King James Version

What Does Judges 13:14 Mean?

Judges 13:14 in the King James Version says “She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean th... — study this verse from Judges chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.

Judges 13:14 · KJV


Context

12

And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him? How shall we order: Heb. What shall be the manner of the, etc how shall we do: or, what shall he do?: Heb. what shall be his work?

13

And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.

14

She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.

15

And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee. for thee: Heb. before thee

16

And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the LORD. For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.

This verse belongs to the Samson cycle addressing Samson's birth and Nazirite calling. Samson represents both the heights of God-empowered strength and the depths of human weakness through moral compromise. His Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) set him apart as holy to God, yet his persistent violations of this vow—contact with dead animals (14:8-9), seven-day feast (likely involving wine, 14:10), and finally revealing his hair's secret (16:17)—demonstrate progressive spiritual decline.

Theologically, Samson illustrates how spiritual gifts don't guarantee spiritual maturity. The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson repeatedly, giving superhuman strength, yet this empowerment didn't produce corresponding moral transformation. His attraction to Philistine women (14:1-3, 16:1, 16:4) directly violated God's command against intermarriage with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This demonstrates that God can use flawed instruments for His purposes, but this never excuses or endorses sin.

Samson's final prayer—"O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me" (16:28)—shows genuine repentance and renewed faith. His death accomplished more than his life (16:30), suggesting that even spectacular failure can be redeemed when we return to God. However, the tragedy is that Samson's potential was largely wasted through moral compromise. His story warns believers that consistent holy living, not merely spectacular spiritual experiences, characterizes faithful discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: The Book of Judges spans approximately 350-400 years (c. 1375-1050 BCE) during the Late Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age. This period saw the disintegration of major empires (Hittites, Mycenaeans) and weakening of Egyptian control over Canaan, creating a power vacuum filled by emerging peoples including Philistines (Sea Peoples), Aramaeans, and regional kingdoms. The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external oppression and internal chaos.

Cultural Context: This passage relates to Samson's birth and Nazirite calling. Canaanite religion dominated the region, centered on Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), and Anat (war goddess). Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (Ras Shamra) have provided extensive information about Canaanite mythology and religious practices. Baal worship involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and fertility rites tied to agricultural seasons. Israel's persistent attraction to these gods demonstrates the strong cultural pressure to conform to surrounding nations' religious practices.

The material culture of this period shows gradual Israelite settlement in the Canaanite hill country, with simpler pottery and architecture than coastal Canaanite cities. Iron technology was beginning to spread, giving military advantage to peoples who mastered it (note the Philistines' iron monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The absence of centralized government during the judges period stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic city-states of Canaan and the imperial administration of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This political structure reflected Israel's theocratic ideal—God as king—yet the repeated cycles of apostasy showed this ideal required more than political structures; it demanded heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage about Samson's birth and Nazirite calling reveal God's character in dealing with persistent human rebellion and incomplete obedience?
  2. What patterns of spiritual compromise or incomplete obedience in your own life mirror Israel's failures during the judges period?
  3. How does understanding the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance in Judges help you appreciate Christ's perfect and final deliverance from sin's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
מִכֹּ֣ל1 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר2 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵצֵא֩3 of 19

of any thing that cometh

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִגֶּ֨פֶן4 of 19

of the vine

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

וְיַ֤יִן5 of 19

wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

לֹ֣א6 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹּאכַ֑ל7 of 19

She may not eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְיַ֤יִן8 of 19

wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְשֵׁכָר֙9 of 19

or strong drink

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

אַל10 of 19
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּ֔שְׁתְּ11 of 19

neither let her drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְכָל12 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

טֻמְאָ֖ה13 of 19

any unclean

H2932

religious impurity

אַל14 of 19
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֹּאכַ֑ל15 of 19

She may not eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כֹּ֥ל16 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר17 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוִּיתִ֖יהָ18 of 19

thing all that I commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

תִּשְׁמֹֽר׃19 of 19

her let her observe

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 13:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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