Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

JUDGES 13:8KJV
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Judges 13:8 (KJV)

What does Judges 13:8 mean?

Judges 13:8 describes Manoah praying to the LORD, asking that the "man of God" who had appeared to his wife would return and teach them how to raise the special child they had been promised. Manoah wants clear guidance from God about how to care for the child who is to be born.

In this verse, Manoah is speaking to the LORD (the personal name for God, often written as יהוה / YHWH), after his wife was visited by an angel with news that she would have a son. Manoah's request shows his desire for direction and his respect for the message from God. The verse highlights Manoah’s humility and his willingness to seek help in fulfilling God’s instructions for the child’s upbringing.

The Hebrew behind Judges 13:8

  • "Intreated" comes from עתר (ʿātar), which means to plead or pray earnestly. This shows Manoah’s deep seriousness and urgency in his request to God.
  • "LORD" is יהוה (YHWH), the personal, covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Manoah is addressing God directly and personally.
  • "Man of God" is איש האלהים (ish ha-Elohim), a term often used for prophets or messengers sent by God. Manoah recognizes the visitor as someone with divine authority.
  • "Teach" is ירה (yarah), meaning to instruct or show the way. Manoah is not just asking for information, but for practical guidance on what to do with the child.

Why Judges 13:8 matters

  • This verse shows that Manoah does not take God’s message lightly; he wants to be sure he understands exactly what is required, emphasizing the importance of following God’s instructions carefully.
  • Manoah’s prayer highlights the role of parents seeking wisdom for raising children, especially when they sense a special purpose or calling.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of Samson’s birth, showing how God’s plans often involve ordinary people who respond with humility and a desire to obey.

Where else these words appear

“let” Hebrew H4994 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • Numbers 12:12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.

“O” Hebrew H994 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 43:20 And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food:
  • Exodus 4:13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
  • Judges 6:15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

“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 13:13 And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.
  • 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.

“intreated” Hebrew H6279 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  • Exodus 9:28 Intreat the LORD(for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.