Judges 15:7

KJV

And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samson {H8123} said {H559} unto them, Though {H518} ye have done {H6213} this {H2063}, yet will I be avenged {H5358} of you, and after {H310} that I will cease {H2308}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shimshon said to them, "I will certainly have my revenge on you for doing such a thing; but after I do, I'll stop."

Berean Standard Bible

And Samson told them, “Because you have done this, I will not rest until I have taken vengeance upon you.”

American Standard Version

And Samson said unto them, If ye do after this manner, surely I will be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 15:7 captures Samson's determined declaration of personal vengeance against the Philistines, a direct and fierce response to their brutal act of burning his Philistine wife and her father. This verse marks a critical escalation in the ongoing, destructive cycle of retribution between Samson and the Philistines, revealing Samson's impulsive nature and commitment to personal payback rather than a broader, divinely-mandated deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Samson is a pivotal moment following a rapid escalation of violence. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Judges 15:6](/judges/15-6 "Judges 15:6 - Philistine Retaliation"), the Philistines retaliated against Samson's fiery destruction of their crops by burning his wife and father-in-law to death. This act was itself a response to Samson's earlier vengeance for his wife being given to another man, as detailed in [Judges 15:1-5](/judges/15-1-5 "Judges 15:1-5 - Samson's Fiery Revenge"). Samson's statement in verse 7, "Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you," directly acknowledges their latest atrocity and signals his unwavering commitment to perpetuate the cycle of "eye for an eye" retribution, which defines much of his judgeship. The phrase "and after that I will cease" suggests a temporary cessation, not a resolution, highlighting the ongoing, fragmented nature of his conflict with the Philistines.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, including Samson's time, was characterized by a decentralized Israel, often under the oppression of surrounding nations like the Philistines. The Philistines, a powerful seafaring people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, posed a significant military and cultural threat to Israel. Their presence and dominance in the Shephelah region (the lowlands between the Philistine plain and the Judean hills) are central to Samson's narrative. Culturally, personal vengeance was a common, though often regulated, practice in the ancient Near East. While Israelite law provided for justice through elders and courts, Samson frequently operates outside these norms, driven by personal slight and a fierce, individualistic sense of justice. His actions, while divinely empowered for Israel's deliverance, often reflect the chaotic and morally ambiguous nature of the era described in [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel").
* **Key Themes:** Judges 15:7 powerfully underscores several key themes in Samson's narrative and the book of Judges. Foremost is the **Cycle of Vengeance**, where one act of violence begets another, leading to a spiraling and destructive conflict that benefits no one. Samson's declaration "I will be avenged" is a clear embrace of this cycle, demonstrating how personal offense fuels continuous retribution rather than seeking justice or reconciliation. Another prominent theme is **Samson's Impulsive Nature and Personal Motivations**. Despite being divinely set apart as a Nazirite from birth to deliver Israel ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow")), Samson consistently acts out of personal anger, lust, and desire for revenge, rather than strategic leadership or a clear divine mandate for national liberation. His declaration here is a reaction to personal affront, not a planned military campaign. Finally, the verse highlights the **Flawed Nature of Israel's Deliverers** during the period of the Judges. Samson, like many other judges, is deeply flawed, yet God continues to use him, albeit imperfectly, to achieve His purposes against the Philistines, showcasing God's sovereignty even amidst human sin and weakness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Avenged (Hebrew, _nāqam'_):** This verb carries a strong connotation of retribution, vengeance, or payback. It signifies not merely anger or a desire for justice, but the active taking of retaliatory action to inflict punishment for a wrong committed. In this context, Samson is not seeking legal restitution but personal, direct, and forceful payback for the Philistines' brutal act. It often implies a measure-for-measure response.
* **Cease (Hebrew, _ḥādal'_):** Meaning to stop, desist, or refrain, this word implies a temporary cessation rather than a permanent resolution or a lasting peace. Samson's declaration that he "will cease" after this act of vengeance suggests a specific, perhaps singular, act of retribution he intends to carry out. However, as the narrative of Samson unfolds, his conflict with the Philistines continues, demonstrating that any "ceasing" was often limited to particular incidents and did not represent a true end to hostilities or a change in his vengeful disposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samson said unto them":** This introduces Samson's direct address to the Philistines, likely those who informed him of the burning of his wife and father-in-law, or perhaps a general declaration to the Philistine populace. It emphasizes his personal engagement and direct communication of his intent.
* **"Though ye have done this":** This clause directly references the Philistines' recent act of burning Samson's wife and her father to death, as described in [Judges 15:6](/judges/15-6 "Judges 15:6 - Philistine Retaliation"). Samson acknowledges their retaliatory action, recognizing it as the immediate cause for his renewed vengeance.
* **"yet will I be avenged of you":** This is the core declaration of the verse. Samson states his unwavering intent to exact personal retribution. It highlights his fierce determination and commitment to escalating the cycle of violence, driven by deep personal offense and a sense of justice that aligns with the "eye for an eye" principle, though applied personally and outside of legal frameworks.
* **"and after that I will cease":** This concluding phrase suggests a limitation or a temporary endpoint to his immediate act of vengeance. Samson implies that he will carry out a specific retaliatory action and then stop. However, the subsequent narrative reveals that this "cease" is short-lived and does not bring a lasting peace or end to his conflict with the Philistines. It underscores the fragmented and reactive nature of his actions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as Samson's declaration "after that I will cease" is immediately undercut by the subsequent narrative, which shows his conflict with the Philistines continuing and escalating. This creates a dramatic tension between Samson's stated intention and the unfolding reality, highlighting his impulsive nature and the futility of his attempts to control the cycle of violence. The phrase also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting that while this particular act of vengeance might conclude, the broader conflict is far from over, preparing the reader for subsequent confrontations. Furthermore, the verse participates in the larger **Parallelism** of action and reaction that defines Samson's narrative, where each act of Philistine aggression or Samson's personal slight is met with a disproportionate or equally violent counter-response, creating a relentless and destructive cycle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 15:7 stands as a stark illustration of the destructive nature of unchecked personal vengeance, a theme frequently addressed in scripture. While the Old Testament includes the principle of "an eye for an eye" ([Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - Eye for an Eye")), this was intended to limit retribution within a legal framework, not to encourage personal blood feuds. Samson's actions, driven by personal anger and a desire for payback, stand in contrast to God's ultimate justice and the New Testament call to forgiveness. The verse highlights humanity's propensity to perpetuate cycles of harm, a pattern that God continually seeks to break through His covenant and, ultimately, through Christ. It reminds us that true justice and peace do not come from personal retaliation but from a higher, divine standard.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")
* [Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38-39 "Matthew 5:38-39 - Turn the Other Cheek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samson's declaration in Judges 15:7 serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the human tendency to respond to injury with further injury, perpetuating cycles of conflict and bitterness. In our own lives, how often do personal offenses or perceived wrongs lead to an escalating desire for "payback," whether through harsh words, social ostracism, or direct retaliation? This verse challenges us to recognize the futility and destructive power of such cycles. The Christian faith calls us to a radically different path, one of forgiveness, reconciliation, and entrusting ultimate justice to God. It prompts us to consider the cost of holding onto anger and the freedom found in releasing the need for personal vengeance. Samson's story, despite his flaws, reminds us that God can work through imperfect vessels, but it also highlights the profound personal and societal damage caused when individuals act solely out of self-interest and unbridled anger rather than divine wisdom and love. We are called to be agents of peace and grace, breaking cycles of harm rather than perpetuating them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when I feel personally wronged or offended?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be perpetuating a cycle of "vengeance" or retaliation, even subtly?**
* **What does it mean practically to "leave vengeance to God" in my daily interactions and relationships?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, even when it feels difficult or undeserved?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Philistines burn Samson's wife and father-in-law?**

Answer: The Philistines burned Samson's wife and her father as a direct act of retaliation for Samson's earlier vengeance. In [Judges 15:1-5](/judges/15-1-5 "Judges 15:1-5 - Samson's Fiery Revenge"), Samson had caught 300 foxes, tied their tails together with torches, and set fire to the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves. When the Philistines asked why this destruction occurred, they were told it was because Samson's father-in-law had given Samson's wife to another man after Samson left her. Therefore, the Philistines' action in [Judges 15:6](/judges/15-6 "Judges 15:6 - Philistine Retaliation") was their form of "justice" or vengeance, intended to punish the source of the conflict.

**Did Samson actually "cease" his vengeance after this declaration?**

Answer: No, Samson did not truly "cease" his vengeance in a lasting sense. While his declaration in [Judges 15:7](/judges/15-7 "Judges 15:7 - Samson's Vow of Vengeance") might have implied a specific, limited act of retribution, the narrative immediately following shows his conflict with the Philistines continuing and escalating. In [Judges 15:8](/judges/15-8 "Judges 15:8 - Samson's Great Slaughter"), Samson strikes the Philistines "hip and thigh with a great slaughter," and subsequently, they seek to capture him. His life remains a series of individual acts of vengeance against the Philistines until his final, climactic act in [Judges 16:30](/judges/16-30 "Judges 16:30 - Samson's Final Act"). Thus, his statement "I will cease" was temporary and indicative of his impulsive, reactive nature rather than a permanent end to hostilities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson's pursuit of personal vengeance in Judges 15:7, though divinely used to harass the Philistines, stands in stark contrast to the perfect, self-sacrificial justice embodied by Jesus Christ. Samson, a flawed judge, sought to "be avenged" through violent retribution, perpetuating a cycle of eye-for-an-eye. His temporary "ceasing" was merely a pause in an ongoing personal vendetta. In contrast, Christ, the ultimate Judge and Deliverer, did not come to take vengeance but to bear it. He perfectly fulfilled the divine requirement for justice against sin, not by retaliating against His enemies, but by willingly submitting to the ultimate act of injustice on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Unlike Samson, who avenged himself, Jesus "when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ Did Not Retaliate")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ broke the cycle of sin and death, offering true and lasting peace, a peace that Samson's vengeful acts could never achieve. His "ceasing" was not a temporary pause in conflict, but a definitive, once-for-all sacrifice that accomplished eternal redemption ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). Samson foreshadowed a deliverer, but Christ is the Deliverer who brings ultimate justice through self-giving love, not self-serving retribution.

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 14:19

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

Judges 14:4

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.

Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.