Judges 13:3

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou [art] barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} unto the woman {H802}, and said {H559} unto her, Behold now, thou art barren {H6135}, and bearest {H3205} not: but thou shalt conceive {H2029}, and bear {H3205} a son {H1121}.

The angel of ADONAI appeared to the woman and said to her, "Listen! You are barren, you haven't had a child, but you will conceive and bear a son.

The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, โ€œIt is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son.

And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not; but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

Commentary

Context of Judges 13:3

The Book of Judges narrates a cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by foreign nations, cries for deliverance, and God raising up a judge to save them. Chapter 13 introduces the birth of Samson, a pivotal figure who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This verse marks the divine initiation of his story, appearing to Manoah's wife, who is not named in the text, to announce a miraculous conception. At this time, Israel had once again "done evil in the sight of the LORD," leading to 40 years under Philistine rule, setting the stage for a much-needed deliverer.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Intervention and Sovereignty: The appearance of the Angel of the LORD (often interpreted as a theophany or pre-incarnate Christ) signifies God's direct involvement in human affairs, even when His people are in spiritual decline. It underscores His sovereign plan to raise up a savior for Israel.
  • Overcoming Barrenness: The declaration "thou art barren, and bearest not" highlights a common biblical motif where God intervenes to open the womb of a woman previously unable to conceive. This theme emphasizes God's power over natural limitations and often precedes the birth of a significant figure in salvation history, as seen with Sarah (Isaac), Hannah (Samuel), and Elizabeth (John the Baptist).
  • Promise of a Son: The core message is the promise of a son, who will be set apart for a special purpose. This miraculous birth signals hope and the beginning of a new phase in God's redemptive plan for Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the angel of the LORD" is a recurring and significant title in the Old Testament, translated from the Hebrew malakh Yahweh (ืžึทืœึฐืึทืšึฐ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”). This figure often speaks with divine authority, sometimes even receiving worship, leading many to believe it refers to a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ rather than merely a created angel. The word for "barren" (Hebrew: akar, ืขึฒืงึธืจึธื”) starkly emphasizes the woman's inability to bear children naturally, making the divine promise all the more profound.

Practical Application

Judges 13:3 offers profound encouragement for believers today:

  • Hope in Hopeless Situations: Just as God intervened in a naturally impossible situation for Manoah's wife, He can work in our lives where circumstances seem "barren" or without hope. This verse is a reminder that God's power transcends human limitations.
  • God's Timing and Purpose: The birth of Samson was not random but part of God's perfect timing and purpose to begin delivering Israel. Similarly, God has a purpose for each life, often revealed in unexpected ways and at His appointed time.
  • Preparation for Calling: The announcement of a child with a special calling (further detailed in Judges 13:5 regarding the Nazirite vow) highlights the importance of divine preparation and living according to God's specific instructions for those He sets apart.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 1:13

    But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

  • Luke 1:11

    And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

  • Judges 13:8

    ยถ Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

  • Judges 2:1

    ยถ And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.

  • Judges 6:11

    ยถ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which [was] in Ophrah, that [pertained] unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide [it] from the Midianites.

  • Judges 6:12

    And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD [is] with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

  • Genesis 18:10

    And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.