Old Testament
Judges 13:2
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There was a man named Manoah from the town of Zorah, from the tribe of Dan. His wife had never been able to have children.
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And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
What Judges 13:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 13:2, we are introduced to Manoah, a man from Zorah, which is a town in the territory of Dan. This verse highlights a significant aspect of Manoah's life: his wife is unable to have children, a condition referred to as barrenness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, being childless was often seen as a source of shame and disappointment, as children were considered a blessing and a sign of God's favor. The mention of Manoah's wife being barren sets the stage for a miraculous event that will unfold later in the chapter, where God intervenes in their lives. This introduction not only establishes the characters but also foreshadows the divine purpose that will emerge from their situation. The story emphasizes themes of hope, faith, and the belief that God can bring about change in seemingly hopeless circumstances.
How to apply Judges 13:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's timing and plan, especially in difficult situations like infertility or unfulfilled desires. It reminds us that even in our struggles, God can bring about miraculous changes and fulfill His promises in unexpected ways.
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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Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Judges 13:2
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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 13:2 mean?
Judges 13:2 introduces Manoah, a man from Zorah in the tribe of Dan, and highlights his wife's inability to have children. This situation reflects the cultural significance of barrenness in ancient Israel, setting the stage for a miraculous event that demonstrates God's intervention in their lives.
What is the significance of barrenness in Judges 13:2?
In Judges 13:2, barrenness is significant as it symbolizes shame and disappointment in ancient Israelite culture. It emphasizes the challenges faced by Manoah and his wife, while also foreshadowing the miraculous birth that will occur later in the chapter.
Who is Manoah in Judges 13:2?
Manoah is a man from the town of Zorah, belonging to the tribe of Dan, mentioned in Judges 13:2. He is notable for being the husband of a barren woman, which sets the context for the divine events that follow in the narrative.
What does the phrase 'bare not' mean in Judges 13:2?
The phrase 'bare not' in Judges 13:2 means that Manoah's wife was unable to have children. This term highlights her barrenness, which is a central theme in the story as it leads to God's miraculous intervention.
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