King James Version

What Does Judges 13:22 Mean?

“And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.”

Context

For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground.

But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD.

And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.

But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.

And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **We shall surely die.**—See on Judges 6:22. **We have seen God.**—*As seeing Him who is invisible; *by seeing a manifestation of Him in human form, “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). (Comp. Genesis 32:30; Deuteronomy 5:24.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 13:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.