’s feat with the ‘fresh jawbone (lμḥ ?ξ) of an ass.’ Popular etymology explained Ramath-lehi, ‘the height of Lehi’ (from rϋm), as the place where S. ‘threw away’ (rβmβh) the jawbone; a hollow basin in the hill side, which held the water of the ‘Partridge Spring’ (‘κn haḳ ?ḳ ?τrη’), became the spring which God granted when S. ‘called’ (ḳ ?βrβ’) for help in his exhaustion. It is noteworthy that the exploit of Shammah, one of David’s heroes, also took place at Lehi, 2 Samuel 23:11 (reading unto Lehi for into a troop); cf. also the story of Shamgar, Judges 3:31.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 15:12

12. Swear unto me — He is willing to risk a combat singlehanded with the Philistines, but would not fight or injure his own countrymen. His work was to smite Philistines, not Israelites.

Sermons on Judges 15:12

SermonDescription
Art Katz Apostolic Commission by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what
Art Katz K-542 Defining Apostolic Sending (1 of 2) by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being willing to serve in ordinary and unglorious ways in order to be faithful in greater tasks. He criticizes the hype and
Art Katz K-482 True Sending for True Ministry (1 of 2) by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acting solely in response to need. He highlights the danger of the church being deceived in the last days by constantly
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 69 by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and how he learned to trust and rely on God in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God and not
Chuck Smith Exodus 3:11 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith addresses the theme of identity in his sermon 'Exodus 3:11', emphasizing that true identity is found not in our roles or self-perception but in our relationship with Go
Chuck Smith Exodus 3:1 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith explores the profound question 'Who am I?' as posed by Moses after forty years of shepherding in the desert. He emphasizes that Moses' initial confidence, stemming from
David Wilkerson The Reward Is Worth the Difficulties by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that while there is a significant cost to being fully committed to God, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. He illustrates this through the exampl

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate