Bible Figure
wife of Manoah
human biblical figure, mother of Samson (Judges)
Manoah's wife was the unnamed Danite woman who received the angelic announcement of Samson's birth and faithfully followed the instructions concerning her promised son.
Biography
Judges 13 says Manoah's wife was barren until the angel of the Lord appeared and announced that she would bear a son. She was instructed to avoid wine, strong drink, and unclean food because the child would be a Nazirite from the womb and would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. She reported the encounter to Manoah. When the angel returned, she quickly summoned her husband. After the angel ascended in the sacrificial flame, Manoah feared they would die, but his wife perceptively reasoned that God would not have accepted their offering and promised them a son if He intended to kill them.
Biblical Significance
Samson's mother is portrayed as receptive, obedient, and spiritually perceptive. Her unnamed faithfulness frames Samson's life as a divine gift and calling before his birth.