Old Testament
Judges 13:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Manoah asked the angel of the LORD, "What is your name? When everything you've said comes true, we'd like to honor you."
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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?
What Judges 13:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Manoah, the father of Samson, is speaking to the angel of the LORD. He wants to know the angel's name so that when the prophecies about his son come true, they can honor the angel properly. This reflects Manoah's desire to show gratitude and respect for the divine message he has received. It also highlights the importance of names in biblical culture, where a name often signifies a person's character or role. Manoah's inquiry shows his faith and anticipation for the future, as he believes that the angel's words will indeed come to pass. This moment emphasizes the relationship between divine messengers and humans, where acknowledgment and honor are given for guidance and revelation. Manoah's request also sets the stage for understanding the significance of Samson's birth and mission, as it is tied to God's plan for Israel.
How to apply Judges 13:17 to your life
We can learn from Manoah's desire to honor the messenger of God. In our lives, we should recognize and appreciate the guidance we receive from God, whether through scripture, prayer, or wise counsel. Taking time to acknowledge and thank those who help us grow spiritually is important.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samson's story: A Son Is Promised (Judges 13:1–23)
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Samson
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Judges 13:17
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 13:17 mean?
Judges 13:17 shows Manoah asking the angel of the LORD for his name so they can honor him when his prophecies about Samson come true. This reflects Manoah's respect for the divine message and his faith in its fulfillment.
What is the significance of names in Judges 13:17?
In Judges 13:17, names hold great importance as they often signify a person's character or role. Manoah's inquiry about the angel's name indicates his desire to acknowledge and honor the divine messenger properly.
Why did Manoah want to honor the angel in Judges 13:17?
Manoah wanted to honor the angel because he recognized the significance of the message delivered about his son Samson. By knowing the angel's name, he aimed to express gratitude and respect for the divine guidance he received.
How does Judges 13:17 relate to faith and anticipation?
Judges 13:17 illustrates faith and anticipation as Manoah believes the angel's words will come true. His request for the angel's name shows his eagerness to honor the messenger once the prophecy about Samson's birth is fulfilled.
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