Old Testament
Judges 13:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
God listened to Manoah's prayer. The angel of God appeared to the woman again while she was sitting in the field, but her husband Manoah wasn't with her.
Compare translations
And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.
What Judges 13:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 13:9, we see a significant moment where God responds to Manoah's prayer. Manoah, the husband of a woman who is to bear a special child, seeks divine guidance. God answers by sending His angel to the woman again, indicating His willingness to communicate and provide reassurance. The fact that the angel appears to her while she is alone in the field emphasizes the importance of her role in the upcoming events. This passage highlights God's attentiveness to the prayers of His people and His active involvement in their lives. It also sets the stage for the miraculous birth of Samson, who will play a crucial role in Israel's history. The absence of Manoah during this encounter suggests that God can work independently of human presence, reminding us that His plans are not limited by our circumstances or understanding. This moment serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of being open to God's messages, whether we are alone or with others.
How to apply Judges 13:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to be persistent in prayer, trusting that God hears us. It reminds us to remain open to God's guidance, even when we feel alone. We should be attentive to the ways God communicates with us, whether through others or in our quiet moments.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Samson's story: A Son Is Promised (Judges 13:1–23)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 13:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 13:9
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 13:9 mean?
Judges 13:9 shows that God responds to Manoah's prayer by sending His angel to his wife. This indicates God's willingness to communicate and guide His people, highlighting the importance of prayer and divine intervention.
What is the significance of the angel appearing to the woman in Judges 13:9?
The angel's appearance to the woman while she is alone emphasizes her crucial role in the upcoming events, particularly in the miraculous birth of Samson. It also illustrates that God can work independently of human presence.
What does the phrase 'God listened to Manoah's prayer' imply in Judges 13:9?
The phrase indicates that God is attentive to the prayers of His people and actively engages with them. It reassures believers that their prayers are heard and that God is involved in their lives.
How does Judges 13:9 relate to the theme of prayer?
Judges 13:9 illustrates the importance of persistent prayer, showing that God hears and responds to the requests of His people. It encourages believers to trust in God's guidance and remain open to His messages.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.