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?

JUDGES 13:17KJV
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Judges 13:17 (KJV)

What does Judges 13:17 mean?

Judges 13:17 shows Manoah asking the angel of the LORD for his name, so that when the angel’s message comes true, Manoah and his family can honor him. Manoah wants to show respect and gratitude if the promise is fulfilled.

In this scene, Manoah is speaking to the angel of the LORD, who has just announced that Manoah’s wife will have a special child (Samson). Manoah’s question about the angel’s “name” is a way of seeking to understand who this messenger is, and how to properly give thanks or recognition. In ancient times, knowing someone’s name was often linked to knowing their character or status.

The Hebrew behind Judges 13:17

  • “name” — שֵׁם (shem): This word means more than just what someone is called; it often refers to reputation, identity, or authority. Manoah’s request is not just for a label, but for understanding who the messenger truly is.
  • “honour” — כָּבֵד (kaved): This word means to give weight, respect, or glory. Manoah wants to give proper recognition, not just a polite thank you, but real honor if the promise is fulfilled.

Why Judges 13:17 matters

  • This verse shows Manoah’s respectful attitude and his desire to respond appropriately to God’s messenger, highlighting the seriousness with which he receives the message.
  • The request for the angel’s name connects to other biblical moments where people seek to know God or His messengers more deeply, often leading to important revelations.
  • Understanding the meaning of “name” and “honor” here helps clarify that Manoah is not just being polite—he is seeking to give meaningful recognition to someone he senses is extraordinary.

Where else these words appear

“Manoah” Hebrew H4495 · used in 14 verses

  • Judges 13:2 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.
  • Judges 13:12 And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?
  • Judges 13:19 So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the LORD: and the angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.

“honour” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
  • Proverbs 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.