Judges 13:5
For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
Judges 13:5 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to comes from the book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible. It tells the story of the birth of Samson, a famous figure in biblical history. In this verse, an angel of the Lord announces to Samson's mother that she will conceive and bear a son who is to be dedicated as a Nazarite unto God. The term "Nazarite" refers to a vow taken by individuals in ancient Israel to live a life of holiness and dedication to God. One of the requirements of this vow was that the person's hair should not be cut, which is why the verse mentions that no razor shall come upon Samson's head. The angel also prophesies that Samson will be instrumental in delivering the people of Israel from the oppressive rule of the Philistines. This verse highlights the divine appointment of Samson from before his birth and sets the stage for the remarkable deeds he will later perform as a judge of Israel.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Judges emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty and the divine intervention in human affairs. The prophecy of Samson's birth, as a Nazarite from birth, highlights God's specific plan for using individuals to carry out His will. The Nazarites were set apart for God's service, demonstrating the idea of consecration and separation from worldly influences. Samson's birth was not just a mere coincidence but a deliberate act of God to raise up a deliverer for Israel. The mention of no razor touching his head signifies his dedication to God and his separation from the norms of society. Through Samson's life and actions, God's power is displayed as he begins to deliver Israel from their oppressors, the Philistines. This verse showcases the theological concept of God's guiding hand in history and his use of individuals to accomplish his purposes.
Judges 13:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
for, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come upon his head; for the child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
World English Bible
for, behold, you shall conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head; for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb: and he shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Douay-Rheims
Because thou shalt conceive, and bear a son, and no razor shall touch his head: for he shall be a Nazarite of God, from his infancy, and from his mother's womb, and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For loe, thou shalt conceiue and beare a sonne, and no rasor shall come on his head: for the childe shall be a Nazarite vnto God from his birth: and he shall begin to saue Israel out of the handes of the Philistims.