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And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But if you cannot explain <i>it</i> to me, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing.” And they said to him, “Pose your riddle, that we may hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you are unable to tell me, then you shall give me thirty linen wraps and thirty outfits of clothes.” And they said to him, “Propose your riddle, so that we may hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But if you are unable to tell me, then you shall give me thirty linen wraps and thirty changes of clothes.&#8221 And they said to him, &#8220Propound your riddle, that we may hear it.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But if you are unable to tell me, then you shall give me thirty linen wraps and thirty changes of clothes.” And they said to him, “Propound your riddle, that we may hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But if you are unable to tell me, then you shall give me thirty linen wraps and thirty changes of clothes.” And they said to him, “Propound your riddle, that we may hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But if you are unable to tell me [the answer], then you shall give me thirty linen tunics (undergarments) and thirty changes of [outer] clothing.” And they said to him, “Ask your riddle, so that we may hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you can’t explain it to me, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let’s hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you can&#8217t explain it to me, you must give me 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothes."&#8221 Tell us your riddle,&#8221 they replied. &#8220Let&#8217s hear it.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />but if ye cannot declare it unto me, then shall ye give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But if you can't tell me the answer, then each of you will have to give me a shirt and a full change of clothing." "It's a bet!" the Philistines said. "Tell us the riddle." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />but if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But if you can't solve it, you will give me the same things." They responded, "Tell us your riddle! Let's hear it!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But if you don't solve it, then you'll give me 30 linen garments and 30 formal garments." "Tell us your riddle and we'll solve it," they responded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.? ?Tell us your riddle,? they replied. ?Let us hear it.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But if you cannot solve it, you will give me thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes." They said to him, "Let us hear your riddle."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But if you can't explain it to me, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing." And they said to him, "Propose your riddle, we want to hear it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But if ye cannot declare it to me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said to him, propose thy riddle, that we may hear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />but if you can’t tell me the answer, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing.” They said to him, “Tell us your riddle, that we may hear it.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and if you are not able to declare [it] to me, then you have given thirty linen shirts and thirty changes of garments to me.” And they say to him, “Put forth your riddle, and we hear it!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and if ye are not able to declare it to me, then ye have given to me thirty linen shirts, and thirty changes of garments.' And they say to him, 'Put forth thy riddle, and we hear it!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if ye shall not be able to announce to me, and ye give me thirty wide garments and thirty exchanges of garments: and they will say to him, Propose thine enigma and we will hear it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But if you shall not be able to declare it, you shall give me thirty shirts and the same number of coats. They answered him: Put forth the riddle that we may hear it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But if you are not able to solve it, you shall give me thirty shirts and the same number of tunics.” And they answered him, “Propose the problem, so that we may hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But if you cannot answer it for me, you must give me thirty tunics and thirty sets of garments.” “Propose your riddle,” they responded, “and we will listen to it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But if you cannot explain it to me, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty festal garments.” So they said to him, “Ask your riddle; let us hear it.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if you cannot interpret it to me, then you shall give me thirty overcoats made of felt and thirty changes of garments. And they said to him, Put forth your riddle, that we may hear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if you cannot interpret it to me, you give me thirty felt coats and thirty suits of clothes.” They said to him: “Give your riddle and we will listen to it”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />but if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment.' And they said unto him: 'Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if ye cannot tell it me, ye shall give me thirty napkins and thirty changes of apparel: and they said to him, Propound thy riddle, and we will hear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/14-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4334" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/14.htm">Samson's Riddle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">you cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ṯū·ḵə·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: lə·hag·gîḏ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To be conspicuous. ">solve it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ū·nə·ṯat·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">must give</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/7970.htm" title="7970: šə·lō·šîm (Number-cp) -- Thirty. Or shloshiym; multiple of shalowsh; thirty; or thirtieth.">thirty</a> <a href="/hebrew/5466.htm" title="5466: sə·ḏî·nîm (N-mp) -- Linen garment. From an unused root meaning to envelop; a wrapper, i.e. Shirt.">linen garments</a> <a href="/hebrew/7970.htm" title="7970: ū·šə·lō·šîm (Conj-w:: Number-cp) -- Thirty. Or shloshiym; multiple of shalowsh; thirty; or thirtieth.">and thirty</a> <a href="/hebrew/2487.htm" title="2487: ḥă·lî·p̄ō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A change. From chalaph; alternation.">sets</a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: bə·ḡā·ḏîm (N-mp) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">of clothes.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/2330.htm" title="2330: ḥū·ḏāh (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To propound a riddle. A primitive root; properly, to tie a knot, i.e. to propound a riddle.">“Tell us</a> <a href="/hebrew/2420.htm" title="2420: ḥî·ḏā·ṯə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question. From chuwd; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim.">your riddle,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: wə·niš·mā·‘en·nāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.h-1cp:: 3fse) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">“Let us hear it.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12</a></span><br />“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Judges 14:14</a></span><br />So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a></span><br />by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1</a></span><br />Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a></span><br />For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Proverbs 25:2</a></span><br />It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-12.htm">Daniel 5:12</a></span><br />did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-34</a></span><br />And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34-35</a></span><br />Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. / So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a></span><br />that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Ephesians 3:4-5</a></span><br />In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, / which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25-26</a></span><br />Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But if you cannot declare it me, then shall you give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said to him, Put forth your riddle, that we may hear it.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Able</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Change</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Changes</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/judges/13-23.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Linen</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Propose</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Propound</a> <a href="/judges/11-12.htm">Question</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Riddle</a> <a href="/judges/8-26.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Sheets</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/judges/1-19.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Wraps</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Able</a> <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Change</a> <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Changes</a> <a href="/judges/17-10.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/judges/20-3.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-18.htm">Linen</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-13.htm">Propose</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Propound</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-29.htm">Question</a> <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Riddle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-33.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/exodus/39-3.htm">Sheets</a> <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-39.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/job/26-8.htm">Wraps</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-1.htm">Samson desires a wife of the Philistines.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-6.htm">In his journey he kills a lion</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-8.htm">In a second journey he finds honey in the carcass</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Samson's marriage feast</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-12.htm">His riddle by his wife is made known</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-19.htm">He strikes down thirty Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/14-20.htm">His wife is married to another.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But if you cannot solve it,</b><br>This phrase is part of a challenge issued by Samson during his wedding feast. The context is a seven-day celebration, typical of ancient Near Eastern wedding customs. Samson's challenge involves a riddle, a common form of entertainment and intellectual exercise in ancient cultures. The inability to solve the riddle would result in a forfeit, highlighting the competitive nature of such feasts.<p><b>you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.”</b><br>The wager involves thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes, which were valuable items in ancient times. Linen was a luxury fabric, often associated with wealth and status. The number thirty may symbolize completeness or a significant group, as seen in other biblical contexts. This demand underscores the seriousness of the challenge and the potential for significant loss or gain.<p><b>“Tell us your riddle,” they replied.</b><br>The response of the Philistine companions shows their willingness to engage in the challenge. Riddles were a popular form of entertainment and intellectual challenge in the ancient world, often used to test wisdom and understanding. This interaction sets the stage for the unfolding drama, as the riddle becomes a pivotal element in the narrative.<p><b>“Let us hear it.”</b><br>Their eagerness to hear the riddle reflects the cultural value placed on wit and cleverness. This moment foreshadows the tension and conflict that will arise from the riddle's solution. The request to hear the riddle also indicates a formal acceptance of the challenge, binding them to the terms set by Samson.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson</a></b><br>A judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life is a series of conflicts with the Philistines.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A group of people who were enemies of Israel. They were known for their advanced weaponry and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/timnah.htm">Timnah</a></b><br>A Philistine town where Samson went to find a wife, which led to a series of events that increased tensions between the Israelites and the Philistines.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/riddle.htm">Riddle</a></b><br>Samson posed a riddle to the Philistines during his wedding feast, which was a cultural practice of the time. The riddle was based on an earlier event where he killed a lion and later found bees and honey in its carcass.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/feast.htm">Feast</a></b><br>A seven-day wedding feast, which was customary in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It was during this feast that Samson presented his riddle to the Philistine guests.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_pride.htm">The Consequences of Pride</a></b><br>Samson's riddle and the subsequent events highlight the dangers of pride and overconfidence. Believers are reminded to remain humble and rely on God's wisdom rather than their own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite Samson's personal flaws and impulsive actions, God used these events to fulfill His purposes against the Philistines. This teaches us that God can work through imperfect people to accomplish His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_keeping_vows.htm">The Importance of Keeping Vows</a></b><br>Samson's life as a Nazirite underscores the importance of keeping vows made to God. Believers are encouraged to honor their commitments to God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_cultural_practices.htm">The Role of Cultural Practices</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural context of the riddle and the feast helps us see how God can use cultural practices to reveal His truth and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_spirit.htm">The Power of God's Spirit</a></b><br>Samson's strength was a result of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him. This reminds us of the power available to believers through the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_embody_love.htm">What do white garments symbolize in Revelation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_david_wear_an_ephod_legally.htm">In 1 Chronicles 15:27, David wears an ephod traditionally reserved for priests--how do we explain this apparent merging of royal and priestly roles without violating Mosaic Law?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_samson's_marriage_align_with_deut._7.htm">How does Samson's marriage to a Philistine (Judges 14:1-3) align with the prohibition on intermarriage in Deuteronomy 7:3-4?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_pelagius.htm">What riddles are found in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/14-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But if</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">solve it,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַגִּ֣יד</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hag·gîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתֶּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must give</span><br /><span class="heb">וּנְתַתֶּ֨ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·nə·ṯat·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="heb">לִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">thirty</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7970.htm">Strong's 7970: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thirty, thirtieth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">linen garments</span><br /><span class="heb">סְדִינִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(sə·ḏî·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5466.htm">Strong's 5466: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wrapper, shirt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and thirty</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·lō·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7970.htm">Strong's 7970: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thirty, thirtieth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sets</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲלִיפ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·lî·p̄ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2487.htm">Strong's 2487: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alternation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of clothes.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּגָדִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḡā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Tell</span><br /><span class="heb">ח֥וּדָה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2330.htm">Strong's 2330: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tie a, knot, to propound a, riddle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us your riddle,”</span><br /><span class="heb">חִידָתְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(ḥî·ḏā·ṯə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2420.htm">Strong's 2420: </a> </span><span class="str2">A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Let us hear it.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִשְׁמָעֶֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·niš·mā·‘en·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/14-13.htm">OT History: Judges 14:13 But if you can't declare it (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/14-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 14:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 14:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/14-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 14:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 14:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>