King James Version

What Does Judges 14:12 Mean?

“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: sheets: or, shirts”

Context

So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.

And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.

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: sheets: or, shirts

But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it. sheets: or, shirts

And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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 (1Kings 10:1, &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 (Müller, *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 (Isaiah 3:23; Mark 14:51). 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.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 14:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.