King James Version

What Does Judges 13:16 Mean?

Judges 13:16 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Judges 13:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honour?

18

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

Read Judges 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 23 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩1 of 23

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַלְאַ֥ךְ2 of 23

“And the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 23

“it unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל4 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מָנ֔וֹחַ5 of 23

“For Manoah”

H4495

manoach, an israelite

וְאִם6 of 23

“and if”

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תַּעְצְרֵ֙נִי֙7 of 23

“Though thou detain”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

לֹֽא8 of 23
H3808

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

אֹכַ֣ל9 of 23

“me I will not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְּלַחְמֶ֔ךָ10 of 23

“of thy bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְאִם11 of 23

“and if”

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה12 of 23

“thou wilt offer”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עֹלָ֔ה13 of 23

“a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 23

“it unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

תַּֽעֲלֶ֑נָּה15 of 23

“thou must offer”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כִּ֚י16 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא17 of 23
H3808

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

יָדַ֣ע18 of 23

“knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מָנ֔וֹחַ19 of 23

“For Manoah”

H4495

manoach, an israelite

כִּֽי20 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מַלְאַ֥ךְ21 of 23

“And the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֖ה22 of 23

“it unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֽוּא׃23 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 13:16 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 13:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 13:23Judges 6:26Judges 6:20

Test Your Knowledge

Judges 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJudges Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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