Judges 13:14

KJV

She may not eat of any [thing] that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean [thing]: all that I commanded her let her observe.

KJV (with Strong's)

She may not eat {H398} of any thing that cometh {H3318} of the vine {H1612}, neither let her drink {H8354} wine {H3196} or strong drink {H7941}, nor eat {H398} any unclean {H2932} thing: all that I commanded {H6680} her let her observe {H8104}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She shouldn't eat anything that comes from a grapevine, she shouldn't drink wine or other intoxicating liquor, and she shouldn't eat anything unclean. She should do everything I ordered her to do."

Berean Standard Bible

She must not eat anything that comes from the vine, nor drink any wine or strong drink, nor eat anything unclean. She must do everything I have commanded her.”

American Standard Version

She may not eat of anything that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing; all that I commanded her let her observe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 13:14 details the specific, stringent prohibitions given by the Angel of the Lord to Manoah's wife concerning her conduct during pregnancy. These instructions, which include abstaining from anything from the vine, wine, strong drink, and all unclean things, underscore the sacred nature of the unborn child, Samson, who was to be a Nazarite from birth. The verse emphasizes the divine authority behind these commands and the absolute necessity of the mother's obedience for the consecrated purpose of her son's life as Israel's future deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 13:14 is part of a crucial divine encounter that initiates the narrative of Samson, one of Israel's most enigmatic judges. The preceding verses (Judges 13:2-5) establish the barrenness of Manoah's wife and the miraculous appearance of the Angel of the Lord, who announces the birth of a son destined to begin Israel's deliverance from the Philistines. The angel's initial instructions in [Judges 13:4](/judges/13-4 "Judges 13:4 - Angel's Initial Instructions") prohibit wine and unclean food. Verse 13:14 serves as a reaffirmation and slight expansion of these dietary and behavioral strictures, delivered directly to the woman, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the required consecration. This repetition underscores the importance of these specific commands, setting the stage for Samson's unique Nazarite status from the womb, a theme that will dominate his life and ultimately his tragic downfall. The narrative then shifts to Manoah's interaction with the angel, seeking clarification and confirmation, highlighting the profound significance of these divine directives.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges depicts a period in Israel's history characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Philistines were a dominant foreign power, frequently oppressing Israel during Samson's era. The concept of a **Nazarite vow** (from the Hebrew _nazir_, meaning "separated" or "consecrated") was a known practice within ancient Israel, as outlined in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow"). This vow, typically voluntary and for a limited period, involved specific ascetic practices: abstinence from grape products (wine, vinegar, grapes, raisins), not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. For Samson, this vow was unique; it was lifelong and divinely imposed before his birth, making his mother's adherence to these rules during pregnancy paramount, as her physical state directly impacted the child's consecrated status. The emphasis on dietary purity also reflects broader Israelite laws concerning clean and unclean foods, which served to distinguish Israel as a holy people set apart for God.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 13:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as God, through His angel, directly intervenes in a barren couple's life to raise a deliverer, demonstrating His active involvement in Israel's history despite their spiritual failings. Secondly, the verse introduces and emphasizes the theme of **Consecration and Separation**, particularly through the Nazarite vow. Samson's lifelong Nazarite status, initiated by his mother's adherence to these strictures, symbolizes a life set apart for God's special purpose, foreshadowing his immense strength and unique role, as detailed in [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow from Birth"). Thirdly, the repeated commands underscore the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**. The mother's strict adherence was not merely a personal discipline but a foundational act of obedience that directly facilitated God's plan for Samson and, by extension, for Israel's deliverance from the Philistines, a task Samson was divinely appointed to begin, as stated in [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson to Deliver Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vine (Hebrew, _gephen_):** This term refers to the grape plant itself, and by extension, all its products. The prohibition against eating "any [thing] that cometh of the vine" is comprehensive, including grapes, raisins, grape skins, and seeds, not just fermented products. This stricture is a hallmark of the Nazarite vow, symbolizing a complete separation from the common pleasures and potential excesses associated with the vine, signifying a life of devotion and self-denial.
* **Strong drink (Hebrew, _shekar_):** Distinct from wine (_yayin_), _shekar_ refers to any other intoxicating fermented beverage, often made from grains (like beer) or dates. Its inclusion alongside wine indicates a total prohibition against all intoxicants, reinforcing the Nazarite's commitment to a clear mind and unclouded judgment, essential for one dedicated to God's service. This comprehensive ban on mind-altering substances underscores the seriousness of the consecration.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _tame'_):** This term denotes anything ritually impure according to the Mosaic Law, encompassing certain foods (e.g., pork, shellfish, certain animals), contact with dead bodies, or other sources of ritual defilement. The instruction not to "eat any unclean [thing]" extends the Nazarite's separation beyond dietary restrictions related to the vine to a broader commitment to ceremonial purity, aligning the mother's conduct with the highest standards of Israelite holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She may not eat of any [thing] that cometh of the vine,"**: This initial prohibition establishes a foundational aspect of the Nazarite vow. It is a comprehensive ban on all products derived from grapes, not just wine. This signifies a radical separation from common sustenance and pleasure, emphasizing a life consecrated to God. For the pregnant mother, this stricture ensures that the child, who is to be a Nazarite from birth, is not exposed to these forbidden items even indirectly through her diet.
* **"neither let her drink wine or strong drink,"**: This clause reiterates and specifies the prohibition against fermented beverages. "Wine" refers to grape wine, while "strong drink" encompasses any other intoxicating fermented beverage. This dual prohibition underscores a complete abstinence from intoxicants, symbolizing a life of sobriety and spiritual clarity, which is crucial for one dedicated to God's purposes.
* **"nor eat any unclean [thing]:"**: This broad command extends the dietary restrictions beyond grape products and intoxicants to include all foods deemed ritually impure according to the Mosaic Law. This ensures the mother's adherence to the highest standards of ceremonial purity, reflecting the holiness required for the one carrying a divinely appointed deliverer. It highlights a holistic commitment to God's commands regarding separation.
* **"all that I commanded her let her observe."**: This concluding imperative serves as a powerful summary and reinforcement of the divine instructions. The word "observe" (Hebrew: _shamar_) implies not just passive listening but active, diligent guarding and keeping of the commands. It underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's directives and the absolute necessity of the mother's obedience for the fulfillment of God's plan for Samson.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the successive prohibitions ("She may not eat... neither let her drink... nor eat..."), which serves to emphasize the comprehensive and non-negotiable nature of the divine commands. This cumulative listing builds a sense of the strictness required for the Nazarite vow. The verse also utilizes **Divine Command** as a primary mode of communication, with the Angel of the Lord directly issuing imperatives, highlighting the absolute authority behind the instructions. This direct address underscores the seriousness and divine origin of the requirements. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**; the strictures placed upon the mother directly foreshadow and establish the lifelong Nazarite vow of Samson himself, whose strength and purpose will be intrinsically linked to his adherence (or lack thereof) to these very principles. Finally, **Symbolism** is present, with the abstinence from the vine and "unclean things" symbolizing a life set apart, purity, and dedication to God, distinct from the common practices of the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:14 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of consecration and the divine requirement for holiness in preparation for service. The Nazarite vow, exemplified here, is a tangible expression of setting oneself apart for God, emphasizing purity, self-discipline, and a distinct identity. This passage reveals that God often calls individuals to specific forms of separation and obedience as a prerequisite for fulfilling His unique purposes, demonstrating that divine power often flows through consecrated vessels. The mother's obedience directly impacts the child's destiny, highlighting the intergenerational implications of faithfulness and the importance of creating an environment conducive to God's work.

* [Numbers 6:2-4](/numbers/6-2 "Numbers 6:2-4 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow")
* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are not bound by the literal requirements of the Old Testament Nazarite vow, Judges 13:14 offers timeless principles for Christian living. We are called to a spiritual consecration, to be "set apart" for God's purposes in a world that often pulls us towards compromise and indulgence. This involves making intentional choices to abstain from "unclean things" – not just ritually impure foods, but anything that defiles our minds, hearts, or bodies, or hinders our walk with God. Our obedience to God's revealed will, even in seemingly small acts of self-discipline, can have profound impacts, not only on our own spiritual formation but also on those around us, including future generations. Just as Samson's mother prepared him for his divine calling through her obedience, we are called to cultivate an environment of holiness and faithfulness, preparing ourselves and those within our influence for God's unique purposes in their lives. This passage reminds us that true strength and effectiveness in God's service often stem from a disciplined life of devotion and separation unto Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to a greater degree of "separation" or "consecration" unto God, even if it means abstaining from things that are not inherently sinful but might hinder my spiritual walk?**
* **How does my personal discipline and obedience to God's commands impact those around me, particularly family members or those I influence?**
* **What "unclean things" (in a spiritual or moral sense) might I need to identify and remove from my life to live more fully consecrated to God?**
* **How can I actively prepare myself, or help prepare others, for the unique purposes God has for our lives, drawing inspiration from the preparation of Samson?**

### FAQ
**Was Samson's mother a Nazarite herself, or just following rules for her son?**

Answer: The text indicates that the instructions were specifically for her conduct during pregnancy, directly impacting the unborn child who was to be a Nazarite from birth. While she had to adhere to the Nazarite prohibitions (abstaining from grape products, wine, strong drink, and unclean things), the vow itself was imposed by God upon Samson, not upon her personally as a lifelong Nazarite. Her role was to facilitate the child's consecrated status by strictly observing these rules during the gestational period. This is distinct from a voluntary Nazarite vow that an individual might undertake for themselves, as described in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 13:14, with its emphasis on separation and consecration for a divine purpose, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jesus was not a Nazarite in the strict Old Testament sense (He drank wine, for example, as seen in [Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus Accused of Being a Glutton and D...")), He embodied the spirit of the Nazarite vow perfectly. He was utterly "separated" and "consecrated" to God from birth, living a life of absolute purity, holiness, and unwavering obedience to the Father's will. His entire earthly existence was a manifestation of divine purpose, culminating in His sacrificial death. Unlike Samson, who ultimately broke his Nazarite vow and failed in his personal consecration, Jesus perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and maintained His purity, becoming the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His perfect life and atoning work, believers are now consecrated in Him, set apart as a "royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). We are called to live lives of spiritual separation from the world's defilements, not by outward dietary laws, but by inward transformation through the Holy Spirit, reflecting the holiness of Christ who has called us ([2 Corinthians 6:17-18](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - Come Out From Them")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Judges 13:4

Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean [thing]:

2 Thessalonians 3:4

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

Numbers 6:4

All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Judges 13:7

But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean [thing]: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.