And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the LORD blessed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Samson's name might suggest strength or even a connection to the sun, the deeper insight is that he was blessed by the Lord from infancy, implying these gifts were not just natural but divinely appointed for his specific, difficult calling. This blessing wasn't just about physical might; it was equipping him for the monumental task of beginning Israel's deliverance from the Philistines.
And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the LORD blessed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the divine promises to Manoah's wife, she gives birth to a son and names him Samson, a name perhaps hinting at strength or even the sun itself, reflecting his destined role. This birth marks the beginning of God's work to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, with Samson growing up under the LORD's special blessing and favor. The text sets the stage for Samson's extraordinary life and the unique way God would begin to move through him to confront Israel's enemies.
The name given to this unique child wasn't just a label; it was a whisper of purpose. What did 'Samson' truly signify?
The name 'Samson' carries layers of meaning, pointing towards his extraordinary future. While its exact origin is debated, several possibilities emerge:
Regardless of the precise etymology, the name 'Samson' was imbued with significance, hinting at the strength and divine purpose that would define his life.
Beyond just growing up, Samson was 'blessed' by the Lord. What did this divine favor look like in his early life?
The verse assures us that 'the LORD blessed him.' This wasn't a passive well-wishing; it was an active impartation of divine enablement, crucial for the unique path Samson was called to walk.
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Understand the original words
barak · Hebrew Verb
To be endowed with divine favor, protection, and prosperity, resulting in the fulfillment of God's purposes in an individual's life.
c. 12th century BC
Israelite Judges Period
A period of tribal confederation where Israel was governed by ad hoc leaders known as judges, often arising in response to external oppression. This era was marked by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
c. 1160 BC
Philistine Hegemony Over Israel
The Philistines, a seafaring people who had settled on the coastal plain of Canaan, exerted significant control and oppression over the Israelite tribes, particularly in the region of Dan and the lowlands.
Unknown, during Judges period— this verse
Angel of the Lord Appears to Manoah's Wife
An angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah's wife, who was barren, announcing she would conceive and bear a son who would begin to save Israel from the Philistines. This divine announcement marks the extraordinary origin of Samson.
Unknown, during Judges period
Samson's Birth and Infancy
Samson was born to Manoah and his wife, who followed the angel's instructions for his upbringing as a Nazirite from birth. The child grew, and the Lord blessed him, indicating God's favor and setting the stage for his future ministry.
This passage highlights a similar pattern of divine favor, showing that 'the boy Samuel continued to grow taller and more favored with the Lord and with men,' emphasizing both physical and spiritual development blessed by God.
Luke 1:80This verse describes John the Baptist, another divinely appointed figure, growing in strength and spirit, mirroring Samson's development as someone uniquely empowered by God from a young age.
Genesis 17:6This verse speaks of God's promise to make nations great and kings come from Abraham, illustrating the concept of God blessing individuals with a significant future purpose from birth.
Judges 14:6This verse directly shows the Spirit of the LORD empowering Samson for a specific task, demonstrating the tangible blessing and divine enablement that followed his growth.
bensonJudges 13:24: "And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him."
Jdg 13:24-25 . The Lord blessed him — That is, endowed him with all those graces and gifts of mind and body which were necessary for the work he was designed for. The Spirit of the Lord began to move him — To excite him to heroical designs and extraordinary actions, above the power of mere unassisted human abilities; to incline his heart to great attempts for the help and delivera…
pulpitJudges 13:24: "And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him."
Verse 24. - Called his name Samson. No doubt the name was significant of what the child should be (see note to ver. 17), but the etymology and meaning of the name are doubtful. Josephus ('Antiq.,' V. 8:4) says the name means "a strong one," but he does not say in what language, and it does not appear to have such a meaning in any Semitic dialect. It is commonly interpreted to mean…
While Samson's name might suggest strength or even a connection to the sun, the deeper insight is that he was blessed by the Lord from infancy, implying these gifts were not just natural but divinely appointed for his specific, difficult calling. This blessing wasn't just about physical might; it was equipping him for the monumental task of beginning Israel's deliverance from the Philistines.
After the divine promises to Manoah's wife, she gives birth to a son and names him Samson, a name perhaps hinting at strength or even the sun itself, reflecting his destined role. This birth marks the beginning of God's work to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, with Samson growing up under the LORD's special blessing and favor. The text sets the stage for Samson's extraordinary life and the unique way God would begin to move through him to confront Israel's enemies.
After the divine promises to Manoah's wife, she gives birth to a son and names him Samson, a name perhaps hinting at strength or even the sun itself, reflecting his destined role. This birth marks the beginning of God's work to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, with Samson growing up under the LORD's special blessing and favor. The text sets the stage for Samson's extraordinary life and the unique way God would begin to move through him to confront Israel's enemies.
"And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the LORD blessed him." — While Samson's name might suggest strength or even a connection to the sun, the deeper insight is that he was blessed by the Lord from infancy, implying these gifts were not just natural but divinely…
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Last reviewed October 2026