מָנוֹחַ (ma.no.ach)
ma.no.ach
Manoah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Manoah means "rest" or "repose." It belongs to the father of Samson, a key figure in the book of Judges. The text introduces him as a resident of Zorah in the tribe of Dan. His story begins in Judges 13, where an angel appears to his wife before she has conceived.
Manoah plays a central role in the narrative of Samson’s birth. He prays for the messenger to return so he can prepare a gift. When the angel reappears, Manoah offers a burnt offering. The flame rising from the altar signals the Lord’s presence, after which the angel ascends in the fire. This moment marks a rare direct encounter with the divine in the period of the judges.
The name itself carries weight in this context. While Samson is known for his strength and violent deeds, his father bears a name meaning rest. This contrast highlights the tension between human turmoil and divine peace. The sources note that Manoah’s actions show a desire to honor God properly, even if he does not fully understand the angel’s nature.
Manoah appears in fourteen verses across the Old Testament. His story is confined to the opening chapter of Judges 13. He represents a father seeking guidance and confirmation from God. The narrative uses his character to show how God intervenes in ordinary family life to fulfill a larger purpose for Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Manoah means rest or repose, a quiet contrast to the violent strength of his son Samson. In Judges 13, we see a father who seeks God’s guidance with genuine humility. He does not demand signs but asks for instruction on how to raise his child in faith. This story reminds us that God meets ordinary families in their daily lives, offering direction even when circumstances seem uncertain.
Manoah’s prayer is answered not with immediate clarity but with a divine encounter that leaves him in awe. When the angel ascends in the flame, Manoah realizes he has seen God. His fear turns into reverence, showing that true faith often begins with recognizing our smallness before the Almighty. We can trust that God hears our prayers for our children and guides us through moments of uncertainty.
His life teaches us to value peace and patience over haste or force. While Samson relied on physical power, Manoah relied on prayer and obedience. This balance invites us to seek God’s presence in our own families, trusting that His plans unfold according to His perfect timing and wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Manoah14×
- and/ Manoah3×
- [was] Manoah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָנ֛וֹחַ3×
- מָנ֔וֹחַ3×
- מָנ֑וֹחַ3×
- מָנ֣וֹחַ2×
- מָנ֖וֹחַ2×
- וּ/מָנ֥וֹחַ2×
- מָנ֜וֹחַ1×
- מָנ֗וֹחַ1×
- וּ/מָנ֤וֹחַ1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 13:8
Then Manoah entreated Yahweh, and said, “Oh, Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us, and teach us what we should do to the child who shall be born.”
Manoah prays for the angel to return so he can learn how to raise his child, showing his desire for divine guidance in parenting.
-
Judges 13:16
Yahweh’s angel said to Manoah, “Though you detain me, I won’t eat your bread. If you will prepare a burnt offering, you must offer it to Yahweh.” For Manoah didn’t know that he was Yahweh’s angel.
The angel redirects Manoah’s offer of food to a burnt offering for Yahweh, revealing that worship must be directed to God alone.
-
Judges 13:20
For when the flame went up toward the sky from off the altar, Yahweh’s angel ascended in the flame of the altar. Manoah and his wife watched; and they fell on their faces to the ground.
As the flame rises from the altar, the angel ascends in it, marking the moment Manoah and his wife witness a direct manifestation of God’s presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Manoah mean?
Who was Manoah in the Bible?
Why did Manoah ask the angel for his name?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 1 books)
Judges 14 verses
There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and…
Judges 13:8Then Manoah entreated Yahweh, and said, “Oh, Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us, and teach…
Judges 13:9God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field; but Manoah,…
Judges 13:11Manoah arose and followed his wife, and came to the man, and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to my wife?” He…
Judges 13:12Manoah said, “Now let your words happen. What shall the child’s way of life and mission be?”
Judges 13:13Yahweh’s angel said to Manoah, “Of all that I said to the woman let her beware.
Judges 13:15Manoah said to Yahweh’s angel, “Please stay with us, that we may make a young goat ready for you.”
Judges 13:16Yahweh’s angel said to Manoah, “Though you detain me, I won’t eat your bread. If you will prepare a burnt offering, you…
Judges 13:17Manoah said to Yahweh’s angel, “What is your name, that when your words happen, we may honor you?”
Judges 13:19So Manoah took the young goat with the meal offering, and offered it on the rock to Yahweh. Then the angel did an…
Judges 13:20For when the flame went up toward the sky from off the altar, Yahweh’s angel ascended in the flame of the altar. Manoah…
Judges 13:21But Yahweh’s angel didn’t appear to Manoah or to his wife any more. Then Manoah knew that he was Yahweh’s angel.
Judges 13:22Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God.”
Judges 16:31Then his brothers and all the house of his father came down and took him, and brought him up and buried him between…