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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 14:12 "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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/14-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/07_Jdg_14_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 14:12 - Samson's Riddle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Let me tell you a riddle, Samson said to them. 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If you solve my riddle during these seven days of the celebration, I will give you thirty fine linen robes and thirty sets of festive clothing. <a href="/esv/judges/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Samson said to them, “Let me now put a riddle to you. If you can tell me what it is, within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes, <a href="/bsb/judges/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “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. <a href="/kjv/judges/14.htm">King James Bible</a> And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments: <a href="/nkjv/judges/14.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Samson said to them, “Let me pose a riddle to you. If you can correctly solve and explain it to me within the seven days of the feast, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing. <a href="/nasb_/judges/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Samson said to them, “Let me now propose a riddle for you; if you actually tell me the answer within the seven days of the feast, and solve it, then I will give you thirty linen wraps and thirty outfits of clothes. <a href="/nasb/judges/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Samson said to them, &#8220Let me now propound a riddle to you; if you will indeed tell it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen wraps and thirty changes of clothes. <a href="/nasb77/judges/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Samson said to them, “Let me now propound a riddle to you; if you will indeed tell it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen wraps and thirty changes of clothes. <a href="/lsb/judges/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Samson said to them, “Let me now propound a riddle to you; if you will indeed tell it to me within the seven days of the feast and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen wraps and thirty changes of clothes. <a href="/amp/judges/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Samson said to them, “Let me now ask you a riddle; if you can tell me what it is within the seven days of the feast, and solve it, then I will give you thirty linen tunics (undergarments) and thirty changes of [outer] clothing. <a href="/csb/judges/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can explain it to me during the seven days of the feast and figure it out, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes. <a href="/hcsb/judges/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Let me tell you a riddle,&#8221 Samson said to them. &#8220If you can explain it to me during the seven days of the feast and figure it out, I will give you 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothes. <a href="/asv/judges/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Samson said unto them, Let me now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can declare it unto me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment; <a href="/cev/judges/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Samson told the 30 young men, "This party will last for seven days. Let's make a bet: I'll tell you a riddle, and if you can tell me the answer before the party is over, I'll give each of you a shirt and a full change of clothing. <a href="/erv/judges/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Samson said unto them, Let me now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment: <a href="/gwt/judges/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Samson said to them, "Let me tell you a riddle. If you solve it during the seven days of the party, I'll give you 30 linen shirts and 30 changes of clothes. <a href="/isv/judges/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Let me tell you a riddle," Samson told them. "If you can solve it during this week-long festival, I'll give you 30 linen garments and 30 formal garments. <a href="/msb/judges/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “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. <a href="/net/judges/14.htm">NET Bible</a> Samson said to them, "I will give you a riddle. If you really can solve it during the seven days the party lasts, I will give you thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes. <a href="/nheb/judges/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Samson said to them, "Let me now put forth a riddle to you. If you can explain it to me within the seven days of the feast, and figure it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing. <a href="/wbt/judges/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Samson said to them, I will now propose a riddle to you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments: <a href="/web/judges/14.htm">World English Bible</a> Samson said to them, “Let me tell you a riddle now. If you can tell me the answer within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Samson says to them, “Now let me put forth a riddle to you; if you certainly declare it to me [in] the seven days of the banquet, and have found [it] out, then I have given thirty linen shirts and thirty changes of garments to you; <a href="/ylt/judges/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Samson saith to them, 'Let me, I pray you, put forth to you a riddle; if ye certainly declare it to me in the seven days of the banquet, and have found it out, then I have given to you thirty linen shirts, and thirty changes of garments; <a href="/slt/judges/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Samson will say to them, I will propose to you an enigma: if announcing, ye shall announce it to me in seven days of the drinking, and ye find out, and I will give to you thirty wide garments and thirty exchanges of garments:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Samson said to them: I will propose to you a riddle, which if you declare unto me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty shirts, and as many coats: <a href="/cpdv/judges/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Samson said to them: “I will propose to you a problem, which, if you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty shirts and the same number of tunics. <a href="/nabre/judges/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Samson said to them, “Let me propose a riddle to you. If within the seven days of the feast you solve it for me, I will give you thirty linen tunics and thirty sets of garments. <a href="/nrsvce/judges/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Samson said to them, “Let me now put a riddle to you. If you can explain it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty festal garments.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Samson said to them, I will now put forth a riddle to you; if you can interpret it to me within the seven days of the feast and find it out, then I will give you thirty overcoats made of felt and thirty changes of garments; <a href="/hpbt/judges/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Samson said to them: “I have a riddle for you. If you will interpret it for me during the seven days of the wedding feast and you will make it known, I shall give to you thirty felt overcoats and thirty suits of clothes<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Samson said unto them: 'Let me now put forth a riddle unto you; if ye can declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment; <a href="/sep/judges/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Sampson said to them, I propound you a riddle: if ye will indeed tell it me, and discover it within the seven days of the feast, I will you give thirty sheets and thirty changes of raiment. <a href="/parallel/judges/14-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=4322" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/14.htm">Samson's Riddle</a> …11And when the Philistines saw him, they selected thirty men to accompany him. 12<a href="/hebrew/2330.htm" title="2330: ’ā·ḥū·ḏāh- (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To propound a riddle. A primitive root; properly, to tie a knot, i.e. to propound a riddle.">“Let me tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2420.htm" title="2420: ḥî·ḏāh (N-fs) -- A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question. From chuwd; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim.">a riddle,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/8123.htm" title="8123: šim·šō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A deliverer of Isr. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite.">Samson</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">to them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hag·gêḏ (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be conspicuous. ">you can solve</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: tag·gî·ḏū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp) -- To be conspicuous. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for me</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘aṯ (Number-msc) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">within the seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yə·mê (N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: ham·miš·teh (Art:: N-ms) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">of the feast,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: ū·mə·ṣā·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To attain to, find. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·nā·ṯat·tî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I will give</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">you</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·li·p̄ōṯ (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> 13But 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a> by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1</a> 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. <a href="/genesis/29-27.htm">Genesis 29:27</a> Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work.” <a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Ezekiel 17:2</a> “Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel <a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34-35</a> 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.” <a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a> He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a> Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38-39</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a> 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? ... <a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a> 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. <a href="/daniel/5-12.htm">Daniel 5:12</a> 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.” <a href="/1_kings/10-3.htm">1 Kings 10:3</a> And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a> Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. / But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ / and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. ... <a href="/mark/4-11.htm">Mark 4:11</a> He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29-30</a> As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Samson said to them, I will now put forth a riddle to you: if you can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:a riddle<a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1</a> And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.<a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4</a> I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.<a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a> To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.the seven<a href="/genesis/29-27.htm">Genesis 29:27,28</a> Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years… <a href="/2_chronicles/7-8.htm">2 Chronicles 7:8</a> Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.sheets.<a href="/matthew/27-28.htm">Matthew 27:28</a> And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.<a href="/mark/14-51.htm">Mark 14:51,52</a> And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: … change<a href="/genesis/45-22.htm">Genesis 45:22</a> To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.<a href="/2_kings/5-5.htm">2 Kings 5:5,22</a> And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment… <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19</a> Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Change</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-33.htm">Changes</a> <a href="/judges/11-35.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/judges/8-26.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/judges/9-42.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/judges/11-30.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-11.htm">Linen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-14.htm">Propose</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Propound</a> <a href="/judges/8-26.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Riddle</a> <a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-22.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/judges/12-9.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/numbers/16-38.htm">Sheets</a> <a href="/judges/14-11.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/judges/11-26.htm">Within</a> <a href="/hosea/4-19.htm">Wraps</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Change</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Changes</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Linen</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Propose</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Propound</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Riddle</a> <a href="/judges/14-18.htm">Samson</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Sheets</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Within</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Wraps</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 14</div>1. <a href="/judges/14-1.htm">Samson desires a wife of the Philistines.</a> 6. <a href="/judges/14-6.htm">In his journey he kills a lion</a> 8. <a href="/judges/14-8.htm">In a second journey he finds honey in the carcass</a> 10. <a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Samson's marriage feast</a> 12. <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">His riddle by his wife is made known</a> 19. <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">He strikes down thirty Philistines</a> 20. <a href="/judges/14-20.htm">His wife is married to another.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/judges/14.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Let me tell you a riddle The phrase "Let me tell you a riddle" introduces a common form of entertainment in ancient times, where riddles were used not only for amusement but also as a test of wisdom and intelligence. The Hebrew word for "riddle" is "חִידָה" (chidah), which can also mean an enigmatic saying or a perplexing question. In the context of Samson's life, this riddle is more than a mere game; it is a reflection of his complex character and the divine purpose that often worked through his actions, even when they seemed trivial or self-serving.Samson said to them Samson, whose name in Hebrew, "שִׁמְשׁוֹן" (Shimshon), means "like the sun," is a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength. His life is marked by a series of personal and national conflicts, and his actions often serve as a microcosm of Israel's struggles with faithfulness to God. Here, Samson's interaction with the Philistines, the oppressors of Israel, sets the stage for a confrontation that is both personal and symbolic of the larger conflict between the Israelites and their enemies.If you can give me the answer This phrase sets the terms of the challenge, emphasizing the conditional nature of the riddle. The Hebrew root for "answer" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. The challenge is not just about solving a puzzle but about revealing hidden truths. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the deeper truths of God's plans that are often hidden from human understanding and require divine revelation.within the seven days of the feast The "seven days of the feast" refers to the traditional wedding feast, which lasted a week. The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, reflecting the fullness of time given to solve the riddle. This period also underscores the cultural and religious practices of the time, where feasts were significant social and communal events. The feast, in this context, is a backdrop for the unfolding drama between Samson and the Philistines.I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes The promise of "thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes" is significant both materially and symbolically. Linen garments were valuable, often associated with wealth and status. The Hebrew word for "linen" is "סָדִין" (sadin), indicating fine linen, while "sets of clothes" suggests complete outfits, which were costly. This wager highlights the stakes of the riddle, reflecting the economic and social dynamics of the time. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the exchange of understanding and the cost of revelation, where the pursuit of truth and wisdom often requires sacrifice and risk.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) I will now put forth a riddle unto you.--Chidah, "a riddle," comes from chud, "to knot." The use of riddles at feasts is of great antiquity both among the Jews (<a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm" title="And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.">1Kings 10:1</a>, &c.) and Greeks (Athen. x. 457; Pollux, vi. 107, &c.). Jewish legends have much to tell us of the riddles which passed between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and between Solomon and Hiram (Dius ap. Jos., Antt. viii. 5, ? 3); and as large sums often depended on the discovery of the answer, they were very much of the nature of wagers. A sharp boy named Abdemon helped Hiram, just as the Greek sage Bias is said to have helped Amasis to solve the riddles of the Ethiopian king, which would otherwise have caused heavy losses. The Sphinx of Theban legend devoured those who could not solve her riddle. Mirth and riddles are also connected with the rites of Hercules (Mller, Dorians, ii. 12).Sheets.--Rather, as in the margin, shirts; but it means shirts of fine linen (sedinim; LXX. Vulg., sin-dones), such as are only won by the wealthy (<a href="/isaiah/3-23.htm" title="The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils.">Isaiah 3:23</a>; <a href="/mark/14-51.htm" title="And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:">Mark 14:51</a>). Samson's offer was fair enough, for if defeated, each paranymph would only have to provide one sindon and one robe, whereas Samson, if they guessed his riddle, would have to provide thirty.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Riddle. The Hebrew word is the same as that which is rendered hard questions in <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1</a>, and dark questions, <a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8</a>, and occurs also in <a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Ezekiel 17:2</a>, where the phrase is the same as here and in ver. 16, as if we should say in English, I will riddle you a riddle. In English, however, to riddle, as a verb active, means to solve a riddle, not, as in Hebrew, to propound one. The derivation of the Hebrew word and of the English is the same as regards the sense - something intricate and twisted. Thirty sheets, or rather, as in the margin, shirts, a linen garment worn next the skin. In <a href="/isaiah/3-23.htm">Isaiah 3:23</a> spoken of the women's garment, "the fine linen," A.V., as also <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm">Proverbs 31:24</a>. The word (sadin, Sanscrit sindu) means Indian linen. Change of garments - the outward garment of the Orientalist, which was part of the wealth of the rich and great, and was, and is to the present day, one of the most frequent presents on all state occasions (see <a href="/genesis/45-22.htm">Genesis 45:22</a>; <a href="/2_kings/5-5.htm">2 Kings 5:5, 22</a>; <a href="/isaiah/3-6.htm">Isaiah 3:6, 7</a>; <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19</a>, etc.). <a href="/commentaries/judges/14-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Let me tell אָחֽוּדָה־ (’ā·ḥū·ḏāh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2330.htm">Strong's 2330: </a> To tie a, knot, to propound a, riddle you a riddle,” חִידָ֑ה (ḥî·ḏāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2420.htm">Strong's 2420: </a> A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question Samson שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן (šim·šō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8123.htm">Strong's 8123: </a> Samson -- a deliverer of Israel said to them. וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you can solve הַגֵּ֣ד (hag·gêḏ) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous it אוֹתָ֨הּ (’ō·w·ṯāh) Direct object marker | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case for me לִ֜י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> [within the] seven שִׁבְעַ֨ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number days יְמֵ֤י (yə·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of the feast, הַמִּשְׁתֶּה֙ (ham·miš·teh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast I will give וְנָתַתִּ֤י (wə·nā·ṯat·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set you לָכֶם֙ (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> thirty שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים (šə·lō·šîm) Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7970.htm">Strong's 7970: </a> Thirty, thirtieth linen garments סְדִינִ֔ים (sə·ḏî·nîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5466.htm">Strong's 5466: </a> A wrapper, shirt and thirty וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים (ū·šə·lō·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7970.htm">Strong's 7970: </a> Thirty, thirtieth sets חֲלִפֹ֥ת (ḥă·li·p̄ōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2487.htm">Strong's 2487: </a> Alternation of clothes. בְּגָדִֽים׃ (bə·ḡā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">OT History: Judges 14:12 Samson said to them Let me now (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/14-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 14:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 14:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/14-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 14:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 14:13" /></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>