### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mânôwach**, represented by `{{H4495}}`, is the proper name of an Israelite man, **Manoah**. The name itself carries the meaning of **rest**. It appears **18 times** across **14 unique verses**, all within the book of Judges, establishing a focused and significant narrative role.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative introduces **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` as a **man** `{{H376}}` from **Zorah** `{{H6881}}`, whose **wife** `{{H802}}` was **barren** `{{H6135}}` and had no children [[Judges 13:2]]. The story revolves around his interaction with an **angel** `{{H4397}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` who foretells the birth of his son. **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` prays for the divine messenger to return and **teach** `{{H3384}}` them how to raise the promised child [[Judges 13:8]]. After the angel reappears, **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` prepares an offering, and it is only when the angel ascends in the **flame** `{{H3851}}` from the **altar** `{{H4196}}` that he fully knows the visitor's identity [[Judges 13:20-21]]. His story concludes with the mention of his **buryingplace** `{{H6913}}`, where his son Samson was later **buried** `{{H6912}}` [[Judges 16:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the story of **Manoah** `{{H4495}}`:
* `{{H4397}}` **mălʼâk** (messenger; angel): This is the divine being who interacts with **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` and his wife, delivering the message about their future son [[Judges 13:21]].
* `{{H6135}}` **ʻâqâr** (barren): This term describes the initial state of Manoah's wife, which is the catalyst for the divine intervention in their lives [[Judges 13:2]].
* `{{H5930}}` **ʻôlâh** (burnt offering): The angel instructs **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` that if he prepares an offering, it must be a **burnt offering** `{{H5930}}` to the LORD, signifying a complete dedication [[Judges 13:16]].
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (God): Upon realizing they had seen an angel of the LORD, **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` exclaims that they have **seen** `{{H7200}}` **God** `{{H430}}` and would surely die [[Judges 13:22]].
### Theological Significance
The story of **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating key principles of faith and divine interaction.
* **Sincere Prayer:** Faced with a miraculous promise, **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` **intreated** `{{H6279}}` the LORD for further guidance, demonstrating a heart that seeks divine wisdom [[Judges 13:8]]. God **hearkened** `{{H8085}}` to his **voice** `{{H6963}}`, showing his attentiveness to the prayers of his people [[Judges 13:9]].
* **Awe in the Divine Presence:** The encounter with the angel fills **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` with reverent fear. His conclusion that they would **die** `{{H4191}}` because they had **seen** `{{H7200}}` **God** `{{H430}}` reflects a profound understanding of God's holiness [[Judges 13:22]].
* **Worship as a Response:** The climax of the visitation is an act of worship, where **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` offers a **kid** `{{H1423}}` upon a **rock** `{{H6697}}` to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`. The miraculous acceptance of this offering confirms the divine nature of the event [[Judges 13:19-20]].
### Summary
In summary, **Manoah** `{{H4495}}` is a figure of sincere and humble faith in the Old Testament. His story is not merely a prelude to the life of Samson but a powerful narrative in its own right, illustrating how an ordinary **man** `{{H376}}` responds to a divine promise with prayer, seeks instruction, and ultimately offers worship in awe and reverence.
TRV