The Birth of Samson and the Angelic Announcement
Judges 13:1-25
Jud.13.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויספו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- הרע: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתנם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3mp
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 3:7–8 (verbal): Uses the same refrain 'the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD' and follows with God delivering Israel into the hand of an oppressor (Cushan‑Rishathaim) — the recurring formula of sin and subjection.
- Judges 6:1 (verbal): Another close verbal parallel: 'the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian' — same pattern of judgment with a specified number of years of oppression.
- Judges 10:6–8 (thematic): Reflects the cycle here: Israel's evil, the LORD's anger, and deliverance into the hands of hostile neighbors (Philistines and Ammonites) — shows the broader pattern of multifold oppressions in the book.
- Judges 2:11–15 (structural): A summarized statement of the Judges cycle: Israel's repeated evil, the LORD's wrath, and their being sold into enemies' hands. Judges 13:1 is a specific instance of this structural pattern in the period of the Philistine oppression.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.
- The Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.
Jud.13.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מצרעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ממשפחת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,construct
- הדני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואשתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- עקרה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ילדה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 18:10-14 (thematic): Sarah, previously barren, is told by the LORD she will bear a son (Isaac); shares the theme of miraculous childbirth after barrenness and divine initiative.
- Genesis 25:21 (verbal): Isaac prays for his wife because she is barren and Rebekah conceives; parallels the plain statement that Manoah’s wife was barren and the subsequent divine response.
- 1 Samuel 1:2-20 (structural): Hannah is introduced as a childless wife whose barrenness is central to the narrative; like Manoah’s wife, her barrenness precedes a divine answer and the birth of a dedicated child (Samuel).
- Luke 1:5-25; 1:57-66 (allusion): The New Testament account of Elizabeth (previously barren) and the angelic announcement concerning John the Baptist echoes the OT pattern of a barren woman given a miraculous, God‑ordained child and communal recognition of the child’s special role.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had borne no children.
- There was a man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had borne no children.
Jud.13.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- הנה: PART
- נא: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- עקרה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ילדת: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- והרית: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- וילדת: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 18:10 (thematic): Angelic promise to a previously barren woman that she will bear a son — same motif of a divine annunciation overcoming barrenness.
- Genesis 21:1-2 (thematic): Divine fulfillment of the promise to a formerly barren Sarah (birth of Isaac); parallels the pattern of miraculous birth following an announcement.
- 1 Samuel 1:11, 1:19-20 (thematic): Hannah, previously barren, prays and bears Samuel, who is then dedicated to God — parallels barrenness, divine intervention, and the birth of a divinely appointed leader.
- Luke 1:13-17 (allusion): Angelic announcement to Zechariah that his barren wife Elizabeth will bear John (the Baptist); parallels include announcement by an angel to a barren woman and the child’s special vocation/set-apart status.
- Luke 1:26-38 (allusion): The annunciation to Mary: an angelic message of an extraordinary birth of a child with a unique role; echoes the motif of divine announcement and miraculous conception/birth.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, "Behold, you are barren and have not borne, but you shall conceive and bear a son."
- The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne; you shall conceive and bear a son.
Jud.13.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- השמרי: VERB,hiphil,impv,2,f,sg
- נא: PART
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תשתי: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- יין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושכר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תאכלי: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- כל: DET
- טמא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 6:3-4 (verbal): Direct Nazirite regulations: forbids wine and strong drink and grape products—same prohibitions cited to Manoah’s wife.
- Luke 1:15 (verbal): Angel’s announcement about John the Baptist: he ‘shall not drink wine or strong drink’—a New Testament parallel to the Nazirite-style restriction.
- Judges 13:5 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same passage: the child to be born is described as a Nazirite from birth, explaining the prohibition in 13:4.
- 1 Samuel 1:11 (thematic): Hannah’s vow to dedicate her son (including consecration elements such as no razor touching his head) parallels the theme of lifelong consecration and special vows for a child.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Now therefore be careful; drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean."
- Now be careful—do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean.
Jud.13.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- הנך: PRON,2,m,sg
- הרה: ADJ,f,sg
- וילדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,f,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומורה: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נזיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- הבטן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- יחל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להושיע: VERB,hiph,inf,-,-,-,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיד: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
Parallels
- Numbers 6:2-5 (verbal): Gives the rules of the Nazirite vow—'no razor shall come upon his head,' abstention from wine, and being set apart to the LORD—directly parallels the statement that the child will be a Nazirite and no razor shall touch his head.
- Luke 1:13-17 (thematic): The angelic announcement about John the Baptist: his mother will bear a son who is set apart (must not drink wine) and will be filled with the Spirit from his mother's womb and prepare Israel—parallels the consecration from the womb and deliverer/forerunner motif in Judges 13:5.
- 1 Samuel 1:11, 1:20 (thematic): Hannah's vow and the birth of Samuel, who is dedicated to the LORD and becomes Israel's leader/judge: a comparable birth-announcement pattern of a divinely ordained child devoted to God who serves/delivers Israel.
- Isaiah 49:1, 49:5 (allusion): Speaks of the Servant being called and formed from the womb ('the LORD called me from the womb'), echoing the theme of divine election and consecration from birth present in Judges 13:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- "For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite of God from the womb; and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines."
- For you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite of God from the womb; and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”
Jud.13.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ותבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לאישה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ומראהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כמראה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נורא: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
- ולא: CONJ
- שאלתיהו: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- אי: PRON,interrog
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- הגיד: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Judg.13.3 (structural): Immediate context: the same announcement that a 'man of God' has appeared to Manoah's wife—directly parallels the report of the vision and its content.
- Judg.13.22 (thematic): Manoah’s reaction after the angel ascends—he fears that they will die for seeing God, echoing the theme of awe/fear following an angelic/theophanic appearance.
- Judg.6.22-23 (thematic): Gideon’s encounter with the angel of the LORD produces the recognition of divine presence and fear ('we shall die'), a similar response to an awe‑inspiring messenger of God.
- Exod.3.2-6 (thematic): The angel/LORD appears in fire and Moses encounters the divine in a striking theophany; parallels the motif of a terrifying, divine messenger and human fear before God’s appearance.
- 1 Kgs.13.1-3 (verbal): Uses the designation 'man of God' for a prophetic figure who delivers a divine message—parallels the title and role of the visitor in Judges 13.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the woman came and told her husband, "A man of God came to me; his appearance was like the appearance of an angel of God, terrifying. I did not ask him where he was from, nor did he tell me his name."
- The woman came and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; his appearance was like the appearance of an angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name.”
Jud.13.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- הנך: PRON,2,m,sg
- הרה: ADJ,f,sg
- וילדת: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועתה: CONJ
- אל: NEG
- תשתי: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- יין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושכר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תאכלי: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,f,sg
- כל: DET
- טמאה: ADJ,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נזיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- הבטן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מותו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 6:2-5 (verbal): The formal Nazirite regulations: abstain from wine and strong drink and avoid cutting hair—the legal template echoed in the angel’s instruction to Samson’s mother.
- Luke 1:15 (verbal): Angelic announcement that John the Baptist ‘will drink neither wine nor strong drink’ and will be set apart from his mother’s womb—a close verbal and functional parallel to Samson’s prenatally prescribed Nazirite status.
- 1 Samuel 1:11, 1:27-28 (thematic): Hannah’s vow and dedication of Samuel to the Lord—another instance of a mother’s child being vowed/dedicated for lifelong service to God from birth.
- Judges 16:17 (allusion): Samson’s uncut hair as the locus of his strength (and his later disclosure to Delilah) alludes back to the Nazirite prohibition on cutting hair and shows the practical outworking/breach of the original injunction.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to me, 'You shall conceive and bear a son; therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink and eat nothing unclean; for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.'"
- And he said to me, “Behold, you will conceive and bear a son; therefore do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean; for the child shall be a Nazirite of God from the womb to the day of his death.””
Jud.13.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעתר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אדוני: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שלחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- עוד: ADV
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ויורנו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,pl
- מה: PRON,int
- נעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- לנער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היולד: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judg.13:3-5 (structural): Immediate context: the angel announces the forthcoming birth and Nazirite instructions to Manoah’s wife—Manoah then asks for the man of God to return for further instruction.
- 2 Kings 4:16-17 (thematic): Elisha prophesies that the Shunammite woman will bear a son; like Manoah and his wife, parents receive prophetic announcement and the prophet provides instruction about the child's coming.
- 1 Samuel 1:17-20 (thematic): Hannah receives Eli’s word that God has granted her petition and then conceives Samuel—parallel motif of petitioning/receiving a holy man’s word concerning the birth of a child.
- Luke 1:11-20 (thematic): Zechariah questions the angel about the sign for Elizabeth’s pregnancy and receives explicit instruction about John’s birth and role—similar pattern of seeking clarification about a divinely promised child.
- Matt.1:20-21 (thematic): An angel appears to Joseph with instruction about Mary’s child (name and mission); parallels Manoah’s desire for authoritative divine instruction regarding a remarkable child’s future.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Manoah prayed to the LORD and said, "O Lord, my Lord, let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do for the child who is to be born."
- Manoah entreated the LORD and said, “O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we shall do for the boy who is to be born.”
Jud.13.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עוד: ADV
- אל: NEG
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והיא: CONJ+PRON,3,f,sg
- יושבת: VERB,qal,ptc,3,f,sg
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומנוח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אישה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- עמה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Judg 13:3-5 (structural): Same episode: the angel initially appears to Manoah's wife to announce a miraculous birth (the fuller announcement to the woman that frames 13:9).
- Judg 6:11-14 (thematic): Angel/angelic messenger appears to an Israelite to commission a deliverer (Gideon); parallels the motif of divine messenger initiating the birth/mission of a judge.
- Luke 1:26-38 (thematic): The annunciation to Mary — an angelic visit to a woman announcing a miraculous, God‑initiated birth while the husband is not present; parallels the gendered annunciation and divine initiative in Judges 13.
- Genesis 18:10-15 (thematic): Divine/angelic visitors announce Sarah will bear a son despite barrenness; parallels the promise of a miraculous birth and the incredulous human response to divine promise.
- 1 Sam 1:11-20 (thematic): Hannah prays for a son and God responds so she conceives Samuel; echoes the theme that God hears human petition concerning childbirth — 'God hearkened' in Judges 13:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- And God listened to the voice of Manoah. So the angel of God came again to the woman while she was sitting in the field; but Manoah her husband was not with her.
- God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field; but Manoah her husband was not with her.
Jud.13.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ותמהר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותרץ: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- ותגד: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לאישה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- נראה: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Judg.13:8-9 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: the wife reports the heavenly visitor to Manoah, and Manoah then prays for the man of God to return (continuation and reciprocal reporting).
- Judg.6:11-24 (thematic): Gideon’s encounter with the angel of the LORD is a comparable theophany—an angelic visit to a member of Israel causing fear, questioning, and a request for a sign (similar motifs of divine messenger and human report).
- Exod.3:2-4 (verbal): Uses the phrase and motif of “the angel of the LORD” appearing to a person; a theophanic visitation where the heavenly figure’s appearance initiates a divine revelation (parallels key wording and concept).
- Gen.18:10-14 (thematic): The visit of heavenly/messianic figures who announce a forthcoming birth to a barren woman—shared theme of an astonishing divine visitor communicating a son’s birth to a couple.
- Luke 1:26-38 (thematic): The angelic annunciation to Mary about a miraculous conception and her subsequent reporting/visiting (Luke 1:39–45) parallels the motif of a woman receiving and relaying news of a divinely ordained child.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the woman ran quickly and told her husband, and said to him, "Behold, the man who came to me that day has appeared to me."
- The woman hurried and ran and told her husband, and said to him, “Behold, the man who came to me the other day is standing before me.”
Jud.13.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- האתה: PRON,2,m,sg,interr
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Judges 6:11-22 (thematic): Another appearance of the angel of the LORD who speaks to a human (Gideon). Like Manoah, the human host questions and then recognizes the supernatural messenger; both episodes follow the pattern of divine visitation, dialogue, and a human attempt to confirm identity/signs.
- Genesis 18:1-15 (thematic): Three visitors announce to Abraham and Sarah that Sarah will bear a son. Parallels include an unexpected, divine announcement concerning childbirth to a wife and the household’s reaction to the messenger’s words.
- Luke 1:26-38 (thematic): The annunciation to Mary: an angelic messenger announces a miraculous birth and engages in a question-and-answer exchange about identity and the nature of the event. The scene echoes the pattern of divine messenger + human inquiry found in Judges 13.
- Hebrews 13:2 (allusion): The NT admonition to entertain strangers because some have entertained angels unawares alludes to episodes like Manoah’s household (and similar visitation narratives), highlighting the motif of ordinary people hosting divine messengers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Manoah arose and went after his wife, and came to the man and said to him, "Are you the man who spoke to the woman?" And he said, "I am."
- Manoah rose and went after his wife and came to the man and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to the woman?” And he said, “I am.”
Jud.13.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דבריך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- מה: PRON,int
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומעשהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Judges 13:3-5 (quotation): The angel's original announcement to Manoah's wife that she would bear a son who 'shall begin to deliver Israel'—the material Manoah now wants the angel to repeat and clarify about the boy's role.
- Judges 13:8 (structural): Immediately adjacent episode in which Manoah asks the LORD to send the man of God again—same narrative move of seeking further instruction about the child's future and duties.
- Genesis 25:22-23 (thematic): Rebekah's encounter with God about the twins—parents inquire of the divine to learn the future character and destiny of their children (God gives an oracle about nations and roles).
- Luke 1:34-35 (allusion): Mary's question to the angel ('How shall this be?') and the angelic explanation about the child's origin and mission parallels Manoah's request for clarification about what the promised child will be and do.
Alternative generated candidates
- Manoah said, "When your words come to pass, what shall be the manner of the boy's life, and what shall his work be?"
- Manoah said, “Now when your words come to pass, what shall be the boy’s way of life, and what shall be his work?”
Jud.13.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- אל: NEG
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תשמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 13:3-5 (structural): Same angelic announcement to Manoah's wife describing the child's Nazirite-like status and the injunctions she must observe; provides the fuller original instruction that Manoah is told to pass on.
- Judges 13:14-16 (verbal): The angel restates the prohibition and obligation to Manoah (including the command that the woman must 'keep' the instructions), directly continuing and echoing v.13.
- Numbers 6:1-5 (thematic): The Nazirite regulations (no wine, no cutting hair, separation) parallel the child’s prescribed way of life in the angel’s instructions, showing the ritual/ascetic framework behind the command to 'keep' the terms.
- Luke 1:15 (thematic): Gabriel’s announcement that John the Baptist 'shall drink neither wine nor strong drink' echoes the theme of a divinely sanctioned, ascetic upbringing for a consecrated child, comparable to Samson's designation.
- 1 Samuel 1:11 (thematic): Hannah’s vow and the narrative of a previously barren woman bearing a divinely given son parallels the motif of miraculous birth and special dedication that underlies the angel’s warning to preserve the child’s consecrated status.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "All that I said to the woman, keep."
- The angel of the LORD said to Manoah, “From all that I told the woman let her be careful.
Jud.13.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- מכל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מגפן: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs
- היין: ART+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- תאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ויין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושכר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תשת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- טמאה: ADJ,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- תאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צויתיה: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- תשמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 6:2-4 (verbal): The Nazirite regulations: prohibition on wine and strong drink and avoidance of anything unclean—same commands that define Samson’s consecration.
- Luke 1:15 (allusion): Angel’s announcement about John the Baptist that he 'shall not drink wine or strong drink' echoes the Nazirite-type vow language applied to Samson in Judges 13:14.
- Judges 16:17 (thematic): Samson’s secret of his strength tied to his uncut hair—this passage shows the later development and violation of the Nazirite conditions prescribed in 13:14.
- 1 Samuel 1:11 (thematic): Hannah’s vow that 'no razor shall touch his head' parallels Nazirite-style dedication of a child to the Lord, connecting to the prohibitions and consecration in Judges 13:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean; all that I commanded her let her observe."
- Do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean; whatever I commanded her let her keep.”
Jud.13.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נעצרה: VERB,niphal,impv,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- אותך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ונעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,pl
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- גדי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עזים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Judg.6:19-21 (verbal): Gideon prepares a young goat and unleavened bread for the angel of the LORD; the offering is touched/consumed by divine fire—closely parallels Manoah’s attempt to prepare a kid for the angel and the theophanic meal/action in Judges 13.
- Gen.18:6-8 (thematic): Abraham hastily prepares a calf and other provisions for the divine visitors (the LORD and two men). Theme of hospitable preparation of meat for a theophany/angelic visitors parallels Manoah’s offer to prepare a kid.
- Gen.19:3-4 (thematic): Lot prepares a meal for angelic visitors who come to Sodom, showing the motif of providing food/hospitality to heavenly messengers, similar to Manoah’s request to prepare a kid for the angel.
- 1 Kgs.19:5-8 (thematic): An angel ministers to Elijah by providing food and strengthening him—while not the same action, this passage shares the motif of food and angels in the context of divine encounter and sustenance/ritual interaction with heavenly beings.
Alternative generated candidates
- Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, "Please stay until we prepare a kid for you."
- Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “Please stay, and let us prepare a young goat for you.”
Jud.13.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- תעצרני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בלחמך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,ps:2,m
- ואם: CONJ
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- תעלנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 13:8-9 (verbal): A prophet refuses to eat the local man's food because he has been commanded by God not to—language and motif parallel the angel's refusal, “I will not eat of your bread.”
- Judg.6:20-22 (thematic): Another appearance of the 'angel of the LORD' who participates in/accepts an offering and is then recognized as a divine messenger (Gideon perceives the angel), paralleling Manoah’s eventual realization and the offering-instruction context.
- Genesis 18:1-3; 18:16-33 (allusion): Theophanic appearances of the LORD/His messengers who visit a household and speak as Yahweh; parallels the ambiguous identity of the visitor (angel of the LORD) and the household hospitality/interaction motif.
- Exodus 3:2-6 (thematic): The 'angel of the LORD' appears in theophanic circumstances (burning bush) and speaks for Yahweh; connects to the wider motif that the angel functions as God's direct representative whose identity may only later be grasped by the human recipient.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "If you detain me, I will not eat of your bread; and if you offer a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD." (For Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the LORD.)
- The angel of the LORD said to Manoah, “If you detain me, I will not eat of your bread; but if you make a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD.” (Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the LORD.)
Jud.13.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דברך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- וכבדנוך: VERB,piel,yiqtol,1,pl,suff:2,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 32:29-30 (verbal): After wrestling Jacob asks the being's name and is answered with the same rebuke—'Why do you ask my name?'—a close verbal parallel to Manoah's inquiry about the messenger's identity.
- Exodus 3:13-14 (verbal): Moses asks God for his name ('When they ask me, “What is his name?”'), echoing the theme of questioning the identity/name of a divine messenger or God.
- Genesis 18:3-5 (thematic): Abraham addresses his unexpected heavenly visitors as 'my lord' and seeks to honor/serve them, paralleling Manoah's desire to honor the messenger once his word proved true.
- Luke 1:18-20 (thematic): Zechariah questions the angel Gabriel about how the prophecy will come to pass and requests a sign; both passages feature human doubt/questioning of an angelic announcement and an exchange about the messenger's credibility.
Alternative generated candidates
- Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, "What is your name, that when your words come to pass we may honor you?"
- Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, that when your words come to pass we may honor you?”
Jud.13.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למה: ADV
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- תשאל: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,sg
- לשמי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- פלאי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 13:17 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — Manoah asks the mysterious visitor for his name, prompting the angel’s reply in 13:18.
- Judges 13:22-23 (structural): Immediate aftermath — Manoah and his wife realize they have seen the angel of the LORD and fear death, illustrating the effect of the angel’s refusal/disclosure about identity.
- Exodus 3:13-14 (thematic): Moses asks God for his name and receives a revelatory answer (‘I AM WHO I AM’); both passages center on human requests for divine identity and how God/angel responds.
- Exodus 33:18-23 (thematic): Moses’ request to see God and God’s refusal/limit on direct knowledge parallels the motif of human desire to know the divine and a divine withholding of full disclosure.
- Luke 1:19 (verbal): The angel Gabriel gives his own name when appearing to Zechariah — a contrast to the Manoah episode where the heavenly messenger declines to disclose a name.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the angel of the LORD said to him, "Why do you ask my name? It is wonderful."
- And the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask my name? It is wonderful.”
Jud.13.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- גדי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- העזים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המנחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הצור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומפלא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- ומנוח: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואשתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,pos:3,m
- ראים: VERB,qal,part,?,m,pl
Parallels
- Judg.6:20-22 (verbal): Gideon sets out an offering which the angel of the LORD causes to be consumed by fire from the rock; similar terminology and motif of an angelic theophany linked to a sacrificial act and the fear of the human witnesses.
- Lev.9:23-24 (thematic): After the inaugural offerings fire comes out from before the LORD and consumes the burnt offering and the glory of the LORD appears—parallel liturgical/theophanic scene in which divine fire consumes sacrifice and people witness God's presence.
- Exod.3:2 (thematic): The angel of the LORD appears to Moses in a flame of fire (the burning bush)—comparable imagery of an angelic/divine presence manifested in or associated with fire and eliciting human awe.
- 2 Kgs.2:11 (thematic): Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind with chariots and horses of fire—echoes the motif of a divine agent ascending in fire toward heaven, paralleling the angel’s ascent in the flame of the altar.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Manoah took the kid and the grain offering and offered them on the rock to the LORD. And the angel of the LORD did a wondrous thing; Manoah and his wife looked on.
- Then Manoah took the kid and the grain offering and offered them on the rock to the LORD; and the angel did wondrously. Manoah and his wife looked on.
Jud.13.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בעלות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,constr
- הלהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעל: PREP
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השמימה: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בלהב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומנוח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואשתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUF:PRON,3,m,sg
- ראים: VERB,qal,part,?,m,pl
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- פניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 3:2 (verbal): The angel of the LORD appears in a flame of fire (burning bush) — a close verbal motif of divine/angelic presence manifesting in flame.
- Leviticus 9:24 (verbal): Fire from the LORD consumes the burnt offering, and when the people saw it they fell on their faces — liturgical/ritual wording parallels the altar-fire and prostration in Judges 13:20.
- 1 Kings 18:38-39 (thematic): Elijah's sacrifice is consumed by fire from heaven and the people fall on their faces, confessing Yahweh — a thematic parallel of divine fire validating an offering and eliciting worshipful prostration.
- Judges 6:21-22 (thematic): The angel of the LORD causes fire to consume Gideon's offering and Gideon falls on his face — a close narrative parallel within Judges linking angelic fire, sacrificial consumption, and prostration.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the flame went up from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. Manoah and his wife looked on, and they fell on their faces to the ground.
- As the flame went up from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar before the eyes of Manoah and his wife; and they fell on their faces to the ground.
Jud.13.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יסף: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- עוד: ADV
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להראה: VERB,hif,inf
- אל: NEG
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- אז: ADV
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 6:22 (verbal): Gideon recognizes he has seen the angel of the LORD (similar vocabulary and theophanic recognition after an angelic appearance).
- Genesis 32:30 (thematic): Jacob's declaration 'I have seen God face to face' parallels the motif of human encounter with a divine visitor and the reaction to having seen God/ his messenger.
- Genesis 16:7-13 (thematic): Hagar's encounter with 'the angel of the LORD' who is identified with God echoes the pattern of an angelic theophany whose identity is understood by the human witness.
- Exodus 33:20-23 (thematic): God's statement that no one may see his face and live connects to Manoah's fear ('shall we die because we have seen God?') after perceiving the angel's divine identity.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the angel of the LORD no longer appeared to Manoah and his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the LORD.
- And the angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the LORD.
Jud.13.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מנוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- נמות: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ראינו: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 33:20 (verbal): God declares that no one may see His face and live — a direct verbal/thematic parallel that explains Manoah’s fear that seeing God would mean death.
- Genesis 32:30 (thematic): Jacob says, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Presents a close theophanic parallel and a contrast to Manoah’s expectation of death on seeing God.
- Isaiah 6:5 (thematic): Isaiah’s cry “Woe is me!... for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD” echoes the motif of terror and self‑condemnation in response to a vision of God.
- Exodus 3:6 (thematic): When God appears to Moses, Moses hides his face, afraid to look upon God — a similar reaction of fear at encountering the divine presence.
- Job 42:5-6 (thematic): Job’s statement that he had seen God with his eyes and his subsequent abasement parallels the profound, transformative (though not lethal) human response to beholding God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Manoah said to his wife, "We shall surely die, for we have seen God."
- Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, for we have seen God.”
Jud.13.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- חפץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להמיתנו: VERB,hiph,inf,NA,NA,NA
- לא: PART_NEG
- לקח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מידנו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,1,pl
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומנחה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- הראנו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- וכעת: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- השמיענו: VERB,hif,impv,2,m,pl+PRON,1,pl
- כזאת: DEM,f,sg
Parallels
- Judges 13:22 (structural): Immediate context — Manoah responds that they will die because they have 'seen God' (the same fear/misgiving about revealing the angel's message).
- Genesis 3:10 (verbal): Adam's statement 'I was afraid because I was naked' and hiding after God's presence parallels the motif of fear and concealment after an encounter with the divine.
- Exodus 3:6 (verbal): Moses 'hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God' — similar language of fear and self-concealment in response to a holy appearance.
- Isaiah 6:5 (thematic): Isaiah's 'Woe is me... for my eyes have seen the King' expresses the same terror/awareness of unworthiness after perceiving God's presence.
- Revelation 1:17 (thematic): John falls 'as one dead' on seeing the exalted Christ — a comparable reaction of fear/overwhelming dread at a divine revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- But his wife said to him, "If the LORD meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hand, nor shown us these things, nor now told us such things as these."
- But his wife said to him, “If the LORD had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor shown us such things. And he would not now have made them known to us.”
Jud.13.24 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ותלד: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותקרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שמשון: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויגדל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויברכהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 1:20 (thematic): Birth and naming of a divinely favored son (Samuel) following a period of barrenness; the child's birth is presented as an act of the LORD, paralleling Samson's divinely ordered birth and naming.
- 1 Samuel 2:21 (verbal): Uses similar language about the child 'growing' before the LORD—both verses emphasize the child's growth in relation to God's blessing and service.
- Luke 1:57–58; 1:80 (verbal): John the Baptist's birth and naming (Luke 1:57–58) and the statement that 'the child grew' (1:80) parallel the pattern of miraculous/announced birth, naming, and the child's growth under God's favor.
- Genesis 21:1–2 (thematic): Isaac's birth to Sarah is presented as the fulfillment of God's promise and a direct act of the LORD, echoing the motif of a God‑given son who brings God's blessing.
- Judges 13:5 (structural): The angel's earlier announcement that the woman would bear a son and that he would be a Nazirite is structurally fulfilled by verse 13:24 (birth, naming, and God's blessing).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him.
- The woman bore a son and called his name Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him.
Jud.13.25 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ותחל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לפעמו: VERB,qal,inf,3,m,sg
- במחנה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בין: PREP
- צרעה: NOUN,prop,f,sg
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- אשתאל: NOUN,prop,f,sg
Parallels
- Judges 14:6 (verbal): Same formula of 'the Spirit of the LORD came upon him' applied to Samson, showing the Spirit's empowerment for a deed (here, tearing the lion).
- Judges 15:14 (verbal): Another explicit instance where 'the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily' enabling Samson's military action—continuation of the motif of Spirit‑empowerment.
- Judges 3:10 (verbal): The Spirit of the LORD comes upon Othniel, initiating his role as judge—parallels the pattern of the Spirit empowering Israel's deliverers.
- Judges 6:34 (thematic): Gideon is 'clothed' with the Spirit of the LORD, thematically linking the Spirit's role in raising and equipping judges for deliverance.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (verbal): 'The Spirit of the LORD came upon David' at his anointing—a parallel verbality and theme of the Spirit's bestowal marking and enabling a leader.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
- The Spirit of the LORD began to move him in the camp of Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
The Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.
There was a man of Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had borne no children.
The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, 'Behold, you are barren and have borne no child, but you will conceive and bear a son.'
'Now therefore be careful: do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean.'
'For behold, you will conceive and bear a son. No razor shall touch his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite of God from the womb; he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines.'
The woman went and told her husband, 'A man of God came to me; his appearance was like the appearance of an angel of God—awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, nor did he tell me his name.'
He said to me, 'You will conceive and bear a son; therefore be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. For the boy shall be a Nazirite of God from the womb until the day of his death.'
Then Manoah entreated the LORD and said, 'O LORD, please let the man whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we shall do for the child that is to be born.'
God listened to Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field; but Manoah her husband was not with her.
The woman hurried and ran and told her husband, 'Look, the man who came to me the other day has appeared to me again.'
Manoah rose and followed his wife and came to the man and said to him, 'Are you the man who spoke to the woman?' He answered, 'I am.'
Manoah said, 'Now let your words be confirmed. What shall be the rule for the boy, and what shall his work be?'
The angel of the LORD said to Manoah, 'From all that I told the woman let her observe.'
'She must not drink wine or strong drink, nor eat anything unclean; she must keep all that I commanded her.'
Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, 'Please stay with us, and let us prepare a kid for you.'
The angel of the LORD said to Manoah, 'If you detain me I will not eat your bread; but if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD.' (Manoah did not know that he was an angel of the LORD.)
Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, 'What is your name, that when your words come to pass we may honor you?'
The angel of the LORD said to him, 'Why do you ask my name? It is wonderful.'
Manoah took the kid and the grain offering and offered them on the rock to the LORD. And the angel of the LORD did wondrously; Manoah and his wife watched.
As the flame went up from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. Manoah and his wife looked on and fell on their faces to the ground.
The angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah or to his wife; and then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD.
Manoah said to his wife, 'We shall surely die, for we have seen God.' But his wife said to him, 'If the LORD had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hand, nor shown us these things, nor now declared them to us.'
The woman bore a son and called his name Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him.
The Spirit of the LORD began to stir him in the camp of Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.