Translations
Modern
Then Manoah asked, “When your words come to pass, what will be the boy’s rule of life and mission?”
Traditional
And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?
Literal
And Manoah said, “Now let your words come, what will be the custom of the boy and his work?”
Latin
Cui Manue: Quando, inquit, sermo tuus fuerit expletus, quid vis ut faciat puer? aut a quo se observare debebit?
Original
Hebrew
English
Then Manoah asked, “When your words come to pass, what will be the boy’s rule of life and mission?”
Notes
Considering Judges 13:4–5, Manoah's question might seem repetitive. However, Judges 13:8 shows that Manoah felt a strong personal duty to raise the child. The angel responded kindly but emphasized the wife's responsibility. This explains why the angel first approached her, not Manoah.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
People
Manoah: Father of Samson, from the tribe of Dan
Glossary
Judges, Book of Manoah Philistia, Philistines Strong Drink Tribe of Dan
Topics
Conception: Miraculous: Manoah's Wife Manoah: A Danite of Zorah and the Father of Samson