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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} did no more {H3254} appear {H7200} to Manoah {H4495} and to his wife {H802}. Then Manoah {H4495} knew {H3045} that he was an angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the angel of ADONAI did not appear again to Manoach or his wife. Then Manoach realized it had been the angel of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And when the angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that it had been the angel of the LORD.

American Standard Version

But the angel of Jehovah did no more appear to Manoah or to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 13:21 marks the profound culmination of a divine encounter, as the "angel of the LORD" ceases his visible manifestations to Manoah and his wife, leading Manoah to an unequivocal and awe-filled realization of the messenger's true, divine identity. This pivotal moment, immediately following the angel's miraculous ascent in the flame of the altar, solidifies the supernatural nature of the revelation and validates the divine origin of the promise concerning Samson's birth and his destined role as Israel's deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 13:21 serves as the climactic resolution to the series of divine encounters detailed throughout [Judges 13](/judges/13 "Judges 13 - The Birth of Samson"). It immediately follows the dramatic scene in [Judges 13:19-20](/judges/13-19-20 "Judges 13:19-20 - The Angel's Miraculous Ascent"), where Manoah, at the angel's instruction, prepares a burnt offering and a grain offering. As the flame from the altar ascends toward heaven, the angel of the LORD ascends within it, a clear and undeniable sign of his supernatural identity and connection to the divine realm. This miraculous departure is the catalyst for Manoah's recognition in verse 21, which then precipitates his fearful exclamation in [Judges 13:22](/judges/13-22 "Judges 13:22 - Manoah's Fear and Realization"). The narrative progression—from initial appearance and message to a test of faith, a miraculous sign, and finally, profound recognition—builds a powerful testament to God's direct intervention and communication, setting the stage for Samson's birth and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges portrays a tumultuous period in Israel's history (circa 14th-11th centuries BC), characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, and subsequent deliverance by divinely raised "judges." [Judges 13:1](/judges/13-1 "Judges 13:1 - Israel Oppressed by Philistines") explicitly states that Israel had once again "done evil in the sight of the LORD" and was delivered into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. The Philistines, a powerful and technologically advanced people inhabiting the coastal plain, represented a significant and enduring threat to Israelite sovereignty. In this context of national distress and spiritual decline, a divine appearance to a barren couple, promising a son who would initiate Israel's deliverance, was a profound act of grace and hope. Such direct divine encounters were rare and typically evoked immense awe and fear, as they signified God's personal and authoritative intervention into human affairs, validating the messenger and the message in a culture deeply attuned to signs and wonders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Judges 13](/judges/13 "Judges 13 - The Birth of Samson") and the broader book of Judges. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Recognition**. The narrative meticulously builds towards Manoah's ultimate understanding of the messenger's true identity, moving from his wife's initial description of a "man of God" ([Judges 13:6](/judges/13-6 "Judges 13:6 - Manoah's Wife's Description of the Messenger")) to Manoah's full comprehension that he had encountered the "angel of the LORD." This recognition is not merely intellectual but experiential, prompted by an undeniable supernatural sign. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Completion of a Divine Commission**. The angel's departure signifies that his message concerning Samson's Nazirite vow and his pivotal role as a deliverer ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow and Mission")) has been fully conveyed and understood, rendering further physical presence unnecessary. Finally, the encounter powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Initiative**, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises by proactively intervening in Israel's oppression, even before their cries for help are recorded, to prepare for their deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** This term (H4397) fundamentally means "messenger" and can refer to human envoys, prophets, or divine beings. However, when qualified as "of the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), it consistently denotes a divine, supernatural entity who acts with God's authority, speaks as God, and sometimes receives worship, leading many theologians to interpret it as a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God. In Judges 13, the _malakh_ performs actions (announcing a miraculous birth, ascending in flame) that transcend the capabilities of a mere human or even a typical angelic being, emphasizing his unique and profound divine nature.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), often transliterated as Yahweh. It derives from a root meaning "to be" or "to exist," signifying God as the self-existent, eternal, and sovereign One. Its pairing with "angel" (the "angel of the LORD") is crucial, as it elevates the messenger's identity from a generic divine being to one intimately connected with the covenant God of Israel, reinforcing the authority and divine origin of the message delivered to Manoah and his wife.
* **Knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb (H3045) signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension. It denotes a deep, experiential, and often intimate knowledge, recognition, or understanding that results in a profound shift in perception. Manoah's "knowing" is a sudden, undeniable realization that dawns on him after witnessing the angel's miraculous ascent. It implies a transformation from uncertainty or suspicion about the messenger's identity to an absolute conviction of his divine nature, prompting an appropriate response of awe and reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife."**: This clause marks the cessation of the physical, visible manifestation of the divine messenger. The phrase "did no more appear" (from H3254, _yâçaph_, "to add" or "to continue," here used negatively) signifies the finality of this particular divine encounter. The angel's mission—to deliver the message concerning Samson's birth, Nazirite status, and role as a deliverer—is complete. His departure is not a disappearance into nothingness but a deliberate withdrawal, emphasizing the authority and sufficiency of the revelation already given. It signals that the direct, visible phase of divine communication has concluded, leaving Manoah and his wife with the responsibility to internalize and act upon the received truth.
* **"Then Manoah knew that he [was] an angel of the LORD."**: This is the pivotal moment of recognition and understanding. Manoah's perception shifts dramatically from initially seeing the messenger as a "man of God" ([Judges 13:6](/judges/13-6 "Judges 13:6 - Manoah's Wife's Description of the Messenger")) to fully comprehending his divine identity. This profound realization is directly triggered by the miraculous ascent in the flame ([Judges 13:20](/judges/13-20 "Judges 13:20 - The Angel's Miraculous Ascent")), a sign that transcends human capability and points unequivocally to a supernatural origin. The KJV's "[was]" is supplied, but the Hebrew simply states "he an angel of the LORD," conveying an immediate and undeniable identification. This "knowing" brings with it a sense of awe and fear, as evidenced in the subsequent verse ([Judges 13:22](/judges/13-22 "Judges 13:22 - Manoah's Fear")), highlighting the profound impact of encountering the divine.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its theological message. The most significant is **Theophany**, or more specifically, **Christophany**, where the "angel of the LORD" is understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. The angel's miraculous ascent in the flame of the altar ([Judges 13:20](/judges/13-20 "Judges 13:20 - The Angel's Miraculous Ascent")) is a powerful act of **Symbolism**, representing divine acceptance of the sacrifice and a definitive manifestation of God's presence and power. This dramatic action serves as the undeniable sign that removes all doubt from Manoah's mind. The narrative also utilizes **Dramatic Irony** throughout the earlier parts of [Judges 13](/judges/13 "Judges 13 - The Birth of Samson"), as the reader is made aware of the messenger's divine identity from the outset ([Judges 13:3](/judges/13-3 "Judges 13:3 - The Angel Appears to Manoah's Wife")), while Manoah and his wife initially perceive him as merely a prophet or "man of God." This irony is powerfully resolved in verse 21, as Manoah finally gains the same understanding as the reader, bringing the narrative to a point of shared, awe-filled revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:21 profoundly underscores the theme of divine revelation and the awe-inspiring nature of encountering the living God. Manoah's realization that the messenger was indeed the "angel of the LORD" highlights God's active, personal involvement in human history, particularly in fulfilling His redemptive purposes. This encounter is not merely a visitation but a powerful confirmation of God's direct communication and His sovereign plan for Israel's deliverance through Samson. The angel's ascent in the flame serves as a visual and undeniable sign, solidifying faith and removing doubt, demonstrating that God's messages are accompanied by His undeniable power and authority. This moment prepares Manoah and his wife to fully embrace their unique, divinely appointed role in God's unfolding narrative, understanding that their mission is directly from the Almighty.

* [Genesis 18:1-3](/genesis/18-1-3 "Genesis 18:1-3 - Abraham's Encounter with the LORD")
* [Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2-6 "Exodus 3:2-6 - Moses and the Burning Bush")
* [Daniel 10:1-10](/daniel/10-1-10 "Daniel 10:1-10 - Daniel's Vision of a Divine Being")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manoah's journey from initial uncertainty to profound, awe-filled recognition in Judges 13:21 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today. It reminds us that God reveals Himself and His purposes in ways that are often beyond our immediate comprehension, yet undeniably real and impactful. Just as Manoah required a dramatic, supernatural sign to fully grasp the divine nature of his visitor, we too may experience moments of profound spiritual clarity—whether through a sudden insight from Scripture, a powerful answer to prayer, or a divinely orchestrated circumstance—that solidify our faith and deepen our understanding of God's active presence and sovereign will in our lives. While we may not witness angels ascending in literal flames, God continues to speak authoritatively through His inspired Word ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")), through the inner witness and guidance of the Holy Spirit ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), and through the unfolding circumstances of our lives. The proper response to such divine revelation is not merely intellectual assent but a posture of humble awe, reverence, and obedient trust, even when the path ahead remains mysterious. Manoah's initial fear quickly gave way to a deeper faith and acceptance, demonstrating that true recognition of God's majesty ultimately leads to confident expectation of His promises and faithful participation in His plans.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs" or experiences in your spiritual journey have helped you move from uncertainty to a clearer, more profound recognition of God's presence or guidance?**
* **How does Manoah's progression from questioning to a deep, experiential "knowing" resonate with your own process of understanding God's character and will?**
* **In what practical ways can we cultivate a greater attentiveness to God's ongoing revelation in our daily lives, even without dramatic angelic appearances?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "angel of the LORD" and why is his identity significant?**

Answer: The "angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: _malakh Yahweh_) is a unique and recurring figure throughout the Old Testament, often interpreted by theologians as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, known as a Christophany. This interpretation is strongly supported by the fact that this figure frequently speaks with divine authority, receives worship, and is directly identified with God Himself in various passages (e.g., in [Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2-6 "Exodus 3:2-6 - Moses and the Burning Bush"), the angel of the LORD appears in the burning bush, but then the text states "God called to him"). His significance lies in demonstrating God's direct, personal, and authoritative involvement in human affairs, particularly in announcing pivotal moments in redemptive history, such as the birth of Samson, who would initiate Israel's deliverance from the Philistines.

**Why did the angel of the LORD "do no more appear" after this specific encounter?**

Answer: The angel's cessation of physical appearances signifies the completion of his specific mission to Manoah and his wife. He had fully delivered the divine message concerning Samson's miraculous birth, his Nazirite vow, and his future role as a deliverer for Israel ([Judges 13:3-5](/judges/13-3-5 "Judges 13:3-5 - The Angel's Message to Manoah's Wife")). The miraculous ascent in the flame ([Judges 13:20](/judges/13-20 "Judges 13:20 - The Angel's Miraculous Ascent")) served as a final, undeniable validation of the message's divine origin, leaving no room for doubt or further questions regarding its authenticity. Once the revelation was fully conveyed and understood, there was no further need for the angel's physical presence. This pattern is consistent with other divine appearances in Scripture, where God reveals Himself for a specific purpose and then withdraws, leaving humanity to respond in faith and obedience to the truth revealed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 13:21, with Manoah's profound realization of the "angel of the LORD's" divine identity, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. The "angel of the LORD," often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son, serves as a divine messenger who brings God's word and initiates His redemptive plan for Israel. This anticipates Jesus, who is the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the supreme and final revelation of God to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "God Has Spoken by His Son")). Just as the angel ascended to heaven, signifying the completion of his earthly mission and the validation of his message, so too did Jesus ascend to the right hand of the Father after fully accomplishing His atoning work on the cross and delivering the definitive message of salvation ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension")). While the angel's physical appearances ceased, Jesus, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, continues to dwell within believers ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) and reveal God's will, ensuring that the divine presence is not merely an occasional visitation but an abiding reality for all who believe. Manoah "knew" the angel was divine; we "know" Jesus is God incarnate, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the one through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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

Judges 6:22

And when Gideon perceived that he [was] an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

Judges 13:16

And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the LORD. For Manoah knew not that he [was] an angel of the LORD.

Hosea 12:4

Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;

Hosea 12:5

Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD [is] his memorial.