Judges 13 21

Judges 13:21 kjv

But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD.

Judges 13:21 nkjv

When the Angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah knew that He was the Angel of the LORD.

Judges 13:21 niv

When the angel of the LORD did not show himself again to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that it was the angel of the LORD.

Judges 13:21 esv

The angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the LORD.

Judges 13:21 nlt

The angel did not appear again to Manoah and his wife. Manoah finally realized it was the angel of the LORD,

Judges 13 verses

Judges 13 21 Meaning

Judges 13:21 indicates the definitive cessation of the Angel of the LORD's visible presence to Manoah and his wife. Following this, Manoah achieved a complete and undeniable certainty regarding the divine identity of the messenger who had announced their son Samson's birth. It marks the conclusion of a significant direct revelation, solidifying Manoah's faith and the understanding of the miraculous intervention.

Judges 13 21 Context

Judges chapter 13 serves as the narrative introduction to Samson, a deliverer called by God during Israel's forty years under Philistine oppression. Manoah and his wife were childless, which in their culture was often a source of great sorrow and perceived divine disfavor. The Angel of the LORD had already appeared to Manoah's wife (Jdg 13:3-5), announcing a miraculous birth and detailing the Nazirite vow. Manoah prayed to God for the "man of God" to return, which the Angel graciously did. The pivotal moment in the verses immediately preceding Judges 13:21 involved Manoah offering a burnt offering, from which the Angel ascended in the flame. This verse (Jdg 13:21) marks the direct aftermath and Manoah's profound realization, confirming the divine authority and truthfulness of the initial prophecy concerning Samson's birth and destiny. It underscores the exceptional and transient nature of God's direct appearances.

Judges 13 21 Word analysis

• But (וְלֹא, wĕlōʾ): This conjunction serves to highlight a transition, signaling a decisive shift. It emphasizes the immediate conclusion of the direct divine manifestation, creating a sense of finality regarding the Angel's visible presence.
• the angel of the LORD (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, mal'akh Yahweh): This specific designation identifies a divine messenger often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Unlike a created angel, this figure consistently embodies divine authority, accepts worship, and often is directly identified with Yahweh Himself in Old Testament accounts. His interactions convey God's direct will and presence.
• did not appear again (לֹא יָסַף עוֹד, lōʾ yāsaf ʿôd): Literally "did not add again" or "did not continue." This phrase denotes a complete and permanent cessation of further visible appearances to Manoah and his wife. It signifies that God's work for this specific announcement and confirmation was finished.
• to Manoah and to his wife: Specifies the recipients of this unique divine encounter. The communication was personal and exclusive to them as a couple, integral to their role in Samson's life.
• Then (וַיֵּדַע, wayyēdaʿ): Introduces the direct consequence of the Angel's mysterious departure. This marks an immediate shift in Manoah's perception, linking the disappearance directly to his newfound understanding.
• Manoah knew (מָנוֹחַ יָדוֹעַ, Manoach yadaʿ): "Knew" here implies more than mere intellectual knowledge. It signifies a profound realization, a deep experiential conviction or perception of truth. His understanding shifted from possibly a great man or prophet to the unmistakable, transcendent nature of a divine being.
• that he was the angel of the LORD: The core revelation for Manoah. He gained full clarity that the mysterious visitor was not merely a human "man of God" (as described in Jdg 13:6) but the pre-eminent divine messenger, distinct and holy. This certainty confirmed the sanctity and truth of all that had been revealed.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• But the angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and to his wife: This phrase underlines the extraordinary and singular nature of this divine manifestation. Direct, visible encounters with the "Angel of the LORD" were significant but often temporal, signifying a specific purpose before the visible presence departed. It demonstrates God's sovereign control over His appearances and highlights the preciousness of such encounters.
• Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the LORD: This phrase captures a moment of spiritual clarity and epiphany. The climactic act of the Angel ascending in the flame confirmed His identity beyond doubt. Manoah's transition from polite inquiry and respectful awe to full conviction reinforces the profound impact of the divine presence and the unmistakable reality of God's direct intervention in human affairs, securing the truth of Samson's forthcoming miraculous birth.

Judges 13 21 Bonus section

• The identity of "the Angel of the LORD" is a point of theological discussion. Many understand this figure as a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ—due to the divine attributes and worship often ascribed to Him in Old Testament accounts. His mysterious ascension in the flame further points to a unique, divine nature beyond that of a mere created angel.
• The profound realization Manoah experienced aligns with the pattern throughout Scripture where direct divine encounters, though awe-inspiring and even terrifying (Jdg 13:22), ultimately lead to a clearer understanding of God's plan and His identity. This fear, often accompanied by falling on one's face, leads to reverential worship and humble acceptance of divine revelation.
• The fact that God, through His messenger, had to clarify and repeatedly confirm the truth to Manoah demonstrates His patience and graciousness in revealing His will and reassuring His servants before they embark on a significant mission.

Judges 13 21 Commentary

Judges 13:21 acts as a theological watershed in the narrative of Samson's birth. Before this verse, Manoah grappled with some uncertainty, referring to the messenger as a "man of God" and even requesting him to stay for a meal. The miraculous act of the Angel ascending in the flame from the sacrifice transformed Manoah's partial understanding into undeniable, full conviction. The "knowing" of Manoah is not simply intellectual assent, but a profound spiritual comprehension that leaves no room for doubt. The definitive departure of the Angel underscores the transcendence and distinctness of God. His direct manifestation, though powerful, is not perpetual; He appears for a specific purpose and then withdraws, leaving the recipients with the revealed truth to act upon. This final, irrefutable sign prepared Manoah and his wife to faithfully embrace their roles in the miraculous birth and raising of Samson, confident in God's initiating and sovereign power.