Judges 13:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, lo, thou shalt conceive {H2030}, and bear {H3205} a son {H1121}; and no razor {H4177} shall come {H5927} on his head {H7218}: for the child {H5288} shall be a Nazarite {H5139} unto God {H430} from the womb {H990}: and he shall begin {H2490} to deliver {H3467} Israel {H3478} out of the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For indeed you will conceive and bear a son. No razor is to touch his head, because the child will be a nazir for God from the womb. Moreover, he will begin to rescue Isra'el from the power of the P'lishtim."

Berean Standard Bible

For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”

American Standard Version

for, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come upon his head; for the child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 13:5 unveils the miraculous, divinely ordained birth of Samson, a son promised to a barren woman by the Angel of the Lord, who is consecrated as a lifelong Nazarite from the womb, signified by the command that no razor shall touch his head, and whose unique mission is to initiate the long-awaited deliverance of Israel from the oppressive Philistine rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 13 opens with Israel's familiar descent into sin, leading to forty years of Philistine oppression, the longest period of foreign domination recorded in the book up to this point. This dire situation sets the stage for the dramatic appearance of the Angel of the Lord to Manoah's barren wife, a recurring motif in biblical narratives signaling a divinely appointed birth (e.g., Isaac, Samuel, John the Baptist). The verses immediately preceding [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-1 "Judges 13:1 - Israel's Oppression") detail the angel's initial announcement to the wife, instructing her on special dietary restrictions during her pregnancy (abstinence from wine and unclean food), which foreshadow the child's unique consecration. Verse 5 then explicitly reveals the child's Nazarite status and his specific divine mission, forming the core of the angelic message and establishing the parameters for Samson's life and calling. The subsequent verses (Judges 13:6-25) describe Manoah's interaction with the angel, the confirmation of the prophecy, and Samson's birth and early life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was a turbulent era in Israelite history, characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, repentance, and God raising up a deliverer. At this juncture, the Philistines, a formidable "Sea Peoples" group who had settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan, posed a significant and persistent threat to Israel's security and sovereignty. Their advanced iron technology and military organization gave them a distinct advantage over the Israelites. The concept of barrenness in ancient Israelite culture was often viewed as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor, making a miraculous birth even more profound as a demonstration of God's power and favor. The Nazarite vow, detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"), was a temporary or lifelong commitment of special consecration to God, involving specific prohibitions. For Samson, this was a lifelong, divinely imposed vow from birth, signifying his unique setting apart for God's purposes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes within the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Election and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God actively chooses and prepares individuals for His purposes, even before their birth, as seen in Samson's pre-ordained calling. Secondly, the explicit mention of the **Nazarite Vow** underscores the theme of **Consecration and Separation**, emphasizing that Samson's strength and effectiveness were not inherent but derived from his unique relationship with God and adherence to this sacred vow. This vow served as a visible sign of his dedication and the channel for God's supernatural power. Finally, the declaration that "he shall begin to deliver Israel" introduces the theme of **God's Initiative in Deliverance**. Despite Israel's repeated failures and the depth of their oppression, God Himself initiates their rescue, demonstrating His unwavering covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people, even when their obedience falters, foreshadowing the need for a more complete and ultimate deliverer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nazarite (Hebrew, _nāzîr'_):** Derived from the root _nāzar_, meaning "to separate," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." A Nazarite was someone set apart from the general population for a special period of devotion to God, or, as in Samson's case, for life. The vow involved specific prohibitions, primarily abstaining from grape products, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. For Samson, the uncut hair was the visible and enduring sign of his lifelong consecration and the conduit through which God's extraordinary strength would manifest for the purpose of Israel's deliverance.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _hôšîaʿ'_):** This verb means "to save," "to rescue," or "to deliver." It is a common term used throughout the Book of Judges to describe the primary function of the judges raised up by God. In Samson's case, the angel specifies that he will "begin to deliver," indicating that his work would initiate a process rather than immediately bring about complete freedom. This highlights the progressive nature of God's redemptive plan and Samson's foundational, yet incomplete, role in it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son":** This opening clause is a direct, miraculous promise from the Angel of the Lord to Manoah's barren wife, echoing similar divine announcements of births to previously barren women in biblical history (e.g., Sarah in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Promise to Sarah") and Elizabeth in [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Promise to Zechariah and Elizabeth")). It underscores God's sovereign power to intervene in human affairs and His faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they are in a state of spiritual decline and national oppression.
* **"and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb":** This crucial instruction details the lifelong Nazarite vow imposed upon Samson from birth. The uncut hair was the most prominent and enduring symbol of this consecration, signifying his unique dedication and separation to God. It was not merely a cultural practice but a divine command, establishing the terms of his relationship with God and the source of the supernatural strength that would empower his mission, which was entirely dependent on his adherence to this divinely mandated vow.
* **"and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines":** This final clause explicitly states Samson's divine mission. His role is not merely to be a strong man but a divinely appointed deliverer. The phrase "begin to deliver" is significant, implying that Samson's work would initiate the process of liberation rather than completing it entirely. This sets the stage for a prolonged struggle against the Philistines and highlights Samson's foundational, yet ultimately partial, role in God's broader plan for Israel's ultimate freedom.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 13:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The verse functions primarily as a **Divine Announcement** or **Prophecy**, delivered by the Angel of the Lord, which immediately establishes the supernatural origin and destiny of Samson. The command "no razor shall come on his head" is a powerful instance of **Symbolism**, where Samson's uncut hair serves as a visible, tangible sign of his lifelong **Consecration** as a Nazarite and the conduit for God's power. This physical mark embodies his spiritual separation and unique relationship with God. The phrase "he shall begin to deliver" employs **Understatement** or **Proleptic Language**, as it hints at a future, larger deliverance without fully revealing its extent or the complexities of Samson's role, setting up the narrative arc of his life. Furthermore, the entire passage is framed by **Divine Intervention**, showcasing God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their darkest hours of oppression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:5 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereign election and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even amidst their repeated cycles of disobedience. Samson's pre-natal calling and lifelong consecration underscore the principle that God initiates salvation and raises up deliverers according to His divine plan, not based on human merit or initiative. His Nazarite vow, a visible sign of separation, highlights the importance of consecration and obedience as channels for divine power, even if imperfectly maintained. The verse also foreshadows the ongoing need for deliverance, setting the stage for a protracted struggle against the Philistines and hinting at a future, more complete salvation that would eventually come through a perfect deliverer.

* [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1 "Numbers 6:1-21 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow")
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah Called from the Womb")
* [Galatians 1:15](/galatians/1-15 "Galatians 1:15 - Paul Set Apart from Birth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 13:5 offers timeless truths for contemporary believers, inviting us to consider God's profound involvement in our lives. Just as Samson was uniquely called and set apart from the womb for a divine purpose, this verse reminds us that every individual is fearfully and wonderfully made, with a unique design and potential for God's glory. While we are not called to a literal Nazarite vow, the principle of consecration—setting ourselves apart for God's purposes, living distinctly for Him, and allowing His Spirit to work through us—remains profoundly relevant. Our spiritual strength and effectiveness are not derived from our own abilities but from our willingness to surrender to God's will and allow His power to flow through our lives. Samson's story, despite its complexities and his personal failings, ultimately testifies to God's ability to use imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plans. This should offer immense encouragement, reminding us that our weaknesses do not disqualify us from God's service, but rather provide a canvas upon which His strength can be made perfect. We are called to embrace our divine calling, live consecrated lives, and trust in God's power to work through us for His kingdom purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you believe God has uniquely called or set you apart for His purposes, even before you were aware of them?**
* **What does "consecration" mean for your daily life in a modern context, and how can you practically live a life "set apart unto God"?**
* **How does Samson's story, particularly the phrase "he shall begin to deliver," encourage you about God's patience and His use of imperfect people to advance His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Samson being a Nazarite "from the womb"?**

Answer: The significance of Samson being a Nazarite "from the womb" (Hebrew: _nāzîr mi-bbeten_) is profound and multi-layered. Firstly, it indicates a **divine appointment and lifelong consecration** that was not chosen by Samson but imposed by God. Unlike typical Nazarite vows, which were usually temporary and voluntary (as described in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite")), Samson's was a permanent, pre-ordained status. This highlights God's sovereign initiative in raising up His deliverers. Secondly, it underscored the **supernatural source of his strength**. His uncut hair was not merely a cultural quirk but a visible, lifelong symbol of his unique separation to God and the channel through which God's Spirit would empower him. His strength was not inherent but a divine gift, tied directly to his consecrated status. Finally, it emphasized the **uniqueness of his mission**. Being set apart from birth signified that his entire existence was dedicated to God's purpose of beginning to deliver Israel from the Philistines, making his life a living testament to God's intervention.

**Why does the verse say Samson "shall begin to deliver" Israel, rather than fully deliver them?**

Answer: The phrase "he shall begin to deliver" ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Mission")) is a crucial detail that highlights the nature of Samson's judgeship and God's broader redemptive plan. It signifies that Samson's role was **foundational and initiatory**, rather than conclusive. While he inflicted significant blows against the Philistines and demonstrated God's power to overcome them (e.g., [Judges 15:15](/judges/15-15 "Judges 15:15 - Samson's Victory with a Jawbone") and [Judges 16:30](/judges/16-30 "Judges 16:30 - Samson's Final Act")), he did not achieve complete, lasting freedom for Israel. The Philistine threat persisted well into the time of Samuel and David. This phrasing foreshadows that the ultimate, full deliverance of Israel would require a different kind of leader and, ultimately, the coming of a perfect deliverer. It also subtly points to the reality that God's work of salvation often unfolds progressively, in stages, with each deliverer contributing to a larger, unfolding divine narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 13:5, while announcing the birth of Samson, a flawed deliverer, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Like Samson, Jesus was divinely conceived and set apart from the womb, though in a far more profound and unique way, being God incarnate ([Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit and Jesus' Conception")). While Samson's strength was tied to a physical vow, Jesus' power stemmed from His inherent divinity and perfect obedience to His Father's will, a lifelong consecration far surpassing any Nazarite vow. Samson "began to deliver" Israel from physical oppression, but Jesus came to achieve a complete and eternal deliverance from the far greater enemies of sin, death, and the power of the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death")). Samson's life, marked by both extraordinary strength and significant moral failures, highlights the need for a perfect Savior who would not merely initiate deliverance but fully accomplish it through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Lamb of God") and [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Thus, Samson, the Nazarite judge, serves as a type, pointing forward to the true and final Deliverer who perfectly fulfills God's redemptive purpose for all humanity.

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

Numbers 6:5

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD, he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

1 Samuel 1:11

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Numbers 6:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate [themselves] to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate [themselves] unto the LORD:

Numbers 6:3

He shall separate [himself] from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

1 Chronicles 18:1

¶ Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 7:13

¶ So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

2 Samuel 8:1

¶ And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.