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

JUDGES 16:28KJV
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Judges 16:28 (KJV)

What does Judges 16:28 mean?

Judges 16:28 shows Samson praying to the LORD, asking God to remember him and give him strength one last time so he can take revenge on the Philistines for blinding him. Samson’s prayer is a desperate plea for God’s help in the final moments of his life, focused on personal justice against his enemies.

In this verse, Samson speaks directly to God after being captured and blinded by the Philistines. He addresses God with titles that show respect and urgency, asking not just for strength but for God to "remember" him—suggesting he feels forgotten or abandoned. Samson’s request is specific: he wants to be strong just once more, not for his own glory, but to repay the Philistines for the loss of his eyes.

The Hebrew behind Judges 16:28

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh, H3068) and "Lord GOD" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, Adonai Yahweh, H136 H3069): Samson uses both the personal name for God and a title meaning "Master," showing both intimacy and reverence in his prayer.
  • "Remember" (זָכַר, zakar, H2142): This word often means more than just recalling; it carries the sense of acting on someone’s behalf. Samson is asking God not just to think of him, but to intervene.
  • "Strengthen" (חָזַק, chazaq, H2388): The verb here means to make strong or to empower. Samson is not relying on his own strength but is fully dependent on God for this final act.
  • "Avenged" (נָקַם, naqam, H5358/H5359): This word points to the idea of justice or retribution, not just personal anger. Samson frames his request as a response to the wrong done to him.

Why Judges 16:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Samson’s final act is not just about personal revenge, but about seeking God’s intervention after feeling abandoned and powerless.
  • The way Samson addresses God highlights his humility and desperation, contrasting with earlier stories where he acted more independently.
  • Understanding the specific Hebrew words helps reveal that Samson’s prayer is about more than memory or strength; it is a plea for God to act decisively in a moment of deep need.

Where else these words appear

“avenged” Hebrew H5359 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 26:25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.
  • Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
  • Isaiah 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

“avenged” Hebrew H5358 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
  • 1 Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
  • Jeremiah 5:29 Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

“Samson” Hebrew H8123 · used in 37 verses

  • Judges 13:24 And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
  • Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
  • Judges 16:9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.

“once” Hebrew H6471 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Deuteronomy 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.
  • 2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.