Judges 13:2
Judges 13:2 in Multiple Translations
Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children.
¶ 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.
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.
Now there was a certain man of Zorah of the family of the Danites, and his name was Manoah; and his wife had never given birth to a child.
At that time there was a man named Manoah. He was from the tribe of Dan and lived in the town of Zorah. His wife couldn't conceive and had no children.
Then there was a man in Zorah of the familie of the Danites, named Manoah, whose wife was baren, and bare not.
And there is a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danite, and his name [is] Manoah, his wife [is] barren, and hath not borne;
There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and childless.
And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bore not.
Now there was a certain man of Saraa, and of the race of Dan, whose name was Manue, and his wife was barren.
There was a man named Manoah from the descendants of Dan who lived in Zorah town. His wife was unable to become pregnant, so they had no children.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 13:2
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 13:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִי֩
אִ֨ישׁ
אֶחָ֧ד
מִ/צָּרְעָ֛ה
מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת
הַ/דָּנִ֖י
וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ
מָנ֑וֹחַ
וְ/אִשְׁתּ֥/וֹ
עֲקָרָ֖ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
יָלָֽדָה
וַ/יְהִי֩
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִ֨ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶחָ֧ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מִ/צָּרְעָ֛ה
Tsorʻâh
H6881
Zorah
Prep | N-proper
מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fs
הַ/דָּנִ֖י
Dânîy
H1839
Danite
Art | N-proper
וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms | Suff
מָנ֑וֹחַ
Mânôwach
H4495
Manoah
N-proper
וְ/אִשְׁתּ֥/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Conj | N-fs | Suff
עֲקָרָ֖ה
ʻâqâr
H6135
barren
Adj
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָלָֽדָה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 13:2
וַ/יְהִי֩
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִ֨ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶחָ֧ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מִ/צָּרְעָ֛ה
Tsorʻâh
H6881
"Zorah"
Prep | N-proper
Zorah is a place in the Bible where Samson, a strong judge, grew up. It is mentioned in Judges 13:2 as the home of Samson's father, Manoah. The town is in the area of Dan.
Definition: § Zareah or Zoreah or Zorah = "hornet" a town in Dan, residence of Manoah and the home town of Samson
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Zareah, Zorah, Zoreah. See also: Joshua 15:33; Judges 18:2; Nehemiah 11:29.
מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֥חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
הַ/דָּנִ֖י
Dânîy
H1839
"Danite"
Art | N-proper
A Danite was a descendant of Dan, a son of Jacob, and the name means judge.
Definition: Danites = "judge" 1) descendants of Dan, son of Jacob 2) inhabitants of the territory of Dan Another name of dan (דָּן "Dan" H1835G)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Danites, of Daniel See also: Judges 13:2; Judges 18:11; 1 Chronicles 12:36.
וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | 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.
מָנ֑וֹחַ
Mânôwach
H4495
"Manoah"
N-proper
Manoah was an Israelite and the father of Samson, a famous judge in the Bible, as told in Judges 13. His name means rest, reflecting a peaceful life. He lived before Israel's monarchy.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.13.2; father of: Samson (H8123) § Manoah = "rest" a Danite, father of the judge Samson and inhabitant of Zorah
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Manoah. See also: Judges 13:2; Judges 13:16; Judges 16:31.
וְ/אִשְׁתּ֥/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
עֲקָרָ֖ה
ʻâqâr
H6135
"barren"
Adj
Means sterile or barren, describing someone unable to have children, as seen in the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:6-8. This word is used to describe a woman who cannot bear children. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of longing for a child.
Definition: barren, sterile
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] male or female) barren (woman). See also: Genesis 11:30; Judges 13:2; Psalms 113:9.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָלָֽדָה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
Study Notes — Judges 13:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 13:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 13:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 13:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 13:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 13:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 13:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 13:2
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 13:2
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 13:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 13:2
- Sermons on Judges 13:2
Context — The Birth of Samson
1Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.
2Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children.
3The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. 4Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 19:41 | The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, |
| 2 | Luke 1:7 | But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. |
| 3 | Joshua 15:33 | These were in the foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, |
| 4 | Genesis 25:21 | Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 1:2–6 | He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD. And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. |
| 6 | Genesis 16:1 | Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. |
Judges 13:2 Summary
This verse introduces us to Manoah and his wife, who were unable to have children, which was a significant challenge in their culture. Despite this difficulty, God had a plan to use them in a special way, as we see in the next verses (Judges 13:3-4). This reminds us that God can work through our weaknesses and limitations to achieve His purposes, just as He did with other biblical characters like Moses in Exodus 4:10-12. By trusting in God's power and plan, we can find hope and encouragement, even in the midst of challenging circumstances (Psalm 138:8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bible mention that Manoah's wife was barren and had no children?
The Bible mentions this to highlight God's power and grace in the midst of human limitations, as seen in other cases like Sarah in Genesis 11:30 and Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:2-28.
What is the significance of Manoah being from the clan of the Danites?
The mention of Manoah's clan indicates his heritage and roots, similar to how Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 trace Jesus' genealogy to emphasize His connection to the people of Israel.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the Israelites' relationship with God?
This verse comes after the Israelites have done evil in the sight of the Lord, as stated in Judges 13:1, and sets the stage for God's intervention and redemption, as seen in Judges 13:3-4 and other stories like Exodus 2:23-25.
What can we learn from the introduction of Manoah and his wife in this verse?
We can learn that God often works through ordinary people and their circumstances, as seen in the lives of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18:1-15, to achieve His extraordinary purposes and plans.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with my own limitations or 'barrenness' in life, and what does this verse teach me about God's power in such situations?
- In what ways can I, like Manoah and his wife, trust God's plan and timing, even when it seems uncertain or unpredictable, as in Jeremiah 29:11?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for intervention and redemption, and how can I apply the lessons from this verse to those situations?
- How does this verse encourage me to see my life and circumstances as part of a larger story of God's work in the world, as in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 13:2
And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites,.... Of the tribe of Dan, in which tribe Zorah was, and seems to have lain both on the borders of Judah and Dan, Joshua 15:33; [See
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 13:2
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 13:2
Zorah; a city, of which see 19:41. Of the family, i.e. of the tribe or people, as family sometimes signifies, 10:25 . Barren, and bare not; an emphatical repetition of the same thing in divers words, which is a usual elegancy, both in Scripture and other authors.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 13:2
Judges 13:2 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.Ver. 2. A certain man of Zorah.] Samson’ s country, much ennobled by his name: as afterwards Co was by Hippocrates, Arpinum by Cicero, Hippo by Augustine, &c. And his wife was barren.] What her name was is not recorded; written her name was in the Book of Life, and the Lord knoweth all his by name, and will give them a name in his house better than of sons and of daughters. A good woman she was, and the better, doubtless, for her barrenness: which was a great means to humble, and so to prepare her for such a mercy in her son Samson. It is observed that the barren women in both Testaments had the best children: as Sarah, Rachel, Elizabeth, &c. David also had his best sons by Bathsheba, after that they had been soundly humbled for their sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 13:2
(2) There was a certain man. . . .—The narrative of the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1) is similarly introduced. Zoran.—The name means “place of hornets.” In Joshua 15:33 it is mentioned with Eshtaol among the towns north-east of the Shephelah, and it belonged to Dan (Joshua 19:41). Robinson identifies it with Surah, fourteen miles from Jerusalem, seven miles south of Yalo, west of Kirjath-jearim. It is mentioned again in 1 Chronicles 11:10; Nehemiah 11:29. Its conical hill and abundant fountain made it a strong and convenient place. Of the family of the Danites.—There seems to be no clear distinction between “family” (mispachath) and “tribe” (shebet), since they are used interchangeably in Judges 18:1-2; Judges 18:11; Judges 18:30. The same word is used of the house of Levi (Zechariah 12:13). It has, however, this appropriateness, as applied to Dan, that the tribe seems to have consisted of the single family of Shuham (Numbers 26:42). Manoah.—The name (“rest”) perhaps expressed the yearning of the Israelites in these troubled days. His wife was barren.—We find the same circumstance mentioned of Sarah (Genesis 16:1), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:2) Elizabeth (Luke 1:7).
Many of the phrases here used occur in Luke 1:7; Luke 1:11; Luke 1:15; Luke 1:31; Luke 2:23. The Talmud (Babha Bathra, 91) says that the name of Samson’s mother was Hazelelponi, or Zelelponi (for which they refer to 1 Chronicles 4:3), and that she was of the tribe of Judah. Zelelponi means “the shadow falls on me.” And bare not.—The pleonastic addition is common in the forms of ancient literature. “Sarai was barren; she had no child” (Genesis 11:30). “I am a widow woman, and my husband is dead.” It often takes the form of both a positive and negative statement, as “Thou shalt live, and not die.” “It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves,” &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 13:2
Verse 2. A certain man of Zorah] A town in the tribe of Judah, but afterwards given to Dan.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 13:2
2. Zorah] Judges 13:25, Judges 16:31, Judges 18:2; Judges 18:8; Judges 18:11, usually mentioned with Eshtaol; in Joshua 19:41 counted as Danite, in ib. Joshua 15:33 as belonging to Judah, which later on absorbed the Danite settlements in the south; re-inhabited after the exile, Nehemiah 11:29. Zorah was an ancient Canaanite town, and is referred to in the Amarna Letters (173, 21) along with Aijalon. The name is preserved in the modern Ṣ ?ar‘a, 15 m. west of Jerusalem. The situation of the town just opposite Beth-shemesh (prob. = Mt Ḥ ?eres Judges 1:35) exposed it to Philistine influences. of the family of the Danites … Manoah] The Danites were a small tribe, hence ‘family’ is used here and in Judges 18:2; Judges 18:11; Judges 18:19, though ‘tribe’ also occurs in Judges 18:1; Judges 18:19. Originally they attempted to settle in the southern lowland, but the Amorites forced them into the neighbouring hill country (Judges 1:34 f.), a district which afterwards passed into the possession of Judah. From their southern settlements the Danites, probably owing to Canaanite or Philistine pressure, migrated to the north, and established themselves at Laish or Leshem-Dan, near the sources of the Jordan (Judges 18:2; Judges 18:11 ff., Judges 18:27 ff.; Joshua 19:47). The account of this migration, though given at the end of Judges, probably belongs to the period of ch. 1. The Danites were already settled in their northern home at the time of Deborah (Judges 5:17).
But ch. 18 does not say that the entire tribe migrated; some families remained behind in the south, as the present narrative implies. Manoaḥ ? must have been closely connected with the Manaḥ ?athites of Zorah, a family which traced its origin to the Calebite clans (1 Chronicles 2:52-54), and had affinities both with the Horites of Seir (Genesis 36:23 P) and with Judah (1 Chronicles 4:1). This Horite family lived in Zorah and was absorbed into the mixed tribe of Dan: such seems to be the conclusion suggested by the genealogies. Manoaḥ ? thus becomes, the eponymous ancestor of the family which bore his name, and in popular tradition Samson was known as his ‘son,’ just as Jephthah is called the ‘son’ of Gilead in Judges 11:1. was barren, and bare not] Cf. Sarah Genesis 11:30, Hannah 1 Samuel 1:2, Elisabeth St Luke 1:7. The child in such cases was a special gift of God, and marked out for a special career.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 13:2
Zorah - See the marginal reference. His wife was barren - To mark more distinctly the high providential destiny of the child that was eventually born.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 13:2
SAMSON’S BIRTH, Judges 13:2-25. 2. Zorah — Identified by Dr. Robinson with the modern Surah, which is situated on a high conical hill about thirteen miles west of Jerusalem, and overlooking the Wady Surar.
Sermons on Judges 13:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Esther #2 Ch. 3-4 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concern for the commitment and agenda of those who seek to wipe out Israel, specifically comparing the PLO to Haman's plan. The speaker th |
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Barrenness by David Smithers | In this sermon, Frank Bartleman discusses the need for revival in the church in America, which he refers to as a state of barrenness. He emphasizes that the church has been sanctif |
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 1 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of being chosen by God and the impact it had on his life. He emphasizes that when God calls someone, it is part of a pre-exi |
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The God of Jacob by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had worked for seven years to marry Rachel, but on the wedding day, he discovered that he had been dec |
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An Example Not to Follow by Conrad Murrell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of Christianity and the signs that indicate the end is near. He points out that while Christianity may appear to be growing in size |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 9 by Dick Woodward | The sermon delves into the life of Jacob, highlighting his journey of faith, identity crisis, and encounters with God. It emphasizes the theme of grace as God's unmerited favor and |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the lives of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph as portrayed in Genesis, highlighting themes of arranged marriages by God, fatherly concerns for children's marriages, |