King James Version
What Does Judges 13:24 Mean?
“And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.”
Context
22
And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.
23
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.
24
And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
25
And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol. the camp: Heb. Mahanehdan
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(24) **Samson.**—Josephus renders the word “strong” (ἰσχυρός)*, *deriving it from a root (*shameem*)*, *and perhaps not unwilling to suggest an analogy between Samson and the Greek Hercules. St. Jerome, rendering it “strength of the sun,” derives it from *shemesh, “*sun,” and *on, “*strength.” It is more probable that it means “sunny.” In Ezra 4:8 we have the name Shimshai, perhaps from the same root. The connection of “the sun” with strength was very natural (Judges 5:31; Psalm 19:5-6). The Rabbis say that he was “named after the name of God, who is called sun and shield of Israel” (Psalm 84:12). The mother gave the name in this instance. (Comp. Genesis 29:32-35; Genesis 35:18; Luke 1:60.) Ewald refers it to an Egyptian root, and makes it mean “servant of God,” in reference to his being a Nazarite.
**The child grew, and the Lord blessed him.**—God has many different kinds of blessings, and those here alluded to appear to be the gifts of health, strength, courage, &c. These blessings by no means place Samson on a level with Samuel (1Samuel 2:21-26; 1Samuel 3:19) or John the Baptist (Luke 2:80).
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 13:24 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 13:24
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge