Old Testament
Judges 13:5
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You will become pregnant and have a son. No razor must ever touch his head, because from the moment he's born, the child will be set apart as a Nazirite to God. He will be the one who begins to rescue Israel from the Philistines."
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For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
What Judges 13:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 13:5, an angel announces to Manoah's wife that she will have a son who is destined for a special purpose. This child, who will be a Nazirite, is set apart for God from birth, meaning he will follow specific vows, including not cutting his hair. The Nazirite vow signifies dedication and separation for God's service. The child, later known as Samson, is prophesied to begin the deliverance of Israel from the oppressive Philistines. This verse highlights God's plan for Israel's rescue and the importance of divine calling in a person's life. It emphasizes that God has a purpose for each individual, often before they are even born, and that obedience to God's commands is crucial for fulfilling that purpose. The mention of the Nazirite vow also points to the seriousness of commitment to God and the unique role that this child will play in Israel's history.
How to apply Judges 13:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God has a purpose for each of us, often before we are even aware of it. It reminds us of the importance of dedication and obedience to God's calling in our lives, which can lead to significant impact and change.
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 13:5
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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 13:5 mean?
Judges 13:5 means that an angel tells Manoah's wife she will have a son, who will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. This child, later known as Samson, is destined to help rescue Israel from the Philistines.
What is the Nazirite vow in Judges 13:5?
The Nazirite vow in Judges 13:5 is a commitment to God that includes specific restrictions, such as not cutting hair and avoiding certain substances. This vow signifies a person's dedication and separation for God's service.
Who is the child mentioned in Judges 13:5?
The child mentioned in Judges 13:5 is Samson, who is prophesied to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. He is significant for his strength and role in Israel's history.
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