Judges 13:7
But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
Judges 13:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse comes from the book of Judges in the Old Testament and tells the story of Samson, a famous judge and warrior who was set apart by God as a Nazarite from birth. The term "Nazarite" refers to someone who has taken a vow to dedicate themselves to God's service by abstaining from certain things such as wine, strong drink, and unclean food. In the case of Samson, his mother was visited by an angel who informed her that she would conceive and bear a son who would be a Nazarite from birth until the day of his death. This set Samson apart as someone chosen by God for a specific purpose, which was to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. By following the requirements of the Nazarite vow, Samson demonstrated his commitment to God and his willingness to fulfill the mission set before him.
Theological Overview
This verse, Judges 13:7, highlights the angel of the Lord's prophecy to Manoah's wife, foretelling the birth of Samson, a Nazarite dedicated to God from birth until death. The term "Nazarite" refers to a person who takes a vow to live a holy life, often abstaining from certain activities to demonstrate their consecration to God. The word "Nazarite" comes from the Hebrew word "nazir," meaning "consecrated" or "dedicated." The instructions given to Samson's mother not to drink wine or strong drink, and to avoid any unclean foods, reflect the requirements of a Nazarite vow, emphasizing the importance of living a pure and set-apart life for God. Samson's Nazarite status was a sign of his special calling and unique relationship with God, setting him apart for a specific purpose. This verse reminds us of the significance of consecrating ourselves to God and living in obedience to His word, demonstrating our commitment to His divine plan for our lives.
Judges 13:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
but he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing; for the child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb to the day of his death.
World English Bible
but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing; for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’”
Douay-Rheims
But he answered thus: Behold thou shalt conceive and bear a son: beware thou drink no wine, nor strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite of God from his infancy, from his mother's womb until the day of his death.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But he saide vnto me, Beholde, thou shalt conceiue, and beare a sonne, and nowe thou shalt drinke no wine, nor strong drinke, neither eate any vncleane thing: for the childe shalbe a Nazarite to God from his birth to the day of his death.