Judges 16:28

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
שִׁמְשׁ֛וֹן
And Samson
shimshon, an israelite
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יְהוָ֖ה
GOD
god
#5
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֲדֹנָ֣י
O Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#7
יֱהוִֹ֡ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
זָכְרֵ֣נִי
remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#9
נָא֩
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#10
וְחַזְּקֵ֨נִי
me I pray thee and strengthen
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#11
נָ֜א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#12
אַ֣ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#13
הַפַּ֤עַם
me I pray thee only this once
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#14
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#15
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
O God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#16
וְאִנָּֽקְמָ֧ה
avenged
to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish
#17
נְקַם
revenge
#18
אַחַ֛ת
that I may be at once
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#19
מִשְּׁתֵ֥י
for my two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#20
עֵינַ֖י
eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#21
מִפְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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