TRV
Translation
King James Version
Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
Complete Jewish Bible
Now, therefore, be careful not to drink any wine or other intoxicating liquor, and don't eat anything unclean.
Berean Standard Bible
Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean.
American Standard Version
Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
World English Bible Messianic
Now therefore please beware and drink no wine nor strong drink, and don’t eat any unclean thing:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And nowe therefore beware that thou drinke no wine, nor strong drinke, neither eate any vncleane thing.
Young's Literal Translation
And, now, take heed, I pray thee, and do not drink wine, and strong drink, and do not eat any unclean thing,
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In the KJVVerse 6,889 of 31,102
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Commentary on Judges 13 verses 1–7
1 ¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.
2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
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.
4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
5 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.
6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:
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.
The first verse gives us a short account, such as we have too often met with already, of the great distress that Israel was in, which gave occasion for the raising up of a deliverer. They did evil, as they had done, in the sight of the Lord, and then God delivered them, as he had done, into the hands of their enemies. If there had been no sin, there would have needed no Saviour; but sin was suffered to abound, that grace might much more abound. The enemies God now sold them to were the Philistines, their next neighbours, that lay among them, the first and chief of the nations which were devoted to destruction, but which God left to prove them (Jdg 3:1, Jdg 3:3), the five lords of the Philistines, an inconsiderable people in comparison with Israel (they had but five cities of any note), and yet, when God made use of them as the staff in his hand, they were very oppressive and vexatious. And this trouble lasted longer than any yet: it continued forty years, though probably not always alike violent. When Israel was in this distress Samson was born; and here we have his birth foretold by an angel. Observe,
I. His extraction. He was of the tribe of Dan, Jdg 13:2. Dan signifies a judge or judgment, Gen 30:6. And probably it was with an eye to Samson that dying Jacob foretold, Dan shall judge his people, that is, "he shall produce a judge for his people, though one of the sons of the handmaids, as one, as well as any one, of the tribes of Israel," Gen 49:16. The lot of the tribe of Dan lay next to the country of the Philistines, and therefore one of that tribe was most fit to be made a bridle upon them. His parents had been long childless. Many eminent persons were born of mothers that had been kept a great while in the want of the blessing of children, as Isaac, Joseph, Samuel, and John Baptist, that the mercy might be the more acceptable when it did come. Sing, O barren! thou that didst not bear, Isa 54:1. Note, Mercies long waited for often prove signal mercies, and it is made to appear that they were worth waiting for, and by them others may be encouraged to continue their hope in God's mercy.
II. The glad tidings brought to his mother, that she should have a son. The messenger was an angel of the Lord (Jdg 13:3), yet appearing as a man, with the aspect and garb of a prophet, or man of God. And this angel (as the learned bishop Patrick supposes, on Jdg 13:18) was the Lord himself, that is, the Word of the Lord, who was to be the Messiah, for his name is called Wonderful, Jdg 13:18, and Jehovah, Jdg 13:19. The great Redeemer did in a particular manner concern himself about this typical redeemer. It was not so much for the sake of Manoah and his wife, obscure Danites, that this extraordinary message was sent, but for Israel's sake, whose deliverer he was to be, and not only so (his services to Israel not seeming to answer to the grandeur of his entry) but for the Messiah's sake, whose type he was to be, and whose birth must be foretold by an angel, as his was. The angel, in the message he delivers, 1. Takes notice of her affliction: Behold now, thou art barren and bearest not. Hence she might gather he was a prophet, that though a stranger to her, and one she had never seen before, yet he knew this to be her grievance. He tells her of it, not to upbraid her with it, but because perhaps at this time she was actually thinking of this affliction and bemoaning herself as one written childless. God often sends in comfort to his people very seasonably, when they feel most from their troubles. "Now thou art barren, but thou shalt not be always so," as she feared, "nor long so." 2. He assures her that she should conceive and bear a son (Jdg 13:3) and repeats the assurance, Jdg 13:5. To show the power of a divine word, the strongest man that ever was was a child of promise, as Isaac, born by force and virtue of a promise, and faith in that promise, Heb 11:11; Gal 4:23. Many a woman, after having been long barren, has borne a son by providence, but Samson was by promise, because a figure of the promised seed, so long expected by the faith of the Old Testament saints, 3. He appoints that the child should be a Nazarite from his birth, and therefore that the mother should be subject to the law of the Nazarites (though not under the vow of a Nazarite) and should drink no wine or strong drink so long as this child was to have its nourishment from her, either in the womb or at the breast, Jdg 13:4, Jdg 13:5. Observe, This deliverer of Israel must be in the strictest manner devoted to God and an example of holiness. It is spoken of as a kindness to the people that God raised up of their young men for Nazarites, Amo 2:11. Other judges had corrected their apostasies from God, but Samson must appear as one, more than any of them, consecrated to God; and, notwithstanding what we read of his faults, we have reason to think that being a Nazarite of God's making he did, in the course of his conversation, exemplify, not only the ceremony, but the substance of that separation to the Lord in which the Nazariteship did consist, Num 6:2. Those that would save others must by singular piety distinguish themselves. Samuel, who carried on Israel's deliverance from the Philistines, was a Nazarite by his mother's vow (Sa1 1:11), as Samson by the divine appointment. The mother of this deliverer must therefore deny herself, and not eat any unclean thing; what was lawful at another time was now to be forborne. As the promise tried her faith, so this precept tried her obedience; for God requires both from those on whom he will bestow his favours. Women with child ought conscientiously to avoid whatever they have reason to think will be any way prejudicial to the health or good constitution of the fruit of their body. And perhaps Samson's mother was to refrain from wine and strong drink, not only because he was designed for a Nazarite, but because he was designed for a man of great strength, which his mother's temperance would contribute to. 4. He foretels the service which this child should do to his country: He shall begin to deliver Israel. Note, It is very desirable that our children may be not only devoted entirely to God themselves, but instrumental for the good of others, and the service of their generation - not recluses, candles under a bushel, but on a candlestick. Observe, He shall begin to deliver Israel. This intimated that the oppression of the Philistines should last long, for Israel's deliverance from it should not so much as begin, not one step be taken towards it, till this child, who was now unborn, should have grown up to a capacity of beginning it. And yet he must not complete the deliverance: he shall only begin to deliver Israel, which intimates that the trouble should still be prolonged. God chooses to carry on his work gradually and by several hands. One lays the foundation of a good work, another builds, and perhaps a third brings forth the top stone. Now herein Samson was a type of Christ, (1.) As a Nazarite to God, a Nazarite from the womb. For, though our Lord Jesus was not a Nazarite himself, yet he was typified by the Nazarites, as being perfectly pure from all sin, not so much as conceived in it, and entirely devoted to his Father's honour. Of the Jewish church, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, because to them pertained the promise of him, Rom 9:4, Rom 9:5. By virtue of that promise,. he long lay as it were in the womb of that church, which for many ages was pregnant of him, and therefore, like Samson's mother, during that pregnancy was made a holy nation and a peculiar people, and strictly forbidden to touch any unclean thing for his sake, who in the fulness of time was to come from them. (2.) As a deliverer of Israel; for he is Jesus a Saviour, who saves his people from their sins. But with this difference: Samson did only begin to deliver Israel (David was afterwards raised up to complete the destruction of the Philistines), but our Lord Jesus is both Samson and David too, both the author and finisher of our faith.
III. The report which Manoah's wife, in a transport of joy, brings in all haste to her husband, of this surprising message Jdg 13:6, Jdg 13:7. The glad tidings were brought her when she was alone, perhaps religiously employed in meditation or prayer; but she could not, she would not, conceal them from her husband, but gives him an account, 1. Of the messenger. It was a man of God, Jdg 13:6. His countenance she could describe; it was very awful: he had such a majesty in his looks, such a sparkling eye, such a shining face, so powerfully commanding reverence and respect, that according to the idea she had of an angel he had the very countenance of one. But his name she can give no account of, nor to what tribe or city of Israel he belonged, for he did not think fit to tell her, and, for her part, the very sight of him struck such an awe upon her that she durst not ask him. She was abundantly satisfied that he was a servant of God; his person and message she thought carried their own evidence along with them, and she enquired no further. 2. Of the message. She gives him a particular account both of the promise and of the precept (Jdg 13:7), that he also might believe the promise and might on all occasions be a monitor to her to observe the precept. Thus should yoke-fellows communicate to each other their experiences of communion with God, and their improvements in acquaintance with him, that they may be helpful to each other in the way that is called holy.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Letter 19.10-11
After the spirit of the Hebrews had been so subdued by the pressure of a long subjection that no one dared with a manly spirit to rouse them to liberty, Samson, fore-ordained by the Divine oracle, was raised up to them. A great man he was, not one of the multitude, but first among the few, and beyond controversy far excelling all in bodily strength. And he is to be regarded by us with great admiration from the beginning, not because in his early abstinence from vice he gave signal proofs of temperance and sobriety, nor on account of his long preserving as a Nazarite his locks unshorn, but because from his very youth, which in others is an age of softness, he achieved illustrious deeds of virtue, perfect beyond the measure of human nature. By these he gained credence to the Divine prophecy, that it was not for nothing that such grace had gone before upon him, that an Angel came down by whom his birth beyond their hopes was announced to his parents, to be the leader and protector of his countrymen, now for a length of years harassed by the tyranny of the Philistines.
His father was of the tribe of Dan, a man fearing God, born of no mean rank, and eminent above others, his mother was barren of body, but in virtues of the mind not unfruitful; seeing that in the sanctuary of her soul she was counted worthy to receive the visit of an Angel, obeyed his command and fulfilled his prophecy. Not enduring however to know the secrets even of God apart from her husband she mentioned to him that she had seen a man of God, of beautiful form, bringing her the Divine promise of future offspring, and that she, confiding in this promise, was led to share with her husband her faith in the heavenly promises.
BedeAD 735
Homilies on the Gospels 2.19
Thus Jacob, the patriarch Joseph, Samson, [who was] the bravest of the chieftains, and Samuel, [who was] the most distinguished of the prophets, [all] had as their progenitors [mothers who were] for a long time barren in body but always fruitful in virtues. In this way their dignity would be known from the miraculous nativity of those who were born, and it might be proven that they would be famous in their lives, since at the very outset of their lives they transcended the norms of the human condition.
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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SUMMARY
Judges 13:4 conveys a direct divine injunction from the Angel of the Lord to Manoah's barren wife, detailing crucial dietary and lifestyle restrictions she must scrupulously observe throughout her miraculous pregnancy. These prohibitions—abstinence from wine, strong drink, and any unclean thing—are not merely health recommendations but sacred preparations, meticulously setting the stage for Samson's unique calling as a Nazirite consecrated to God from birth, destined to initiate Israel's deliverance from the oppressive Philistines.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Judges 13:4 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. Divine Command is central, as the Angel of the Lord issues direct, authoritative instructions, underscoring God's active involvement in human affairs and His meticulous planning for Samson's life. The subtle use of Repetition (implied through the subsequent questions from Manoah and the Angel's reiteration of the instructions in Judges 13:14) emphasizes the critical importance and non-negotiable nature of these specific prohibitions. The verse also functions as Foreshadowing, as the Nazirite-like restrictions placed on the mother directly prefigure Samson's own Nazirite status from birth, setting up the expectations for his life of separation and divine power, which will later be dramatically challenged by his personal choices and failures. Furthermore, the detailed dietary restrictions serve as Symbolism, representing a broader call to holiness, purity, and complete devotion to God, not just for Samson but for the entire nation of Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:4 is deeply interwoven with the biblical themes of divine election, covenantal faithfulness, and the nature of holiness. The specific instructions given to Samson's mother underscore God's sovereign choice and meticulous preparation of individuals for His purposes, even before their birth. This pre-natal consecration, mirroring the Nazirite vow, serves as a powerful symbol of being "set apart" for God, a concept central to Israel's identity as a holy nation called to reflect God's character to the world. It highlights that true holiness involves not just internal piety but also external practices that distinguish God's people from the surrounding cultures, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment. The mother's obedience to these strictures becomes an act of faith and participation in God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that human cooperation, even in seemingly small acts of discipline, can have profound spiritual implications for future generations and the unfolding of divine purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 13:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, extending beyond the specific context of a Nazirite vow. It challenges us to consider the intentionality and disciplined choices required for a life consecrated to God. Just as Samson's mother was called to a specific lifestyle to prepare for a divine purpose, we are invited to examine our own choices—what we consume, what influences we allow into our lives, and how we steward our bodies—as acts of worship and preparation for God's work in and through us. This verse reminds us that holiness is not merely an abstract theological concept but a practical, daily commitment that impacts our physical and spiritual well-being, and potentially, the spiritual legacy we leave for others. It encourages a proactive approach to purity and self-control, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that our lives are meant to glorify God in every aspect, reflecting His character in a world that desperately needs to see it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were these specific dietary restrictions so important for Samson's mother?
Answer: These specific dietary restrictions were crucial because they mirrored the core elements of the Nazirite vow, a special commitment of devotion to the Lord outlined in Numbers 6. While typically a voluntary vow undertaken for a set period, Samson was to be a Nazirite from birth Judges 13:5, divinely set apart for God's special purpose as a deliverer of Israel. The mother's adherence to these prohibitions (abstinence from wine and strong drink, and from unclean foods) ensured that the child in her womb was consecrated and remained ritually pure from conception, reflecting his unique, divinely appointed status and destiny. It underscored the sanctity of his calling and God's meticulous preparation for His chosen vessel, emphasizing that the mother's physical state directly impacted the child's spiritual consecration.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 13:4, with its profound emphasis on consecration, purity, and a life set apart, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Samson was a Nazirite by divine decree, pointing to Israel's desperate need for a deliverer, he ultimately fell short of the vow's full implications due to his own personal failures and disobedience. Jesus, however, is the perfect and eternal Nazirite, the one truly "set apart" and consecrated to God from the womb, not by external dietary restrictions, but by His inherent sinlessness, perfect obedience, and divine nature. He is the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, perfectly fulfilling all righteousness and offering Himself as the spotless sacrifice for humanity's sin. Through His atoning work, believers are now made holy and consecrated in Him Hebrews 10:10. We are called not to a legalistic observance of Old Testament dietary laws, but to a spiritual separation from the world's defilements, living lives of purity and devotion empowered by the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. Christ is our true holiness and the very source of our ability to live a life pleasing to God, making us a "royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession" 1 Peter 2:9.