King James Version

What Does Judges 14:13 Mean?

Judges 14:13 in the King James Version says “But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto hi...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Judges 14:13 · KJV

Context

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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.

15

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so? take: Heb. possess us, or, impoverish us?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse belongs to the Samson cycle addressing Samson's marriage and riddle at Timnath. Samson represents both the heights of God-empowered strength and the depths of human weakness through moral compromise. His Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) set him apart as holy to God, yet his persistent violations of this vow—contact with dead animals (14:8-9), seven-day feast (likely involving wine, 14:10), and finally revealing his hair's secret (16:17)—demonstrate progressive spiritual decline.

Theologically, Samson illustrates how spiritual gifts don't guarantee spiritual maturity. The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson repeatedly, giving superhuman strength, yet this empowerment didn't produce corresponding moral transformation. His attraction to Philistine women (14:1-3, 16:1, 16:4) directly violated God's command against intermarriage with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This demonstrates that God can use flawed instruments for His purposes, but this never excuses or endorses sin.

Samson's final prayer—"O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me" (16:28)—shows genuine repentance and renewed faith. His death accomplished more than his life (16:30), suggesting that even spectacular failure can be redeemed when we return to God. However, the tragedy is that Samson's potential was largely wasted through moral compromise. His story warns believers that consistent holy living, not merely spectacular spiritual experiences, characterizes faithful discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: The Book of Judges spans approximately 350-400 years (c. 1375-1050 BCE) during the Late Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age. This period saw the disintegration of major empires (Hittites, Mycenaeans) and weakening of Egyptian control over Canaan, creating a power vacuum filled by emerging peoples including Philistines (Sea Peoples), Aramaeans, and regional kingdoms. The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external oppression and internal chaos.

Cultural Context: This passage relates to Samson's marriage and riddle at Timnath. Canaanite religion dominated the region, centered on Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), and Anat (war goddess). Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (Ras Shamra) have provided extensive information about Canaanite mythology and religious practices. Baal worship involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and fertility rites tied to agricultural seasons. Israel's persistent attraction to these gods demonstrates the strong cultural pressure to conform to surrounding nations' religious practices.

The material culture of this period shows gradual Israelite settlement in the Canaanite hill country, with simpler pottery and architecture than coastal Canaanite cities. Iron technology was beginning to spread, giving military advantage to peoples who mastered it (note the Philistines' iron monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The absence of centralized government during the judges period stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic city-states of Canaan and the imperial administration of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This political structure reflected Israel's theocratic ideal—God as king—yet the repeated cycles of apostasy showed this ideal required more than political structures; it demanded heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage about Samson's marriage and riddle at Timnath reveal God's character in dealing with persistent human rebellion and incomplete obedience?
  2. What patterns of spiritual compromise or incomplete obedience in your own life mirror Israel's failures during the judges period?
  3. How does understanding the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance in Judges help you appreciate Christ's perfect and final deliverance from sin's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאִם1 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א2 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֽוּכְלוּ֮3 of 18

“But if ye cannot”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְהַגִּ֣יד4 of 18

“declare”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִי֒5 of 18
H0
וּנְתַתֶּ֨ם6 of 18

“it me then shall ye give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אַתֶּ֥ם7 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לִי֙8 of 18
H0
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים9 of 18

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

סְדִינִ֔ים10 of 18

“sheets”

H5466

a wrapper, i.e., shirt

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים11 of 18

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

חֲלִיפ֣וֹת12 of 18

“change”

H2487

alternation

בְּגָדִ֑ים13 of 18

“of garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ14 of 18

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֔וֹ15 of 18
H0
ח֥וּדָה16 of 18

“unto him Put forth”

H2330

properly, to tie a knot, i.e., (figuratively) to propound a riddle

חִידָֽתְךָ֖17 of 18

“thy riddle”

H2420

a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim

וְנִשְׁמָעֶֽנָּה׃18 of 18

“that we may hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Study Guide

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 14:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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