Judges 13 5

Judges 13:5 kjv

For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

Judges 13:5 nkjv

For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."

Judges 13:5 niv

You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines."

Judges 13:5 esv

for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines."

Judges 13:5 nlt

You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines."

Judges 13 verses

Judges 13 5 Meaning

This verse declares a divine prophecy regarding the birth and purpose of Samson, communicated to his barren mother. It outlines his miraculous conception, mandates a perpetual Nazirite vow upon him from birth (symbolized by never cutting his hair), and states his unique mission: to initiate Israel's deliverance from Philistine oppression. It underscores God's direct intervention in human affairs, choosing and setting apart an individual for a specific redemptive role, even before his birth.

Judges 13 5 Context

Judges 13 begins with Israel once again doing "what was evil in the sight of the LORD," leading to 40 years of oppression by the Philistines (Jdg 13:1). Unlike previous cycles where Israel cried out to God, this time there is no record of their supplication. God initiates their deliverance through a miraculous intervention. The context is set with a barren couple, Manoah and his unnamed wife, in the tribe of Dan, facing this oppressive situation. This verse (Jdg 13:5) is part of the angelic announcement to Manoah's wife, preceding Samson's birth, establishing his divine origin, sacred dedication, and specific purpose, foreshadowing a shift in the conflict with the Philistines. Historically, this period marks a new stage of Philistine dominance, far more formidable and prolonged than previous oppressors, setting the stage for Samson's tumultuous but foundational role in breaking their power.

Judges 13 5 Word analysis

• For behold, (כִּי הִנֵּה֙, ki hinneh): An emphatic phrase, demanding attention. It highlights the divine nature of the revelation and signals the commencement of an important declaration. It suggests a direct, weighty message from God.
• you shall conceive (הָרָ֣ה אַ֔תְּ, harah att): Means "you are pregnant" or "you shall conceive." This word points to a miraculous pregnancy, given the mother's previous barrenness, signifying divine intervention similar to Sarah or Rebekah. It emphasizes God's power over natural limitations.
• and bear a son (וְיָלַ֥דְתְּ בֵּ֗ן, v'yaladt ben): Simple declaration of a male child. The birth of a son in ancient Israel was often seen as a blessing, especially when divinely promised and when continuing a family line.
• And no razor (וּמוֹרָה֙ לֹא־יַעֲלֶ֣ה, u'morah lo ya'aleh): "Razor" (morah) refers specifically to a sharp cutting instrument. The negative "no" emphasizes the strict prohibition against hair cutting, foundational to Samson's Nazirite identity. This is not just a cultural custom but a divine command for this specific child.
• shall come upon his head (עַל־רֹאשֹׁ֔ו, al rosh'o): Explicitly states the area to be uncut, emphasizing the sign of separation on his physical person. This distinguishes him visually and symbolically.
• for the child shall be a Nazirite (כִּי־נְזִ֥יר אֱלֹהִ֖ים יִהְיֶ֣ה, ki nezir Elohim yihyeh): "Nazirite" (נָזִיר, nāzīr) means "one separated" or "consecrated." This is the core identity given to Samson. "Elohim" (אֱלֹהִים) emphasizes that this separation is to God Himself, not just a personal vow or a cultural practice. It signifies his sacred, devoted status.
• to God (אֱלֹהִ֖ים, Elohim): Directly states the recipient of the Nazirite dedication. It means his entire life, actions, and very being are under divine ownership and purpose.
• from the womb (מִן־הַבָּ֑טֶן, min habbatten): This is highly significant. Normal Nazirite vows (Num 6) were voluntary and temporary. Samson's vow is mandated by God and for life from before birth, indicating a unique divine ordination and calling.
• and he shall begin to save Israel (וְה֤וּא יָחֵל֙ לְהוֹשִׁ֣יעַ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל, v'hu yaḥel l'hoshiaʿ et Yisrael): "Begin to save" (yaḥel l'hoshiaʿ) implies that his role is not to bring complete, final deliverance, but to initiate the process. It's the first major crack in Philistine dominance, setting the stage for future battles and eventual release.
• from the hand of the Philistines (מִיַּ֣ד פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים, miyad P'lishtim): Specifies the oppressor. The "hand" metaphorically represents power and control. It highlights the precise target of God's redemptive plan.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son.": A miraculous, divinely initiated birth, highlighting God's sovereign hand in bringing life and destiny. It immediately signals that Samson's story is one of divine purpose.
• "And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb.": This phrase combines the outward sign (uncut hair) with its underlying meaning (Nazirite vow). The phrase "from the womb" transforms the voluntary vow of Numbers 6 into a unique, lifelong divine calling for Samson. This lifelong Naziriteship from conception demonstrates God's intentional design for him as a vessel set apart specifically for His will.
• "and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.": This statement links Samson's sacred consecration directly to his divinely appointed mission. It specifies his role as a deliverer, but emphasizes "begin," indicating that Samson's work is a crucial initial step in a larger redemptive process, not the final victory, aligning with the ongoing theme of partial deliverance in the book of Judges. It is Yahweh's action through Samson.

Judges 13 5 Bonus section

This prophecy to Samson's mother functions as a new prophetic word to Israel itself. God is speaking His plan, initiating rescue despite Israel's prolonged apostasy and silence. The Philistine oppression marks a severe spiritual decline, yet God intervenes unbidden, highlighting His steadfast covenant faithfulness even when Israel is faithless. Samson's story, therefore, isn't just about a strongman; it's about God setting apart an unlikely vessel, flawed though he may be, to advance His purposes. The "Nazirite from the womb" aspect is paramount. It is not Samson's choice to be consecrated, but God's. This emphasizes grace and divine predestination in a deliverer, moving beyond the simple voluntary vow of Numbers 6 to a divine appointment, showcasing a deeper, pre-conceived redemptive strategy. Samson's tragic flaws and failures highlight that the true power lay not in his human strength or even in his perfectly kept vow, but in the Spirit of the Lord who intermittently came upon him and was ultimately responsible for beginning the deliverance.

Judges 13 5 Commentary

Judges 13:5 reveals a pivotal divine prophecy, foundational to understanding Samson's life and role. It highlights God's sovereignty over barrenness and His election of individuals for specific purposes, demonstrating that salvation originates not from human striving but from divine initiative. Samson's lifelong Nazirite vow, consecrated from the womb, signified a unique, unbroken dedication to God. This separation was not merely an ascetic discipline but an external manifestation of God's internal claim on him, designed to equip him with extraordinary power when God's Spirit came upon him. The hair, while not the source of his strength, was the visible token of this sacred commitment. His purpose was to "begin to save Israel," indicating that his role was crucial but partial, setting the groundwork for eventual liberation, a reflection of the incremental nature of God's deliverance often seen in Judges. It serves as a stark reminder of God acting for His people even when they do not seek Him, offering a glimpse of a greater salvation yet to come.