18 He replied, "Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.[1] "

Other Translations of Judges 13:18

King James Version

18 And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret secret: or, wonderful

English Standard Version

18 And the angel of the Lord said to him, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?"

The Message

18 The angel of God said, "What's this? You ask for my name? You wouldn't understand - it's sheer wonder."

New King James Version

18 And the Angel of the Lord said to him, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?"

New Living Translation

18 "Why do you ask my name?" the angel of the Lord replied. "It is too wonderful for you to understand."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 13:18

Commentary on Judges 13:15-23

(Read Judges 13:15-23)

What Manoah asked for instruction in his duty, he was readily told; but what he asked to gratify his curiosity, was denied. God has in his word given full directions concerning our duty, but never designed to answer other questionings. There are secret things which belong not to us, of which we must be quite contented to be ignorant, while in this world. The name of our Lord is wonderful and secret; but by his wonderful works he makes himself known as far as is needful for us. Prayer is the ascent of the soul to God. But without Christ in the heart by faith, our services are offensive smoke; in him, acceptable flame. We may apply this to Christ's sacrifice of himself for us; he ascended in the flame of his own offering, for by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, Hebrews 9:12. In Manoah's reflections there is great fear; We shall surely die. In his wife's reflection there is great faith. As a help meet for him, she encouraged him. Let believers who have had communion with God in the word and prayer, to whom he has graciously manifested himself, and who have had reason to think God has accepted their works, take encouragement from thence in a cloudy and dark day. God would not have done what he has done for my soul, if he had designed to forsake me, and leave me to perish at last; for his work is perfect. Learn to reason as Manoah's wife; If God designed me to perish under his wrath, he would not give me tokens of his favour.