Judges 13:11

Translation
King James Version
And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And Manoah H4495 arose H6965, and went H3212 after H310 his wife H802, and came H935 to the man H376, and said H559 unto him, Art thou the man H376 that spakest H1696 unto the woman H802? And he said H559, I am.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Manoach got up, followed his wife, went to the man and said to him, "Are you the man who spoke to the woman?" He answered, "I am."
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Berean Standard Bible
So Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he asked, “Are you the man who spoke to my wife?” “I am,” he said.
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American Standard Version
And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.
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World English Bible Messianic
Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to the woman?” He said, “I am.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And Manoah arose and went after his wife, and came to the man, and saide vnto him, Art thou the man that spakest vnto the woman? and he said, Yea.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Manoah riseth, and goeth after his wife, and cometh unto the man, and saith to him, `Art thou the man who spake unto the woman?' and he saith, `I am .'
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In the KJVVerse 6,896 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Judges 13:11 captures a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Samson's miraculous conception, as Manoah, the expectant father, actively seeks out and directly engages with the divine messenger who had previously appeared only to his wife. This verse illuminates Manoah's earnest and responsible pursuit of clarity and confirmation regarding the extraordinary divine announcement and the true identity of the celestial visitor, setting the stage for further revelation concerning the future deliverer of Israel and underscoring the importance of direct divine encounter in the establishment of God's redemptive plans.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Judges 13:11 is strategically placed within the opening narrative of Samson, the final major judge in the book, and serves as a direct, divinely-answered response to Manoah's earnest prayer for further instruction. Prior to this verse, the Angel of the Lord had appeared to Manoah's barren wife, announcing the miraculous birth of a son, Samson, who would be a Nazirite from birth and initiate Israel's deliverance from Philistine oppression, as detailed in Judges 13:3-5. Unaware of the messenger's true identity and seeking both confirmation and specific guidance on how to raise the promised child, Manoah prayed fervently for the "man of God" to return, as recorded in Judges 13:8. God, in His sovereign grace, answers this prayer, and the angel reappears while Manoah's wife is in the field, prompting her to quickly summon her husband. This verse therefore marks the crucial transition from indirect revelation to a face-to-face encounter between Manoah and the divine messenger, which is essential for the subsequent, more detailed instructions regarding Samson's unique upbringing and role.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Judges 13 unfold during a period of intense Philistine domination over Israel, a recurring cycle of apostasy, oppression, and eventual divine deliverance that characterizes the entire book, specifically mentioned in Judges 13:1. The Philistines, a formidable seafaring people, had established a strong foothold along the coastal plain, exerting significant military and economic control over Israelite territories. Within this broader context of national subjugation, the personal plight of Manoah and his wife—their barrenness—held profound cultural significance in the ancient Near East. Fertility was universally regarded as a divine blessing and a sign of favor, while barrenness was often perceived as a potential curse or a source of societal shame. The miraculous birth of a child to a previously barren couple, a recurring biblical motif seen with figures like Isaac, Samuel, and John the Baptist, powerfully signaled divine intervention and the initiation of a significant new phase in God's redemptive plan. Manoah's leading role in the conversation with the messenger also accurately reflects the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, where the husband typically served as the family's spiritual and practical head, responsible for seeking and interpreting divine guidance for his household.
  • Key Themes: Judges 13:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. A prominent theme is Divine Initiative and Grace, as God, without any explicit repentance from Israel, takes the proactive step to raise a deliverer, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness even amidst human unfaithfulness and oppression. Manoah's earnest questioning and the angel's direct, unequivocal response highlight the theme of Divine Confirmation and Clarity, assuring both Manoah and the reader of the authenticity, authority, and specificity of God's word, particularly concerning a pivotal divine plan. The encounter also subtly introduces the profound theme of The Identity of the Divine Messenger, as Manoah grapples with understanding who this "man" truly is, a tension that masterfully foreshadows the later, climactic revelation of the "Angel of the Lord" as a manifestation of God Himself, as confirmed in Judges 13:22. Finally, the verse underscores the crucial theme of Parental Responsibility in Raising a Godly Offspring, as Manoah seeks specific instructions for the Nazirite upbringing of Samson, a calling that would set him apart for God's unique service from birth, echoing the principles found in Numbers 6.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Arose (Hebrew, qûwm', H6965): The verb "arose" (H6965) signifies more than a mere physical standing; it denotes a purposeful, decisive, and often urgent action. Here, Manoah "arose" to pursue the messenger, indicating his immediate and earnest response to his wife's news and his deep desire for confirmation and understanding. This conveys a sense of urgency, determination, and responsible initiative in seeking divine truth and guidance, highlighting his active engagement with the unfolding divine plan.
  • Man (Hebrew, ʼîysh', H376): Manoah's repeated use of "the man" (הָאִישׁ, ha'ish, H376) is significant. While seemingly a simple descriptor, it highlights his initial human perspective and lack of understanding regarding the messenger's true, divine identity. This term sets up a narrative tension that culminates in Manoah's profound realization that he has encountered not merely a human prophet or emissary, but a divine being—the "Angel of the Lord"—as revealed later in Judges 13:22. It underscores the initial mystery surrounding the visitor.
  • Spakest (Hebrew, dâbar', H1696): The verb "spakest" (H1696) refers to the act of speaking, but its root often implies an orderly arrangement of words, a deliberate declaration, or a command. Here, Manoah is inquiring if this is indeed the one who "spoke" (declared, communicated) the extraordinary news to his wife. The use of this word emphasizes the authoritative and intentional nature of the messenger's previous communication, which was not a casual remark but a divine pronouncement requiring confirmation and further instruction.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And Manoah arose, and went after his wife": This initial clause immediately establishes Manoah's decisive and earnest action. Upon hearing his wife's urgent summons and the incredible news of the messenger's reappearance, Manoah does not hesitate or procrastinate. His swift movement signifies his deep concern, his earnestness, and his responsible desire to verify the divine message and receive further instruction directly from the source. It portrays him as a man of initiative and spiritual diligence.
  • "and came to the man, and said unto him, [Art] thou the man that spakest unto the woman?": Manoah's direct approach and pointed question reveal his primary concern: confirming the identity of the messenger and the veracity of his wife's extraordinary account. He seeks personal, first-hand verification of the divine encounter, not out of skepticism in his wife, but out of a profound sense of responsibility and a desire for absolute clarity regarding such a momentous divine announcement. This question also masterfully sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of the messenger's true, divine nature later in the narrative.
  • "And he said, I [am].": The messenger's terse, authoritative, and unequivocal response, "I am," provides immediate and absolute confirmation. This simple declaration not only affirms his identity as the one who previously appeared to Manoah's wife but also carries a subtle yet profound theological weight. While a common Hebrew idiom for "It is I," in this context, especially given the later revelation of his identity, it hints at the divine self-declarations found throughout Scripture, conveying absolute truth, presence, and authority, leaving no room for doubt in Manoah's mind.

Literary Devices

Judges 13:11 skillfully employs several literary devices to enhance its impact, advance the narrative, and convey deeper theological meaning. The most prominent device is Dialogue, which serves as the primary means of plot advancement, character revelation, and tension building. Manoah's direct, probing question and the messenger's concise, authoritative reply create a dramatic exchange that is both immediate and revelatory. The Repetition of the phrase "the man" by Manoah underscores his initial human perspective and limited understanding of the messenger's true, divine identity, setting up a powerful contrast with the later divine revelation. There is also a significant element of Foreshadowing in the messenger's simple "I am" statement, subtly hinting at his divine nature and authority, which will be fully revealed later in the chapter as the "Angel of the Lord" in Judges 13:22. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as a classic Divine Encounter, a common biblical motif where humans interact with supernatural beings, often leading to a profound shift in understanding, a specific divine commission, or a deeper revelation of God's character and plan.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Judges 13:11 powerfully underscores the profound theological truth of God's active, personal, and gracious involvement in human affairs, even when His people are in a state of spiritual decline and oppression. Manoah's earnest prayer for clarification and God's immediate, gracious response demonstrate divine condescension—God's willingness to meet humanity where they are, providing clear and direct guidance for His redemptive purposes. This encounter highlights the enduring importance of seeking divine wisdom and confirmation, particularly when confronted with extraordinary circumstances or significant life callings. The identity of the messenger, though initially veiled, points to the consistent presence and role of the "Angel of the Lord" throughout Israel's history, a figure often understood by biblical theologians as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, bridging the gap between the divine and human realms to deliver crucial messages and initiate salvation. This divine confirmation ensures the legitimacy of Samson's miraculous birth and his future, divinely appointed role as a deliverer, grounding God's sovereign plan in undeniable revelation and personal encounter.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Judges 13:11 offers profound and practical insights for contemporary believers, particularly regarding our posture towards divine revelation and guidance in our own lives. Manoah's immediate and earnest pursuit of "the man" exemplifies a responsible, humble, and diligent heart eager to understand and confirm God's will. In a world saturated with information, conflicting voices, and spiritual ambiguity, this verse calls us to cultivate a similar diligence in seeking God's truth, whether through diligent study of His written Word, consistent and fervent prayer, or seeking the counsel of godly wisdom. It reassures us that God is not distant or indifferent but is intimately involved and willing to provide clarity and confirmation when we genuinely seek Him, especially concerning significant life decisions, callings, or extraordinary circumstances. Just as Manoah sought specific instructions for raising Samson in accordance with God's unique plan, we are reminded of our profound responsibility to nurture and guide those under our care—be they children, spiritual disciples, or community members—in alignment with God's purposes. This passage encourages us to be attentive to God's unexpected messengers and to trust in His sovereign plan, even when its full scope is not immediately apparent, knowing that divine plans often unfold through ordinary people responding faithfully to extraordinary encounters.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does Manoah's immediate action to "arise, and went after his wife" challenge or affirm your own responsiveness to divine promptings and urgent spiritual matters?
  • In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's confirmation or clearer guidance, and what concrete steps are you taking to actively pursue it with diligence and humility?
  • How does the Angel's simple yet authoritative "I am" statement encourage you to trust in the absolute authority and truthfulness of God's word, even when its message seems extraordinary or beyond human comprehension?

FAQ

Who was "the man" Manoah encountered?

Answer: While Manoah initially refers to him simply as "the man" in Judges 13:11, the narrative later explicitly identifies him as the "Angel of the Lord" in Judges 13:16 and Judges 13:21. This figure is widely understood in biblical theology as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, who frequently appears in the Old Testament to deliver God's messages and execute His will. Manoah and his wife ultimately realize the divine nature of their visitor, stating, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!" in Judges 13:22.

Why did Manoah need to confirm the message, rather than simply trusting his wife?

Answer: Manoah's desire for confirmation was not necessarily a sign of distrust in his wife, but rather a responsible, earnest, and humble pursuit of divine clarity regarding an extraordinary and life-altering announcement. The message concerned a miraculous birth to a barren couple and a unique Nazirite calling for their son, who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Given the immense significance of this prophecy and its implications for their family and the nation, Manoah sought direct divine instruction and verification, a practice common in biblical accounts of major divine interventions. His prayer in Judges 13:8 specifically asks for the man to return "and teach us what we are to do for the child who is to be born," indicating a deep desire for specific guidance and understanding, not skepticism. God graciously honored his request, underscoring the importance of seeking Him directly for wisdom.

What is the significance of the messenger's response, "I am"?

Answer: The messenger's concise "I am" (Hebrew: 'ani hu') serves as a direct and authoritative affirmation of his identity as the one who previously spoke to Manoah's wife. Beyond simple identification, this phrase carries profound theological weight in the Bible, powerfully echoing God's self-revelation to Moses as "I AM THAT I AM" in Exodus 3:14. While not explicitly equating the messenger to YHWH at this precise moment, it subtly hints at his divine authority, eternal presence, and absolute truthfulness, preparing the reader for the later, full revelation of his true nature as the Angel of the Lord, a divine manifestation. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses "I AM" statements to assert His own divine identity and authority, such as in John 8:58, further highlighting the profound significance of this simple declaration.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Judges 13:11, particularly the encounter between Manoah and the divine messenger, finds rich Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The "Angel of the Lord" who appears to Manoah and his wife is widely understood by scholars as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity. This divine messenger, who delivers the good news of a miraculous birth and the promise of a deliverer for Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine messenger, Jesus Himself, who came into the world to announce and accomplish the ultimate deliverance from sin and death. The Angel's simple yet authoritative declaration, "I am," resonates deeply with Jesus' own powerful "I AM" statements in the Gospel of John, where He unequivocally declares His divine identity and unique relationship with the Father (e.g., I am the bread of life, I am the light of the world, and most explicitly, Before Abraham was, I am). Just as the Angel provided clear guidance for Samson's upbringing and mission, Jesus, as the Word made flesh who dwelt among us (John 1:14), provides the ultimate revelation of God's will, the path to eternal life, and the very embodiment of truth. Samson, though a flawed human deliverer, was raised up by God to begin Israel's deliverance; yet it is Christ who perfectly fulfills the role of the ultimate deliverer, the true Nazirite who was set apart from birth, sacrificing Himself as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, thereby establishing an eternal kingdom and bringing complete salvation. Thus, this ancient encounter in Judges points forward to the glorious coming of the Messiah, the divine Son who would fully reveal God and accomplish His redemptive purposes for all humanity.

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Commentary on Judges 13 verses 8–14

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We have here an account of a second visit which the angel of God made to Manoah and his wife.

I. Manoah earnestly prayed for it, Jdg 13:8. He was not incredulous of the story his wife told him; he knew she was a virtuous woman, and therefore the heart of her husband did safely trust in her; he knew she would not go about to impose upon him, much less was he, as Josephus unworthily represents him, jealous of his wife's conversation with this stranger; but, 1. He takes it for granted that this child of promise shall in due time be given them, and speaks without hesitation of the child that shall be born. There was not found so great faith, no, not in Zechariah, a priest, then in waiting at the altar of the Lord, and to whom the angel himself appeared, as was in this honest Danite. Things hidden from the wise and prudent, who value themselves upon the niceness of their enquiries, are often revealed unto babes, who know how to prize God's gifts and to take God's word. Blessed are those that have not seen and yet, as Manoah here, have believed. 2. All his care is what they should do to the child that should be born. Note, Good men are more solicitous and desirous to know the duty that is to be done by them than to know the events that shall occur concerning them; for duty is ours, events are God's. Solomon enquires concerning the good men should do, not the good they should have, Ecc 2:3. 3. He therefore prays to God to send the same blessed messenger again, to give them further instructions concerning the management of this Nazarite, fearing lest his wife's joy for the promise might have made her forget some part of the precept, in which he was desirous to be fully informed, and lie under no mistake: "Lord, let the man of God come again unto us, for we desire to be better acquainted with him." Note, Those that have heard from heaven cannot but wish to hear more thence, again and again to meet with the man of God. Observe, He does not go or send his servants abroad, to find out this man of God, but seeks him upon his knees, prays to God to send him, and, thus seeking, finds him. Would we have God's messengers, the ministers of his gospel, to bring a word proper for us, and for our instruction? Entreat the Lord to send them to us, to teach us, Rom 15:30, Rom 15:32.

II. God graciously granted it: God hearkened to the voice of Manoah, Jdg 13:9. Note, God will not fail some way or other to guide those by his counsel that are sincerely desirous to know their duty, and apply themselves to him to teach them, Psa 25:8, Psa 25:9.

1.The angel appears the second time also to the wife, when she is sitting alone, probably tending the flocks, or otherwise well employed in the field where she has retired. Solitude is often a good opportunity of communion with God; good people have thought themselves never less alone than when alone, if God be with them.

2.She goes in all haste to call her husband, doubtless humbly beseeching the stay of this blessed messenger till she should return and her husband with her, Jdg 13:10, Jdg 13:11. She did not desire him to go with her to her husband, but would fetch her husband to him. Those that would meet with God must attend where he is pleased to manifest himself. "Oh," says she, overjoyed, "my dear love, thy prayers are answered - yonder is the man of God, come to make us another visit - he that came the other day," or, as some read it, this day, for other is not in the original, and it is probable enough that both these visits were on the same day, and at the same place, and that the second time she sat expecting him. The man of God is very willing she should call her husband, Joh 4:16. Those that have an acquaintance with the things of God themselves should invite others to the same acquaintance, Joh 1:45, Joh 1:46. Manoah is not disgusted that the angel did not this second time appear to him, but very willingly goes after his wife to the man of God. To atone (as it were) for the first fatal miscarriage, when Eve earnestly pressed Adam to that which was evil, and he too easily yielded to her, let yoke-fellows excite one another to love and good works; and, if the wife will lead, let not the husband think it any disparagement to him to follow her in that which is virtuous and praiseworthy.

3.Manoah having come to the angel, and being satisfied by him that he was the same that had appeared to his wife, does, with all humility, (1.) Welcome the promise (Jdg 13:12): Now let thy words come to pass; this was the language, not only of his desire, but of his faith, like that of the blessed Virgin, Luk 1:38. "Be it according to thy word. Lord, I lay hold on what thou hast said, and depend upon it; let it come to pass." (2.) Beg that the prescriptions given might be repeated: How shall we order the child? The directions were given to his wife, but he looks upon himself as concerned to assist her in the careful management of this promised seed, according to order; for the utmost care of both the parents, and their constant joint endeavour, are little enough to be engaged for the good ordering of children that are devoted to God and to be brought up for him. Let not one devolve it on the other, but both do their best. Observe from Manoah's enquiry, [1.] In general, that, when God is pleased to bestow any mercy upon us, our great care must be how to use it well, and as we ought, because it is then only a mercy indeed when it is rightly managed. God has given us bodies, souls, estates; how shall we order them, that we may answer the intent of the donor, and give a good account of them? [2.] In particular, those to whom God has given children must be very careful how they order them, and what they do unto them, that they may drive out the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts, form their minds and manners well betimes, and train them in the way wherein they should go. Herein pious parents will beg divine assistance. "Lord, teach us how we may order our children, that they may be Nazarites, and living sacrifices to thee."

4.The angel repeats the directions he had before given (Jdg 13:13, Jdg 13:14): Of all that I forbad let her beware; and all that I commanded her let her observe. Note, There is need of a good deal both of caution and observation, for the right ordering both of ourselves and of our children. Beware and observe; take heed not only of drinking wine or strong drink, but of eating any thing that cometh of the vine. Those that would preserve themselves pure must keep at a distance from that which borders upon sin or leads to it. When she was with child of a Nazarite, she must not eat any unclean thing; so those in whom Christ is formed must carefully cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and do nothing to the prejudice of that new man.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–14. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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