Judges 15:3

KJV

And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samson {H8123} said {H559} concerning them, Now {H6471} shall I be more blameless {H5352} than the Philistines {H6430}, though I do {H6213} them a displeasure {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shimshon said to them, "This time I'm through with the P'lishtim! I'm going to do something terrible to them!"

Berean Standard Bible

Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines.”

American Standard Version

And Samson said unto them, This time shall I be blameless in regard of the Philistines, when I do them a mischief.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 15:3 captures Samson's declaration of self-justification and intent to inflict further harm upon the Philistines. Following their retaliatory act of burning his Philistine wife and her father, Samson asserts that his impending actions, though destructive, will render him "more blameless" than his adversaries. This verse marks a pivotal escalation in Samson's personal vendetta against the Philistines, intertwining his fiery pursuit of vengeance with God's broader, often paradoxical, purpose of beginning Israel's deliverance through this flawed judge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Samson and the Philistines. In [Judges 15:1-2](/judges/15-1 "Judges 15:1-2 - Samson's Return and Father-in-Law's Refusal"), Samson returns to his Philistine wife, only to find she has been given to his companion. This personal affront, stemming from the events in [Judges 14](/judges/14 "Judges 14 - Samson's Marriage and Riddle"), where Samson's wife betrayed his riddle to her people, sets the stage. The Philistines' burning of Samson's wife and her father, detailed in [Judges 15:6](/judges/15-6 "Judges 15:6 - Philistines Burn Samson's Wife"), is presented as a response to Samson's previous act of burning their crops ([Judges 15:4-5](/judges/15-4 "Judges 15:4-5 - Samson's Foxes and Fields")). Samson's statement in [Judges 15:3](/judges/15-3 "Judges 15:3 - Samson's Self-Justification") is his immediate verbal response to the Philistines' latest atrocity, serving as a prelude to his subsequent, even more violent, acts of retribution against them. It highlights a relentless cycle of vengeance that defines much of Samson's narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Judges depicts a chaotic period in Israel's history, characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and the raising up of judges by God. The Philistines were a dominant maritime people who had settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, possessing superior iron technology and military organization, making them a formidable oppressor of Israel. In this honor-shame culture, personal and familial affronts, such as the betrayal of a wife or the burning of relatives, demanded a response to restore honor. Samson's actions, though extreme, are rooted in this cultural expectation of vendetta. However, his personal motivations often overshadow the divine mandate, illustrating the complex interplay between human agency and God's sovereign plan during a time when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")).

* **Key Themes:** Judges 15:3 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the Samson narrative and the Book of Judges. Firstly, **Retaliation and Vengeance** are central, as Samson's primary motivation is clearly driven by personal payback for the profound indignity and tragedy he has suffered. His declaration initiates a new phase of his one-man war, fueled by a desire for retribution. Secondly, **Self-Justification** is overtly displayed; Samson believes the Philistines' extreme actions have morally absolved him, granting him a "blameless" right to inflict harm. This highlights his often impulsive character, frequently acting on personal grievances while viewing himself as righteous. Thirdly, the verse marks a significant **Escalation of Conflict**, signaling Samson's intent to intensify his destructive campaign against the Philistines. Finally, it underscores the theme of the **Flawed Deliverer**. While Samson is divinely appointed to "begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines" ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow and Purpose")), his methods are often deeply personal, driven by passion and vengeance rather than pure divine righteousness, making him a complex and morally ambiguous figure in the unfolding narrative of God's work through imperfect vessels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blameless (Hebrew, _nāqâ'_):** The Hebrew word נָקָק (_naqah_) conveys the idea of being innocent, acquitted, or unpunished. Samson's use of this term is a powerful assertion of his perceived moral superiority and justification. He is not merely saying he is less guilty, but that he is now free from culpability, as if the Philistines' actions (burning his wife and father-in-law) have fully discharged any blame that might have been attributed to him for his previous acts. This self-declared "blamelessness" is a psychological and moral maneuver to rationalize his impending violence.
* **Displeasure (Hebrew, _rāʿâ'_):** The Hebrew term רָעָה (_ra'ah_) is a broad word that can mean evil, harm, mischief, calamity, or even a bad thing. In this context, it signifies a significant, intentional infliction of harm or damage, far beyond a mere inconvenience. Samson is not seeking a mild reprisal but a substantial, destructive act of vengeance. The vagueness of "displeasure" allows for the dramatic and widespread destruction that follows, such as the slaughter of a thousand men with a jawbone ([Judges 15:15](/judges/15-15 "Judges 15:15 - Samson's Jawbone Victory")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samson said concerning them":** This phrase establishes Samson's direct address concerning the Philistines, highlighting his personal engagement and emotional investment in the conflict. His words are not a casual observation but a deliberate declaration of intent, revealing his mindset and the driving force behind his subsequent actions. It sets a confrontational tone.
* **"Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines":** This is the core of Samson's self-justification. The "Now" indicates a shift in his perceived moral standing, directly attributable to the Philistines' burning of his wife and father-in-law. He is asserting that their extreme act has elevated his moral position in the conflict, making any retaliation on his part justifiable and, in his eyes, morally superior to their actions. It reflects a tit-for-tat mentality, but with Samson claiming the moral high ground.
* **"though I do them a displeasure":** This clause reveals Samson's clear intention to inflict harm. The "though" suggests a concession or a qualification, as if to say, "Even if my actions cause harm, I am still justified." It underscores his determination to exact revenge, framing his destructive intent as a righteous response to the Philistines' perceived greater wrongdoing. This phrase foreshadows the violent and devastating acts that Samson will unleash upon the Philistines.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Samson, a divinely appointed judge meant to deliver Israel, claims "blamelessness" while explicitly stating his intention to inflict "displeasure." His personal vendetta, though used by God, stands in stark contrast to the ideal of a righteous, impartial judge. This highlights the deep moral ambiguity of his character. The statement also functions as **Foreshadowing**, directly preceding Samson's most destructive acts of vengeance against the Philistines, such as the slaughter of a thousand men with a jawbone ([Judges 15:15](/judges/15-15 "Judges 15:15 - Samson's Jawbone Victory")). Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful piece of **Characterization**, revealing Samson's impulsive nature, his tendency towards self-justification, and his deeply personal motivations, which often intertwine with, and sometimes overshadow, his divine calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Samson's declaration in Judges 15:3 offers a stark theological reflection on the nature of vengeance and human self-justification. While God often used imperfect individuals to accomplish His purposes in the Old Testament, Samson's personal vendetta, driven by a desire to settle scores and restore his own honor, stands in stark contrast to the divine standard of justice and the New Testament's call to relinquish personal retribution. His claim of "blamelessness" highlights the human tendency to rationalize harmful actions when wronged, creating a dangerous cycle of escalating violence. The narrative demonstrates that even when God works through such flawed instruments, it does not endorse their sinful motivations or methods. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to God alone, and believers are called to a higher standard of forgiveness and trust in divine justice.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - God's Vengeance and Recompense")
* [Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38 "Matthew 5:38-39 - Turn the Other Cheek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samson's declaration in Judges 15:3 serves as a powerful mirror for examining our own hearts when faced with injustice or personal offense. The human impulse to seek retribution, to justify our anger, and to retaliate when wronged is deeply ingrained. Samson's "Now shall I be more blameless" resonates with our own internal dialogues where we rationalize our reactions, believing that the other party's greater offense absolves us of any wrongdoing in our response. This verse challenges us to consider the destructive cycle that personal vengeance perpetuates, often escalating conflict rather than resolving it. Instead of seeking to be "more blameless" through retaliation, the Christian walk calls for a radical departure: trusting God's ultimate justice, extending forgiveness, and breaking the cycle of an "eye for an eye." It invites us to examine our motivations: Are we driven by personal satisfaction and pride, or by a desire for reconciliation and reliance on God's perfect timing and methods for justice?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When you feel wronged, what is your immediate impulse? Do you tend to seek self-justification for retaliation?**
* **How does Samson's desire for personal vengeance contrast with the New Testament's teachings on responding to evil?**
* **In what ways might we, like Samson, rationalize our "displeasure" towards others, believing ourselves to be "more blameless"?**
* **What practical steps can you take to release the desire for personal vengeance and instead trust God with justice?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samson feel "blameless" for his intended actions?**

Answer: Samson felt "blameless" because the Philistines had escalated the conflict significantly by burning his Philistine wife and her father ([Judges 15:6](/judges/15-6 "Judges 15:6 - Philistines Burn Samson's Wife")). In his mind, their extreme act of violence against his family members (even if they were also responding to his previous actions, like burning their crops in [Judges 15:4-5](/judges/15-4 "Judges 15:4-5 - Samson's Foxes and Fields")) justified any subsequent harm he inflicted upon them. He believed their actions had crossed a moral line that made him the aggrieved party, thus absolving him of blame for his own impending "displeasure."

**Was Samson truly "blameless" from a divine perspective?**

Answer: From a purely divine and ethical perspective, Samson was not truly "blameless." While God used Samson to begin the deliverance of Israel ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow and Purpose")), Samson's motivations were often deeply personal, driven by passion, vengeance, and self-interest rather than pure obedience or a righteous desire for God's glory. His actions, though used by God for a larger purpose, often stemmed from his own sinful impulses and a desire for personal retribution, which stands in contrast to God's perfect justice and the higher call for His people.

**How does this verse fit with God using Samson, a flawed individual, to achieve His purposes?**

Answer: This verse highlights a recurring theme in the Bible: God's sovereignty often works through imperfect human instruments, even despite their flaws and sinful motivations. God had a plan to deliver Israel from the Philistines, and He chose Samson to "begin to deliver" them ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow and Purpose")). While Samson's personal vengeance was not divinely condoned, God sovereignly directed the consequences of Samson's actions to serve His redemptive plan. This demonstrates God's ability to work through human sinfulness without endorsing it, ultimately bringing about His will even amidst human brokenness and disobedience, as seen throughout the period of the [Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson, in his self-justified pursuit of vengeance, stands as a stark contrast to the ultimate blameless one, Jesus Christ. Samson sought to be "more blameless" by inflicting "displeasure" on his enemies, perpetuating a cycle of violence. Yet, Christ, who was truly blameless and without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")), did not inflict displeasure but absorbed it. He did not claim blamelessness to justify retaliation, but to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice, bearing the blame and "displeasure" (God's wrath against sin) of humanity upon the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Where Samson's strength brought temporary, personal vengeance, Jesus' weakness on the cross brought eternal reconciliation and broke the cycle of sin and death ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ's Triumph Over the Powers")). The true deliverance from our ultimate enemy, sin, comes not through a flawed judge's personal vendetta, but through the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making us truly blameless before God through His perfect sacrifice ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ to Be Holy and Blameless")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 14:15

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? [is it] not [so]?