Judges 15:12 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The men of Judah announce they have come to tie him up and hand him over, and Samson agrees on the condition that they themselves will not kill him.
What Does Judges 15:12 Mean?
The men of Judah state their intent plainly: to bind Samson and deliver him to the Philistines. Samson, who could easily resist, instead consents on one term, that his own countrymen will not strike him down. He will not raise his hand against the men of Judah.
Remarkably, Samson submits to being bound by his own people rather than fight them. His restraint toward Israel, even as they betray him, quietly foreshadows a greater Deliverer who would be handed over by His own and yet refuse to call down destruction upon them, yielding Himself for their sake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 15:12
What does Judges 15:12 mean?
The men of Judah announce they have come to tie him up and hand him over, and Samson agrees on the condition that they themselves will not kill him.