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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 13:18 "Why do you ask my name," said the angel of the LORD, "since it is beyond comprehension?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/13-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/07_Jdg_13_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 13:18 - The Birth of Samson" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why do you ask my name, said the angel of the LORD, since it is beyond comprehension?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/13-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/13-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/13-17.htm" title="Judges 13:17">◄</a> Judges 13:18 <a href="/judges/13-19.htm" title="Judges 13:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/13.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He replied, &#8220Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Why do you ask my name?” the angel of the LORD replied. “It is too wonderful for you to understand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why do you ask my name,” said the angel of the LORD, “since it is beyond comprehension?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it <i>is</i> secret?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it <i>is</i> wonderful?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask my name, for it is wonderful?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But the angel of the LORD said to him, &#8220Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But the angel of Yahweh said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful (miraculous)?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why do you ask my name,” the angel of the LORD asked him, “since it is beyond understanding?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why do you ask My name,&#8221 the Angel of the LORD asked him, &#8220since it is wonderful.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the angel of Jehovah said unto him, Wherefore askest thou after my name, seeing it is wonderful?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"No," the angel replied. "You don't need to know my name. And if you did, you couldn't understand it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore askest thou after my name, seeing it is wonderful?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Messenger of the LORD asked him, "Why do you ask for my name? It's a name that works miracles."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The angel asked, "Why do you want to know my name? It is a name of wonder." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD answered him, "Why are you asking this about my name? It's 'Wonderful.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Why do you ask my name,? said the angel of the LORD, ?since it is beyond comprehension??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD's messenger said to him, "You should not ask me my name, because you cannot comprehend it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said to him, "Why do you ask for my name? It is incomprehensible."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said to him, why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh’s angel said to him, “Why do you ask about my name, since it is incomprehensible?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Messenger of YHWH says to him, “Why do you ask this, My Name, since it [is] incomprehensible?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the messenger of Jehovah saith to him, 'Why is this -- thou dost ask for My name? -- and it is Wonderful.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the messenger of Jehovah will say to him, Wherefore this wilt thou ask for my name, and it is wonderful?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he answered him: Why askest thou my name, which is wonderful? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he answered him, “Why do you ask my name, which is a wonder?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD answered him: Why do you ask my name? It is wondrous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask my name? It is too wonderful.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said to him, Why do you ask my name, seeing it is Glorious?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And The Angel of LORD JEHOVAH said to him: “Why do you ask concerning my name which is glorious?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said unto him: 'Wherefore askest thou after my name, seeing it is hidden?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the angel of the Lord said to him, Why dost thou thus ask after my name; whereas it is wonderful?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/13-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4125" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/13.htm">The Birth of Samson</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes to pass?” <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: tiš·’al (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">do you ask</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: liš·mî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">my name,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’aḵ (N-msc) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">the angel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lō (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū- (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">“since it</a> <a href="/hebrew/6383.htm" title="6383: p̄ɛ·li (Adj-ms) -- Wonderful, incomprehensible. Or paliy; from pala'; remarkable.">is beyond comprehension?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Then Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered them on a rock to the LORD. And as Manoah and his wife looked on, the LORD did a marvelous thing.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29</a></span><br />And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-14.htm">Exodus 3:14</a></span><br />God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-12.htm">Revelation 19:12</a></span><br />He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-4.htm">Proverbs 30:4</a></span><br />Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Psalm 139:6</a></span><br />Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-27.htm">Matthew 11:27</a></span><br />All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/11-7.htm">Job 11:7-9</a></span><br />Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? / They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? / Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-9.htm">1 Corinthians 2:9-11</a></span><br />Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” / But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a></span><br />the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Ephesians 3:18-19</a></span><br />will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth / of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-22.htm">Daniel 2:22</a></span><br />He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the angel of the LORD said to him, Why ask you thus after my name, seeing it is secret?</p><p class="hdg">Why askest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/13-6.htm">Judges 13:6</a></b></br> Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance <i>was</i> like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he <i>was</i>, neither told he me his name:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29</a></b></br> And Jacob asked <i>him</i>, and said, Tell <i>me</i>, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore <i>is</i> it <i>that</i> thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.</p><p class="hdg">secret.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a></b></br> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/13-17.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/genesis/32-29.htm">Askest</a> <a href="/joshua/10-27.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/judges/13-17.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/genesis/24-47.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-28.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/judges/12-3.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/joshua/3-5.htm">Wonder</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-11.htm">Wonderful</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/13-19.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Askest</a> <a href="/judges/16-9.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/judges/13-21.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/judges/16-16.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/judges/15-19.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-26.htm">Wonder</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-26.htm">Wonderful</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Israel is delivered into the hands of Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/13-2.htm">An angel appears to Manoah's wife</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/13-8.htm">The angel appears to Manoah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/13-15.htm">Manoah's sacrifices, whereby the angel is discovered.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/13-24.htm">Samson is born</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Why do you ask my name,”</b><br>In the biblical context, asking for a name often implies a desire to understand the character or authority of the person. In ancient Near Eastern culture, names were significant and often revealed something about the individual's nature or role. The angel of the LORD's response suggests that His identity is not something that can be fully grasped or contained by human understanding. This reflects the divine nature of the angel, who is often interpreted as a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This is similar to the encounter Moses had with God in <a href="/exodus/3-13.htm">Exodus 3:13-14</a>, where God reveals Himself as "I AM WHO I AM," indicating a name that transcends human comprehension.<p><b>said the angel of the LORD,</b><br>The "angel of the LORD" is a unique figure in the Old Testament, often associated with divine appearances. This figure is distinct from other angels and is frequently identified with God Himself, as seen in various passages such as <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Genesis 16:7-13</a> and <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2-6</a>. The angel of the LORD often speaks with the authority of God, further supporting the interpretation that this is a manifestation of God, possibly a pre-incarnate Christ. This aligns with the conservative Christian view that sees Christ's presence throughout the Old Testament.<p><b>“since it is beyond comprehension?”</b><br>The phrase "beyond comprehension" indicates the transcendence and mystery of God's nature. In Hebrew, the word used can also mean "wonderful" or "incomprehensible," suggesting something that is too marvelous for human understanding. This echoes <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>, where the coming Messiah is called "Wonderful Counselor," highlighting the divine wisdom and mystery of Christ. The incomprehensibility of God's name underscores the theme of God's holiness and otherness, reminding believers of the limitations of human understanding when it comes to the divine. This serves as a call to faith and trust in God's revealed character and purposes, even when they surpass human understanding.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">The Angel of the LORD</a></b><br>A divine messenger who appears to Manoah and his wife, announcing the birth of Samson. This figure is often seen as a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/manoah.htm">Manoah</a></b><br>The father of Samson, who seeks to understand the identity and instructions of the Angel of the LORD.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/manoah's_wife.htm">Manoah's Wife</a></b><br>The mother of Samson, initially visited by the Angel of the LORD and given the prophecy of Samson's birth.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/z/zorah.htm">Zorah</a></b><br>The town in the territory of Dan where Manoah and his family lived.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the promised child whose birth is foretold by the Angel of the LORD.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_god.htm">The Mystery of God</a></b><br>The Angel of the LORD's response, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?" (<a href="/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18</a>), reminds us of the mystery and majesty of God. We are called to trust in His character even when we do not fully understand His ways.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_the_divine.htm">Reverence for the Divine</a></b><br>Manoah's encounter teaches us to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and our limited understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_plan.htm">God's Sovereign Plan</a></b><br>The announcement of Samson's birth underscores God's sovereign plan and His ability to work through unexpected means and people to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a></b><br>Just as Manoah and his wife believed the Angel's message, we are encouraged to have faith in God's promises, trusting that He will bring them to fruition in His perfect timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pre-incarnate_christ.htm">The Pre-Incarnate Christ</a></b><br>The appearance of the Angel of the LORD can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, reminding us of the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_won't_the_angel_reveal_his_name.htm">In Judges 13:17–18, why does the angel refuse to give his name, raising questions about authenticity and origin? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_samson_touch_the_lion's_remains.htm">Why does Samson, who is under a Nazirite vow, freely handle the lion's remains (Judges 14:8-9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_a_barren_woman_conceive_miraculously.htm">In Judges 13:2-3, how could a barren woman conceive after one angelic encounter without any natural explanation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_matthew_6_31-33_teach.htm">Can we unknowingly entertain angels?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">Seeing it is secret.</span>--The word <span class= "ital">is peli, </span>which in <a href="/isaiah/9-5.htm" title="For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.">Isaiah 9:5</a> is rendered "wonderful." The word is an adjective, not the actual name of the angel. The only angel who names himself in Scripture is Gabriel.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It is secret</span>. The Hebrew word does not mean <span class="accented">secret</span>, but <span class="accented">wonderful</span>, <span class="accented">as</span> it is rendered in <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>, and elsewhere. His name was one which, as St. Paul expresses it, it is not lawful, or possible, for a man to utter (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4</a>), it was so transcendently wonderful. The feeling of the Hebrews in abstaining from uttering the name <span class="hebrew">יחוה</span> was akin to this. Some take the angel to say that WONDERFUL is his name, but the A.V. is right in prefixing seeing <span class="accented">- seeing it is wonderful.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/13-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֥מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do you ask</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁאַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My name,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Angel</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאַ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“since it</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוּא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is beyond comprehension?”</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶ֛לִאי׃‪‬‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(p̄e·li)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6383.htm">Strong's 6383: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wonderful, incomprehensible</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/13-18.htm">OT History: Judges 13:18 The angel of Yahweh said to him (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/13-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 13:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 13:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/13-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 13:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 13:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>