Judges 13 13

Judges 13:13 kjv

And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.

Judges 13:13 nkjv

So the Angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful.

Judges 13:13 niv

The angel of the LORD answered, "Your wife must do all that I have told her.

Judges 13:13 esv

And the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful.

Judges 13:13 nlt

The angel of the LORD replied, "Be sure your wife follows the instructions I gave her.

Judges 13 verses

Judges 13 13 Meaning

Judges 13:13 is the Angel of the LORD's direct response to Manoah, confirming and re-emphasizing the exact instructions previously given to Manoah's barren wife concerning the proper conduct and the Nazirite vows for their miraculously conceived son, Samson. The verse underscores the divine authority of these directives and highlights the wife's personal and crucial responsibility to diligently observe all the prescribed prohibitions. It signifies the consistency of God's word and the importance of parental obedience in fulfilling God's specific plans for their child.

Judges 13 13 Context

Judges chapter 13 introduces the last of Israel's major judges, Samson, against the backdrop of forty years of Philistine oppression. Israel had once again fallen into sin, and God had delivered them into the hands of their enemies. The chapter opens with the dramatic divine announcement to Manoah and his barren wife that she would conceive a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The initial encounter between the Angel of the LORD and the wife details the unique Nazirite vows the child must adhere to from birth—no wine or strong drink, no unclean foods, and no razor on his head. Manoah, upon hearing his wife's account, prays for the "man of God" to return and specifically ask how to rear the child. Judges 13:13 is the Angel of the LORD's direct reply to Manoah's specific question, emphasizing that the earlier instructions to the woman remain fully binding and must be strictly observed. This verse solidifies the divine authority behind Samson's prenatal dedication and his mother's role in its observance.

Judges 13 13 Word analysis

• And: A conjunction that connects Manoah's previous query to the Angel of the LORD's direct response, indicating continuity in the conversation.
• the Angel of the LORD (מלאך יהוה, mal'akh Yahweh): This is a significant title in the Old Testament, often denoting a special divine messenger who carries the authority and presence of Yahweh Himself. In many instances, scholars understand this as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's personal involvement in human affairs and His direct revelation to His people. This figure demonstrates divine authority, knowledge, and ability to give specific commands.
• said (ויאמר, vayyomer): An assertive verbal action, denoting a direct and authoritative declaration. It is not merely a suggestion but a clear pronouncement.
• unto Manoah (אֶל־מָנ֧וֹחַ, el Manôaḥ): Direct address to Manoah. It affirms God's acknowledgement of Manoah's concern and his role as the father, despite the initial revelation being to the wife. Manoah’s name means "rest" or "resting place."
• Of all (מִכֹּ֤ל, mikkōl): Emphasizes completeness and inclusiveness. It signifies that the entirety of the previous instructions—every detail and aspect—is reaffirmed. Nothing is omitted or changed.
• that I said (אֲשֶׁר־דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי, 'asher dibbartî): Refers directly back to the specific words spoken by the Angel of the LORD to Manoah's wife in verses 4-5 and 7. The use of "I" underscores the divine origin and authority of the commands.
• unto the woman (אֶל־הָאִשָּֽׁה, el hā'ishah): Highlights that the instructions were initially given to her, recognizing her primary role in bearing and nursing the child and therefore the immediate responsibility for adhering to the dietary and abstention requirements during pregnancy and nursing.
• let her beware (תִּשָּׁמֵֽר, tishshāmer): This is a crucial command, meaning "she shall keep," "she shall observe," "she shall guard," or "she shall be diligent." It is a strong injunction for strict, careful, and vigilant adherence to the specific Nazirite regulations. It denotes personal responsibility and guarding against any deviation or compromise from the divine decree. This word highlights that mere awareness is not enough; active obedience is required.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the Angel of the LORD said unto Manoah": This phrase underlines the divine initiative and authority in responding to Manoah's request. The repetition of "the Angel of the LORD" (a Christophany) speaking to Manoah confirms the solemnity and divine nature of the instructions given regarding Samson's unique calling. It grants Manoah reassurance directly from God Himself.
• "Of all that I said unto the woman": This clearly establishes continuity with the earlier revelation and asserts that all previous divine instructions are immutable. It leaves no room for misinterpretation or selective obedience. It also underscores that the wife was the primary recipient of these specific prenatal injunctions.
• "let her beware": This direct and imperative command emphasizes the profound personal responsibility placed upon Samson's mother. Her diligence in observing the Nazirite regulations during pregnancy was not merely for ritual purity but directly tied to Samson's divine purpose as a dedicated deliverer. It highlights the serious nature of the command and the potential consequences of neglect or disobedience.

Judges 13 13 Bonus section

The seemingly repetitive nature of the Angel's words to Manoah is not redundant but deliberate. It emphasizes the critical importance and unchangeable nature of God's initial directives. By restating "all that I said unto the woman," the Angel not only confirms His word but also implicitly addresses any doubt or desire for modification on Manoah's part. It reinforces the divine sovereignty over Samson's destiny, starting from his conception, and the requirement for unwavering human obedience. This passage highlights that a mother's faithfulness during pregnancy has direct implications for the spiritual foundation of the child and their unique callings from God. It suggests that consecration begins even in the womb, and parental guardianship of God's commands is foundational for the child's life path.

Judges 13 13 Commentary

Judges 13:13 serves as a divine reaffirmation of the Nazirite vows imposed upon Samson from birth. When Manoah, the father, expresses his desire for more specific guidance on how to raise the child, the Angel of the LORD, who embodies divine authority, reiterates that the initial instructions given to Manoah's wife are sufficient and comprehensive. This repetition signifies God's consistency and the binding nature of His word.

The core of this verse is the emphatic command, "let her beware," directed at the mother. This is not a passive warning but an active call for diligent observation and guarding of the sacred vows. It highlights her central role in ensuring Samson's adherence to the Nazirite laws even before his birth, through her own lifestyle and dietary restrictions. The success of Samson's unique calling, initiated as God's instrument to begin Israel's deliverance, was therefore intricately linked to his parents' — particularly his mother's — faithful obedience to the Lord's detailed commands. It's a reminder that parental instruction and modeling are critical for a child's spiritual formation, especially when God has a specific purpose for them. For instance, like Samson, Samuel and John the Baptist also had specific, divinely ordained pre-birth dedications. This verse teaches the enduring principle that obedience to God's precise instructions is paramount for the fulfillment of His divine purposes.