Keraia
Judges 14

Judges 14:12

Samson’s Riddle · Judges 14:8–20
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Translations

Modern
“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.
Traditional
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:
Literal
And Samson said to them, “Please let me pose a riddle to you. If you surely declare it to me in the seven days of the feast, and have found it out, then I will give to you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing.
Latin
Quibus locutus est Samson: Proponam vobis problema: quod si solveritis mihi intra septem dies convivii, dabo vobis triginta sindones, et totidem tunicas:

Original

Hebrew
English
“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.

Notes

Judges 14:12

Riddles were common tests of skill or a form of entertainment that often used double meanings. Although there is some evidence of bees building hives in dead animals, solving the mystery required knowing what Samson knew.

Judges 14:1–15:20

Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman was the Lord's way (Judges 14:4) of starting to address the Philistine threat (see 13:5). One event led to another, marked by three times when the Spirit came strongly upon him (Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14). During these events, Samson was a strong but imperfect hero.

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson, who gets more attention in the book of Judges than any other judge, is more mysterious than Jephthah. Samson shows great inspiration as a leader. He also represents the unstoppable move toward chaos, which shows the need for a more organized society under a godly ruler.

Theme notes and profiles

Samson The Philistines

People

Samson: Israelite judge with great strength from God

Glossary

Judges, Book of Marriage, Marriage Customs Philistia, Philistines Riddle Tribe of Dan

Topics

Betting by Samson Feasts: Riddles Propounded At Marriage: Celebrated for Seven Days Marriage: Nuptial Feasts Riddle used As a Test of Wit: At Samson's Feast Samson: His Marriage Feast and the Riddle Propounded