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Topical Bible: Riddle
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Riddle</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/riddle.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/judges/14-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/riddle.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Riddle</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/r/ridding.htm" title="Ridding">◄</a> Riddle <a href="/topical/r/riddle_and_parable.htm" title="Riddle and Parable">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the biblical context, a riddle is a form of enigmatic or puzzling statement that requires thought and discernment to understand. Riddles are used in the Bible to convey deeper truths, challenge the listener, or reveal wisdom. They often serve as a test of intelligence or insight, and their solutions can lead to greater understanding or revelation.<br><br><b>Samson's Riddle</b><br><br>One of the most famous riddles in the Bible is found in the account of Samson, a judge of Israel, in the Book of Judges. During his wedding feast, Samson posed a riddle to his Philistine guests: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet" (<a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Judges 14:14</a>). This riddle was based on an earlier event where Samson had killed a lion and later found bees and honey in its carcass. The Philistines were unable to solve the riddle until they coerced Samson's wife into revealing the answer. This incident led to a series of events that furthered the conflict between Samson and the Philistines.<br><br><b>Purpose and Significance</b><br><br>Riddles in the Bible often serve multiple purposes. They can be a form of entertainment, a test of wisdom, or a means to convey spiritual truths. In the case of Samson, the riddle was a demonstration of his cleverness and a challenge to his enemies. However, it also foreshadowed the ongoing struggle between Israel and the Philistines, highlighting the tension and conflict that characterized Samson's life and mission.<br><br><b>Wisdom Literature</b><br><br>Riddles are also associated with wisdom literature in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. While not always explicitly labeled as riddles, many proverbs contain enigmatic sayings that require contemplation and insight to understand. These sayings are designed to impart wisdom and encourage the reader to seek deeper understanding. For example, <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a> speaks of understanding "a proverb and a parable, the words of the wise and their riddles" , indicating that riddles are a component of the wisdom tradition in Scripture.<br><br><b>Prophetic and Apocalyptic Contexts</b><br><br>In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, riddles can take the form of symbolic visions or cryptic messages that require interpretation. The Book of Daniel, for instance, contains visions and dreams that are riddles in need of divine interpretation. Daniel's ability to interpret these riddles is a testament to his God-given wisdom and insight. Similarly, the Book of Revelation is filled with symbolic language and imagery that can be seen as riddles, challenging the reader to discern their meaning in the context of God's ultimate plan for humanity.<br><br><b>Jesus and Parables</b><br><br>While not riddles in the traditional sense, Jesus' use of parables in the New Testament can be seen as a form of enigmatic teaching. Parables often contain hidden meanings that require spiritual insight to understand. Jesus used parables to reveal truths about the Kingdom of God, often leaving his listeners to ponder their meaning. In this way, parables function similarly to riddles, inviting the listener to seek deeper understanding and reflection.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>Riddles in the Bible serve as a tool for teaching, testing, and revealing deeper truths. Whether in the form of Samson's challenge, the wisdom of Proverbs, or the symbolic language of prophecy, riddles invite believers to engage with Scripture thoughtfully and seek the wisdom that comes from God.<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Riddle</span><p>It is known that all ancient nations, and especially Orientals, were fond of riddles. The riddles which the queen of Sheba came to ask of Solomon, (<a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/9-1.htm">2 Chronicles 9:1</a>) were rather "hard questions" referring to profound inquiries. Solomon is said, however, to have been very fond of riddles. Riddles were generally proposed in verse, like the celebrated riddle of Samson. (<a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Judges 14:14-19</a>)<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>(Hebrews hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the only example of a riddle was that propounded by Samson (<a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12</a>-18). The parabolic prophecy in <a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Ezek. 17:2</a>-18 is there called a "riddle." It was rather, however, an allegory. The word "darkly" in <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a> is the rendering of the Greek enigma; marg., "in a riddle." <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) A sieve with coarse meshes, usually of wire, for separating coarser materials from finer, as chaff from grain, cinders from ashes, or gravel from sand.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) A board having a row of pins, set zigzag, between which wire is drawn to straighten it.<p>3. (<I>v. t.</I>) To separate, as grain from the chaff, with a riddle; to pass through a riddle; as, riddle wheat; to riddle coal or gravel.<p>4. (<I>v. t.</I>) To perforate so as to make like a riddle; to make many holes in; as, a house riddled with shot.<p>5. (<I>n.</I>) Something proposed to be solved by guessing or conjecture; a puzzling question; an ambiguous proposition; an enigma; hence, anything ambiguous or puzzling.<p>6. (<I>v. t.</I>) To explain; to solve; to unriddle.<p>7. (<I>v. i.</I>) To speak ambiguously or enigmatically.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">RIDDLE</span><p>rid'-'-l (chidhah; ainigma).<br><br>See <a href="../g/games.htm">GAMES</a>.<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/135.htm"><span class="l">135. ainigma -- a <b>riddle</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> a <b>riddle</b>. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ainigma Phonetic Spelling:<br> (ah'-ee-nig-ma) Short Definition: a <b>riddle</b>, an enigma Definition: a <b>riddle</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/135.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/4617.htm"><span class="l">4617. siniazo -- to sift</span></a> <br><b>...</b> sift. From sinion (a sieve); to <b>riddle</b> (figuratively) -- sift. (siniasai) -- 1<br> Occurrence. 4616, 4617. siniazo. 4617a . Strong's Numbers. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4617.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 5k</font><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/2420.htm"><span class="l">2420. chidah -- a <b>riddle</b>, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or <b>...</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> chidah. 2421 . a <b>riddle</b>, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question. Transliteration:<br> chidah Phonetic Spelling: (khee-daw') Short Definition: <b>riddle</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2420.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/284.htm"><span class="l">284. Achichud -- "brother of a <b>riddle</b>," a Benjamite</span></a><br><b>...</b> 283, 284. Achichud. 285 . "brother of a <b>riddle</b>," a Benjamite. Transliteration:<br> Achichud Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-khood') Short Definition: Ahihud. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/284.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/2330.htm"><span class="l">2330. chud -- to propound a <b>riddle</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> 2329, 2330. chud. 2331 . to propound a <b>riddle</b>. Transliteration: chud<br> Phonetic Spelling: (khood) Short Definition: propound. Word <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2330.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/280.htm"><span class="l">280. achidah -- a <b>riddle</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> 279, 280. achidah. 281 . a <b>riddle</b>. Transliteration: achidah Phonetic Spelling:<br> (akh-ee-daw') Short Definition: enigmas. Word Origin <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/280.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/7001.htm"><span class="l">7001. qetar -- a joint, knot</span></a><br><b>...</b> doubt, joint. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to qatar; a knot (as tied up),<br> ie (figuratively) a <b>riddle</b>; also a vertebra (as if a knot) -- doubt, joint. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7001.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/chidley/fifty-two_story_talks_to_boys_and_girls/a_bible-riddle.htm"><span class="l">A Bible-<b>Riddle</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> A BIBLE-<b>RIDDLE</b>. <b>...</b> This <b>riddle</b> was told by Samson on his wedding-day, and nobody would<br> ever have guessed it if his wife had not let the secret out. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a bible-riddle.htm</font><p><a href="/library/unknown/the_second_epistle_of_clement/introductory_notice_by_professor_m.htm"><span class="l">Introductory Notice by Professor MB <b>Riddle</b>, DD</span></a> <br><b>...</b> AN ANCIENT HOMILY, COMMONLY STYLED THE SECOND EPISTLE OF CLEMENT. Introductory Notice<br> by Professor MB <b>Riddle</b>, DD. section 1.--- text. In this volume, pp. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../unknown/the second epistle of clement/introductory notice by professor m.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/select_masterpieces_of_biblical_literature/iv_samsons_wedding_feast.htm"><span class="l">Samson's Wedding Feast</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And Samson said unto them, Let me now put forth a <b>riddle</b> unto you: if ye can declare<br> it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv samsons wedding feast.htm</font><p><a href="/library/sherman/the_childrens_bible/samson_who_did_to_others.htm"><span class="l">Samson who did to Others as they did to Him</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And Samson said to them, "Let me now tell you a <b>riddle</b>. If you can <b>...</b> But for<br> six days they could not solve the <b>riddle</b>. On the seventh <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samson who did to others.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/the_teaching_of_the_twelve_apostles/introductory_notice_to_the_teaching.htm"><span class="l">Introductory Notice to the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> with the Constitutions In order to give sufficient time, I entrusted the task, a<br> year ago, to the well-qualified head and hands of Professor <b>Riddle</b> of Hartford <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the teaching of the twelve apostles/introductory notice to the teaching.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_4_1858/the_christians_heaviness_and_rejoicing.htm"><span class="l">The Christian's Heaviness and Rejoicing</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Of all riddles, the greatest <b>riddle</b> is a Christian man. As to his pedigree,<br> what a <b>riddle</b> he is! <b>...</b> He is a <b>riddle</b> in his own existence. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the christians heaviness and rejoicing.htm</font><p><a href="/library/macdonald/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind/chapter_22_mr_.htm"><span class="l">Mr. ...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "I don't know what a <b>riddle</b> is," said Diamond. <b>...</b> Mr. Raymond liked the old-fashioned<br> <b>riddle</b> best, and had written a few"-one of which he now read. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 22 mr .htm</font><p><a href="/library/marshall/the_wonder_book_of_bible_stories/the_story_of_samson_the.htm"><span class="l">The Story of Samson, the Strong Man</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "I will give you a <b>riddle</b>," said Samson. <b>...</b> And this was Samson's <b>riddle</b>: "Out of the<br> eater came forth meat, And out of the strong came forth sweetness.". <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_8_concerning_the_fortitude.htm"><span class="l">Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Now as they were drinking merrily and playing, Samson said, as was usual at such<br> times, "Come, if I propose you a <b>riddle</b>, and you can expound it in these seven <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning the fortitude.htm</font><p><a href="/library/macdonald/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind/chapter_24_he_got_up.htm"><span class="l">He Got up in the Morning as Soon as He Heard the Men Moving In...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Now when Diamond had only to go straight ahead, and had not to mind so much what<br> he was about, his thoughts always turned to the <b>riddle</b> Mr. Raymond had set him <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 24 he got up.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/riddle.htm"><span class="l"><b>Riddle</b> (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the<br> only example of a <b>riddle</b> was that propounded by Samson (Judges 14:12-18). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/riddle.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/expound.htm"><span class="l">Expound (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (vt) To lay open the meaning of; to explain; to clear of obscurity; to interpret;<br> as, to expound a text of Scripture, a law, a word, a meaning, or a <b>riddle</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/expound.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/explained.htm"><span class="l">Explained (25 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> You have put forth a <b>riddle</b> to the children of my people, and haven't told it me."<br> He said to her, "Behold, I haven't told it my father nor my mother, and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/explained.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dark.htm"><span class="l">Dark (234 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> DARK SAYINGS. (Proverbs 1:6 Psalm 78:2; singular, Psalm 49:4, 5; chidhoth, singular<br> chidhah, elsewhere rendered "<b>riddle</b>," "proverb"): In the heading to the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dark.htm - 44k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/propound.htm"><span class="l">Propound (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> church. Multi-Version Concordance Propound (3 Occurrences). Judges 14:12<br> Samson said to them, "Let me tell you a <b>riddle</b> now. If you <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/propound.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/changes.htm"><span class="l">Changes (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> shall be holy. It shall not be redeemed.'" (WEB BBE RSV). Judges 14:12 Samson<br> said to them, "Let me tell you a <b>riddle</b> now. If you can <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/changes.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sayings.htm"><span class="l">Sayings (134 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> DARK SAYINGS. (Proverbs 1:6 Psalm 78:2; singular, Psalm 49:4, 5; chidhoth, singular<br> chidhah, elsewhere rendered "<b>riddle</b>," "proverb"): In the heading to the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sayings.htm - 41k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/games.htm"><span class="l">Games (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 7. Riddles: Riddles (chidhah; ainigma): <b>Riddle</b>-making and <b>riddle</b>-guessing were in<br> favor in the ancient East, both in educated circles and in comparatively <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/games.htm - 40k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/wraps.htm"><span class="l">Wraps (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance Wraps (6 Occurrences). Judges 14:12 Samson said<br> to them, "Let me tell you a <b>riddle</b> now. If you can declare <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/wraps.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/weepeth.htm"><span class="l">Weepeth (29 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Judges 14:16 And Samson's wife weepeth for it, and saith, 'Thou hast only hated<br> me, and hast not loved me; the <b>riddle</b> thou hast put forth to the sons of my <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/weepeth.htm - 15k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/riddles-in-the-Bible.html">What are some of the riddles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Samson.html">Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-manipulation.html">What does the Bible say about manipulation / being manipulative? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/riddle.htm">Riddle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Riddle (11 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12</a></span><br />Samson said to them, "Let me tell you a <span class="boldtext">riddle</span> now. If you can declare it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing;<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Judges 14:13</a></span><br />but if you can't declare it to me, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing." They said to him, "Put forth your <span class="boldtext">riddle</span>, that we may hear it."<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Judges 14:14</a></span><br />He said to them, "Out of the eater came forth food. Out of the strong came forth sweetness." They couldn't in three days declare the <span class="boldtext">riddle</span>.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/14-15.htm">Judges 14:15</a></span><br />It happened on the seventh day, that they said to Samson's wife, "Entice your husband, that he may declare to us the <span class="boldtext">riddle</span>, lest we burn you and your father's house with fire. Have you called us to impoverish us? Is it not so?"<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/14-16.htm">Judges 14:16</a></span><br />Samson's wife wept before him, and said, "You just hate me, and don't love me. You have put forth a <span class="boldtext">riddle</span> to the children of my people, and haven't told it me." He said to her, "Behold, I haven't told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell you?"<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Judges 14:17</a></span><br />She wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it happened on the seventh day, that he told her, because she pressed him sore; and she told the <span class="boldtext">riddle</span> to the children of her people.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/14-18.htm">Judges 14:18</a></span><br />The men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?" He said to them, "If you hadn't plowed with my heifer, you wouldn't have found out my <span class="boldtext">riddle</span>."<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Judges 14:19</a></span><br />The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and struck thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave the changes of clothing to those who declared the <span class="boldtext">riddle</span>. His anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalms 49:4</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will open my <span class="boldtext">riddle</span> on the harp. <br /><span class="source">(WEB DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Ezekiel 17:2</a></span><br />Son of man, put forth a <span class="boldtext">riddle</span>, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Habakkuk 2:6</a></span><br />Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and that ladeth himself with pledges! <br /><span class="source">(See JPS DBY)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/riddle.htm">Riddle</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/riddle_by_agur.htm">Riddle by Agur</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/riddle_used_as_a_test_of_wit--at_samson's_feast.htm">Riddle used As a Test of Wit: At Samson's Feast</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/expound.htm">Expound (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/explained.htm">Explained (25 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dark.htm">Dark (234 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/propound.htm">Propound (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/changes.htm">Changes (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sayings.htm">Sayings (134 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/games.htm">Games (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wraps.htm">Wraps (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/weepeth.htm">Weepeth (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/festal.htm">Festal (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/propose.htm">Propose (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shirts.htm">Shirts (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/samson's.htm">Samson's (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sheets.htm">Sheets (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/proverb.htm">Proverb (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/countrymen.htm">Countrymen (60 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sets.htm">Sets (80 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wept.htm">Wept (78 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/simile.htm">Simile (61 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seventh.htm">Seventh (123 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/raiment.htm">Raiment (75 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thirty.htm">Thirty (189 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/banquet.htm">Banquet (58 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/change.htm">Change (109 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/q/question.htm">Question (153 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/key.htm">Key (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/undo.htm">Undo (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loadeth.htm">Loadeth (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lyre.htm">Lyre (32 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lasted.htm">Lasted (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lovest.htm">Lovest (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/invite.htm">Invite (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/impoverish.htm">Impoverish (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/incline.htm">Incline (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/taunt-song.htm">Taunt-song (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rudder.htm">Rudder (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/riddles.htm">Riddles (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ridding.htm">Ridding (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/resolve.htm">Resolve (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rob.htm">Rob (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ridicule.htm">Ridicule (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/read.htm">Read (681 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/enigma.htm">Enigma</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/eater.htm">Eater (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/entice.htm">Entice (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/explain.htm">Explain (30 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Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/solve.htm">Solve (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sweeter.htm">Sweeter (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/solved.htm">Solved (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/screen.htm">Screen (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stripped.htm">Stripped (62 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sweetness.htm">Sweetness (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/finally.htm">Finally (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/plow.htm">Plow (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/express.htm">Express (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hadn't.htm">Hadn't (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/urged.htm">Urged (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stronger.htm">Stronger (59 Occurrences)</a></p><p 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