For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground.

JUDGES 13:20KJV
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Judges 13:20 (KJV)

What does Judges 13:20 mean?

Judges 13:20 describes a moment when, as the flame from the altar rose toward heaven, the angel of the LORD went up in the flame, and Manoah and his wife saw this and fell facedown to the ground. This dramatic event showed them that they were witnessing something supernatural and holy.

In this scene, Manoah and his wife are responding to the angel of the LORD, who had just told them about the birth of their future son, Samson. The angel's ascent in the flame is a sign of divine approval and presence, and the couple's reaction—falling on their faces—shows awe and fear in the presence of God. This moment marks the end of the angel's visit and confirms the message they received.

The Hebrew behind Judges 13:20

  • "Angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh) means "messenger" and is used here for a supernatural being sent by the LORD. The use of this word highlights that the visitor was not just a man but a divine messenger.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that this event is directly connected to Israel’s God.
  • "Ascended" (עָלָה, ‘alah) is the same word used for the flame "going up" and for the angel "ascending," linking the angel’s movement with the altar’s fire and underlining the supernatural nature of the event.
  • "Faces" (פָּנִים, panim) and "ground" (אֶרֶץ, ‘erets) together describe the posture of deep reverence and humility, as falling facedown was a common response to divine encounters.

Why Judges 13:20 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt that Manoah and his wife were dealing with a true messenger from God, not just an ordinary person.
  • The angel ascending in the flame connects the message about Samson’s birth directly to God’s power and approval, making the promise more certain.
  • The couple’s reaction shows the proper response to encountering God’s presence—humility, awe, and reverence—which is a recurring theme in the Bible.

Where else these words appear

“flame” Hebrew H3851 · used in 10 verses

  • Judges 3:22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
  • Isaiah 13:8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.
  • Isaiah 66:15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

“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 13:17 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?