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Judges 13:18

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Judges 13:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Why do you ask my name,” said the angel of the LORD, “since it is beyond comprehension?”

King James Version KJV

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?

American Standard Version ASV

And the angel of Jehovah said unto him, Wherefore askest thou after my name, seeing it is wonderful?

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the angel of the Lord said to him, Why are you questioning me about my name, seeing that it is a wonder?

Free Bible Version FBV

“Why do you ask this?” the angel of the Lord responded. “My name is beyond comprehension.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Angell of the Lord saide vnto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, which is secret?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the messenger of Jehovah saith to him, 'Why [is] this — thou dost ask for My name? — and it [is] Wonderful.'

World English Bible WEB

The LORD’s angel said to him, “Why do you ask about my name, since it is incomprehensible ?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the angel of the LORD said to him, why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he answered him: Why askest thou my name, which is wonderful?

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh replied, “◄Why do you ask me my name?/You should not ask me my name.► [RHQ] It is ◄wonderful/it cannot be understood►.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 13:18

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 13:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר לּ/וֹ֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה לָ֥/מָּה זֶּ֖ה תִּשְׁאַ֣ל לִ/שְׁמִ֑/י וְ/הוּא פֶ֛לִאי
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לּ/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff
מַלְאַ֣ךְ mălʼâk H4397 messenger N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part
זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Pron
תִּשְׁאַ֣ל shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לִ/שְׁמִ֑/י shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/הוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron
פֶ֛לִאי pilʼîy H6383 incomprehensible Adj
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 13:18

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לּ/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff
מַלְאַ֣ךְ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לָ֥/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
תִּשְׁאַ֣ל shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
לִ/שְׁמִ֑/י shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
וְ/הוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
פֶ֛לִאי pilʼîy H6383 "incomprehensible" Adj
This Hebrew word means something is wonderful or hard to understand, like a miracle. It describes things that are extraordinary. In the Bible, it is used to talk about amazing events.
Definition: wonderful, incomprehensible, extraordinary
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: secret, wonderful. See also: Judges 13:18; Psalms 139:6.

Study Notes — Judges 13:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 32:29 And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.
2 Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
3 Judges 13:6 So the woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me. His appearance was like the angel of God, exceedingly awesome. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not tell me his name.

Judges 13:18 Summary

[The angel of the Lord told Manoah that his name was beyond comprehension, which means it's too great for humans to fully understand. This reminds us that God's ways and nature are often mysterious and beyond our limited human understanding (Romans 11:33). Just like the angel's name, God's character and nature are holy and set apart, and we can only begin to grasp them through faith and trust in His revelation (Hebrews 11:6). This verse encourages us to approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing the limitations of our own understanding and the greatness of His wisdom and love (Psalm 111:10).]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the angel of the Lord say his name was beyond comprehension?

The angel's response suggests that his name is too great for human understanding, much like the name of God Himself, which is considered holy and set apart (Exodus 3:15, Isaiah 57:15).

Is the angel of the Lord a separate being from God?

In Judges 13:18, the angel of the Lord speaks on behalf of God, implying a close relationship, but the Bible also teaches that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4), and the angel's role is to serve and represent Him.

What does it mean for a name to be 'beyond comprehension'?

In biblical times, a person's name often represented their character or nature, so the angel's name being beyond comprehension may mean that his nature or character is too complex or holy for humans to fully understand, similar to the concept of God's wisdom being beyond human understanding (Romans 11:33).

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's revelation to humans?

This verse highlights the limitations of human understanding when it comes to God's nature and character, emphasizing the need for faith and trust in His revelation, as seen in other passages like Psalm 119:18 and Matthew 11:25.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the angel's response reveal about the nature of God and His relationship with humans?
  2. How does this verse challenge or comfort me in my own understanding of God's character?
  3. In what ways can I apply the concept of 'beyond comprehension' to my daily life and relationship with God?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's wisdom and revelation, rather than my own understanding?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 13:18

And the angel of the Lord said unto him,.... Being so importunate, and pressing upon him; why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 13:18

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 13:18

Or, hidden from mortal men; or, wonderful, such as thou canst not comprehend; my nature or essence (which is oft signified by name in Scripture) is incomprehensible. This shows that this was the Angel of the covenant, the Son of God.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 13:18

Judges 13:18 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it [is] secret?Ver. 18. Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?] Or, Wonderful, that is, incomprehensible. I am called as I am called; but such is thy weakness, that it surpasseth thy conception. So Bede, Victorinus, and others expound it. God, as he surmounteth all creatures, so he surpasseth all notion, all name. Afri vocant Deum ignotum Amon, idest, Heus tu quis es! Christ, not only as God, but as Mediator also, is called Wonderful. Plutarch, lib. De Iside et Osiride.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 13:18

(18) Seeing it is secret.—The word is peli, which in Isaiah 9:5 is rendered “wonderful.” The word is an adjective, not the actual name of the angel. The only angel who names himself in Scripture is Gabriel.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 13:18

Verse 18. Seeing it is secret?] It was because it was secret that they wished to know it. The angel does not say that it was secret, but הוא פלאי hu peli, it is WONDERFUL; the very character that is given to Jesus Christ, Isaiah 9:6: His name shall be called, פלא Wonderful; and it is supposed by some that the angel gives this as his name, and consequently that he was our blessed Lord.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 13:18

18. Wherefore … my name] The same words in Genesis 32:29. Manoah’s question is not answered, for to reveal the name is to reveal the essential nature and attributes, Exodus 3:15; Exodus 34:5-7; cf. Genesis 27:36, 1 Samuel 25:25, Rth 1:20. The secret was to be disclosed, but only after an act of obedient homage; cf. St John 7:17. wonderful] hard to be understood, not secret (marg.): prophets use the word to describe God’s dealings with His people, Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 25:1; Isaiah 29:14 etc. The divine Name is inscrutable, like the divine action, Psalms 139:6.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 13:18

Secret - Rather, “wonderful,” as in the margin. In Judges 13:19 the Angel “did wondrously,” probably as the Angel that Appeared to Gideon had done, bringing fire from the rock. See the marginal references and notes.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 13:18

18. Why askest thou thus after my name — Not a rebuke, but one of those profound questions which lead a man to look into the depths of his heart, and read its inner motions.

Sermons on Judges 13:18

SermonDescription
Phil Clarkson Wonderful by Phil Clarkson In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Isaiah Chapter 9 and emphasizes the solemn responsibility of addressing an audience. He highlights the importance of not wasting p
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 32:25-32 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob wrestling with God and how it relates to our spiritual journey. Jacob initially wrestles with God, but eventually realize
Zac Poonen How God Broke Jacob by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis. Jacob, who had done wrong things and was running away, had a vision of a ladder from heaven to e
Don Currin Overcoming Barriers to Spiritual Awakening in the Church by Don Currin In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Billy Sunday, an American evangelist, who held a crusade in a town in the Midwest. Despite preaching the gospel from Isaiah 61-1,
C.H. Spurgeon A Christmas Question by C.H. Spurgeon The sermon transcript describes the pitiable condition of those who died from hunger and cold in the streets. It then transitions to a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ,
Major Ian Thomas Let God Be in You by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has chosen individuals from seemingly ordinary and unpromising backgrounds to serve Him. He encourages the audience, whether they a
Major Ian Thomas Christ the Man #1 by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning and remembering spiritual principles. He highlights the story of a man who relied on the Lord and experienced divi
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