Judges 14:12

Judges 14:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“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.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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:

American Standard Version ASV

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;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Samson said, Now I have a hard question for you: if you are able to give me the answer before the seven days of the feast are over, I will give you thirty linen robes and thirty changes of clothing;

Free Bible Version FBV

“Let me pose a riddle to you,” Samson said to them. “If you can find its meaning and explain it to me during the seven days of the party, I'll give you thirty linen cloaks and thirty sets of clothes.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Samson sayd vnto them, I will nowe put forth a riddle vnto you: and if you can declare it me within seuen dayes of the feast, and finde it out, I will giue you thirty sheetes, and thirtie change of garments.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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;

World English Bible WEB

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;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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:

Translation for Translators T4T

Samson said to them, “Allow me to tell you a riddle. If you tel me the meaning of my riddle during these seven days of the celebration, I will give each of you a linen robe and an extra set of clothes.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 14:12

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 14:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר לָ/הֶם֙ שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן אָחֽוּדָה נָּ֥א לָ/כֶ֖ם חִידָ֑ה אִם הַגֵּ֣ד תַּגִּידוּ֩ אוֹתָ֨/הּ לִ֜/י שִׁבְעַ֨ת יְמֵ֤י הַ/מִּשְׁתֶּה֙ וּ/מְצָאתֶ֔ם וְ/נָתַתִּ֤י לָ/כֶם֙ שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים סְדִינִ֔ים וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים חֲלִפֹ֥ת בְּגָדִֽים

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן Shimshôwn H8123 Samson N-proper

אָחֽוּדָה chûwd H2330 to riddle V-Qal-1cs

נָּ֥א nâʼ H4994 please Part

לָ/כֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

חִידָ֑ה chîydâh H2420 riddle N-fs

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

הַגֵּ֣ד nâgad H5046 to tell V-Hiphil-Ptc

תַּגִּידוּ֩ nâgad H5046 to tell V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp

אוֹתָ֨/הּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

לִ֜/י Prep | Suff

שִׁבְעַ֨ת shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj

יְמֵ֤י yôwm H3117 day N-mp

הַ/מִּשְׁתֶּה֙ mishteh H4960 feast Art | N-ms

וּ/מְצָאתֶ֔ם mâtsâʼ H4672 to find Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2mp

וְ/נָתַתִּ֤י nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-1cs

לָ/כֶם֙ Prep | Suff

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Adj

סְדִינִ֔ים çâdîyn H5466 linen N-mp

וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Conj | Adj

חֲלִפֹ֥ת chălîyphâh H2487 change N-fp

בְּגָדִֽים beged H899 treachery N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 14:12

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן Shimshôwn H8123 "Samson" N-proper

Samson, meaning like the sun, was a Danite and a judge of Israel for 20 years. He was a Nazarite for life, and his story is first mentioned in Judges 13:24, where he is described as the son of Manoah.

Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.13.24; son of: Manoah (H4495); married to Delilah (H1807) Also named: Sampsōn (Σαμψών "Samson" G4546) § Samson = "like the sun" a Danite, son of Manoah, a Nazarite for life, and a judge of Israel for 20 years

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Samson. See also: Judges 13:24; Judges 15:16; Judges 16:30.

אָחֽוּדָה chûwd H2330 "to riddle" V-Qal-1cs

This word means to propose a riddle or puzzle. It involves tying a knot or creating a problem to solve. The KJV translates it as 'put forth'.

Definition: (Qal) to propose a riddle, propound a riddle

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: put forth. See also: Judges 14:12; Judges 14:16; Ezekiel 17:2.

נָּ֥א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part

The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.

Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.

לָ/כֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

חִידָ֑ה chîydâh H2420 "riddle" N-fs

A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.

Definition: 1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question 1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance) 1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed) 1c) perplexing questions (difficult) 1d) double dealing (with 'havin') Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle. See also: Numbers 12:8; Judges 14:19; Psalms 49:5.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

הַגֵּ֣ד nâgad H5046 "to tell" V-Hiphil-Ptc

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

תַּגִּידוּ֩ nâgad H5046 "to tell" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp

אוֹתָ֨/הּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לִ֜/י "" Prep | Suff

שִׁבְעַ֨ת shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj

This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.

Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.

יְמֵ֤י yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/מִּשְׁתֶּה֙ mishteh H4960 "feast" Art | N-ms

A mishteh is a feast or banquet, often involving drinking and celebration, like the ones described in Esther and other biblical stories.

Definition: 1) feast, drink, banquet 1a) feast, banquet 1b) drink Aramaic equivalent: mish.teh (מִשְׁתֶּה "feast" H4961)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing). See also: Genesis 19:3; Esther 5:14; Proverbs 15:15.

וּ/מְצָאתֶ֔ם mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2mp

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

וְ/נָתַתִּ֤י nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לָ/כֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Adj

Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.

Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)

Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.

סְדִינִ֔ים çâdîyn H5466 "linen" N-mp

This word describes a type of linen garment, often worn as a shirt or outer layer. In the Bible, fine linen is mentioned in the book of Exodus as a material used in priestly garments. It symbolizes purity and elegance.

Definition: 1) linen wrapper 1a) rectangular piece of fine linen worn as outer, or at night, as a sole garment

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fine linen, sheet. See also: Judges 14:12; Proverbs 31:24; Isaiah 3:23.

וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Conj | Adj

Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.

Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)

Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.

חֲלִפֹ֥ת chălîyphâh H2487 "change" N-fp

This word refers to a change or replacement, like switching clothes or taking turns, and is used in the Bible to describe things like changing courses in life.

Definition: 1) a change, change (of garments), replacement 1a) change (of raiment) 1b) relays 1c) relief (from death) 1d) changing, varying (course of life)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: change, course. See also: Genesis 45:22; 2 Kings 5:5; Psalms 55:20.

בְּגָדִֽים beged H899 "treachery" N-mp

In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.

Definition: treachery, deceit

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.

Study Notes — Judges 14:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 14:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:12
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 14:12
Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:12
Barnes' Notes on Judges 14:12
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:12
Sermons on Judges 14:12

Context — Samson’s Riddle

10Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom. 11And when the Philistines saw him, they selected thirty men to accompany him.

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.

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.” 14So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 10:1	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.
2	Ezekiel 17:2	“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel
3	Genesis 45:22	He gave new garments to each of them, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes.
4	2 Kings 5:22	“Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”
5	2 Kings 5:5	“Go now,” said the king of Aram, “and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing.
6	Proverbs 1:6	by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7	1 Corinthians 13:12	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.
8	Matthew 13:13	This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’
9	Psalms 49:4	I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:
10	Matthew 13:34	Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.

Judges 14:12 Summary

In Judges 14:12, Samson proposes a riddle to the Philistines, challenging them to solve it within seven days. This was a way for Samson to test their wisdom and assert his dominance, but it also shows how God can use our talents and abilities to serve others and bring glory to Him (as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31). The story reminds us to trust in God's power and wisdom, rather than our own, and to use our gifts and opportunities to point others to Him (as in Matthew 5:16). By doing so, we can bring joy and glory to God, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samson propose a riddle to the Philistines?

Samson proposed a riddle to the Philistines as a test of their wisdom and a way to assert his dominance, as seen in Judges 14:12, which is reminiscent of the wisdom challenges in 1 Kings 10:1.

What is the significance of the seven-day feast in this context?

The seven-day feast was a customary celebration for the bridegroom, as mentioned in Judges 14:10, and it provided the backdrop for Samson's riddle, much like the feast in Esther 1:5.

What would happen if the Philistines failed to solve the riddle?

If the Philistines failed to solve the riddle, they would have to give Samson thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes, as stated in Judges 14:13, which would be a significant loss of honor and wealth, similar to the losses in Proverbs 28:19.

Is this kind of wager or challenge common in the Bible?

Yes, this kind of challenge is seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Daniel 2:5-6, where the king's wise men are challenged to interpret a dream, and in Matthew 22:15-22, where Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees with a question about taxes.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am trying to prove myself or assert my dominance, and how can I surrender those to God?
How can I use my talents and abilities to serve others and bring glory to God, rather than just seeking to win or succeed?
What are some 'riddles' or challenges in my life that I need to trust God to help me solve, and how can I seek His guidance and wisdom?
In what ways can I use the platform or opportunities God has given me to point others to Him, rather than just seeking my own gain or recognition?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:12

And Samson said unto them,.... His thirty companions, very likely on the first day of the feast: I will now put forth a riddle to you: a secret, hidden, abstruse thing, not easy to be understood; a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:12

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 14:12

A riddle, i.e. an obscure sentence for you to resolve and explain. The seven days of the feast; for so long marriage-feasts lasted. See . Thirty sheets; fine linen clothes, which were used for many purposes in those parts. See . Thirty change of garments, i.e. changeable suits of apparel, as below, .

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:12

Judges 14:12 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:Ver. 12. I will now put forth a riddle unto you.] He prudently took no notice of the guard set upon him; but set them an exercise of wit, as at feasts was usual. Plato and Xenophon thought it fit and profitable that men’ s speeches at meals should be written. But if Christians should do so, what manner of books would they be? Luther’ s "Convivula" or table talk is printed to very good purpose: but there are not many Luthers. Then I will give you thirty sheets.] Which they carried about them usually in those eastern parts, to rub and dry themselves, &c. The women of the Isle of Man here in England, whensoever they go out of their doors, are reported to gird themselves about with the winding sheet that they purpose to be buried in: to show themselves mindful of their mortality. For "sheets" here some read "shirts"; and by "change of garments," they understand upper garments which they changed at pleasure, as gowns, cloaks. Speed’ s description of that island abridged.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 14:12

(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 (1 Kings 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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 14:12

Verse 12. I will now put forth a riddle] Probably this was one part of the amusements at a marriage-feast; each in his turn proposing a riddle, to be solved by any of the rest on a particular forfeit; the proposer forfeiting, if solved, the same which the company must forfeit if they could not solve it. Thirty sheets] I have no doubt that the Arab hayk, or hake, is here meant; a dress in which the natives of the East wrap themselves, as a Scottish Highlander does in his plaid. In Asiatic countries the dress scarcely ever changes; being nearly the same now that it was 2000 years ago. Mr. Jackson, in his account of the Empire of Morocco, thus mentions the Moorish dress: "It resembles," says he, "that of the ancient patriarchs, as represented in paintings; (but the paintings are taken from Asiatic models;) that of the men consists of a red cap and turban, a (kumja) shirt, which hangs outside of the drawers, and comes down below the knee; a (caftan) coat, which buttons close before, and down to the bottom, with large open sleeves; over which, when they go out of doors, they throw carelessly, and sometimes elegantly, a hayk, or garment of white cotton, silk, or wool, five or six yards long, and five feet wide. The Arabs often dispense with the caftan, and even with the shirt, wearing nothing but the hayk." When an Arab does not choose to wrap himself in the hayk, he throws it over his left shoulder, where it hangs till the weather, c., obliges him to wrap it round him. The hayk is either mean or elegant, according to the quality of the cloth, and of the person who wears it. I have myself seen the natives of Fez, with hayks, or hykes, both elegant and costly. By the changes of garments, it is very likely that the kumja and caftan are meant, or at least the caftan but most likely both: for the Hebrew has חליפות בגדים chaliphoth begadim, changes or succession of garments. Samson, therefore, engaged to give or receive thirty hayks, and thirty kumjas and caftans, on the issue of the interpretation or non-interpretation of his riddle: these were complete suits.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:12

12. a riddle] This is the only specimen in the O.T. of a riddle in our sense (1 Kings 10:1); elsewhere the word means a sententious maxim Proverbs 1:6, or a parable Ezekiel 17:2. the seven days] Cf. Genesis 29:22; Genesis 29:27, Tob 8:19 f., Judges 11:19. Similarly among the early Arabs (Benzinger, Hebr. Arch.2, p. 109 n.). linen garments] The garment referred to (Hebr. sβdξn, Isaiah 3:23, Proverbs 31:24, perhaps of foreign origin, cf. Assyr. sudinnu) was of fine material, and seems to have been worn sometimes outside the other clothes, sometimes next the skin. The Talmud implies that it was a linen sheet or wrapper of considerable size, and put to various uses. The LXX render by sindτn, cf. Mark 14:51 f., Mark 15:46. changes of raiment] Hebr. ḥ ?alξfτth begβdξm, generally explained as clothes which might be exchanged for ordinary raiment on festal occasions, gala dresses; Genesis 45:22, 2 Kings 5:5; 2 Kings 5:22-23. But ḥ ?alξfτth may be a loan-word from the Babylonian (ḥ ?alβpu = ‘clothe’) with the sense of clothings; if this is the case, the two words ḥ ?alξfτth begβdξm will each mean the same thing (like our ‘dress-clothes’), the foreign word being explained by the native one. It is worth noticing that LXX here render στολὰςἱματίων, and that in Judges 14:19 ḥ ?alξfτth occurs alone, robes.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 14:12

See the marginal references. Riddles formed one of the amusements of these protracted feasts. Sheets - Rather “linen shirts;” the “garments” which follow are the outward garments worn by the Orientals.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 14:12

12. I will now put forth a riddle unto you — Literally, I will twist you a knot.

Sermons on Judges 14:12

	Sermon	Description
	(1 Kings) the Wisdom of Solomon by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and order in the Bible. He uses the example of God organizing the Israelites in the book of Numbers to emphasiz
	The Church's Threefold Temptation by Vance Havner	The sermon transcript discusses the importance of approaching church and sermons with a hungry heart, seeking blessings rather than finding faults. The speaker criticizes the tende
	How Quickly We Turn Away by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging his unworthiness to stand in the pulpit and emphasizes his reliance on the righteousness of Jesus. He prays for the conviction
	Christ Is Greater 03 Greater Than Solomon by Neil Fraser	In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene of a man trapped in a burning building, desperately calling for help. Eventually, a fireman arrives and extends a ladder t
	The Queen of Sheba by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Jesus Christ compared to the Queen of Sheba's admiration for King Solomon. He challenges the congregation t
	His Excellent Greatness by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the excellent greatness of the Lord Jesus, drawing parallels between Him and Solomon's dominion, bounty, and glory. He highlights that only the Father f
	She Came to Prove Solomon With Hard Questions. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of bringing our difficult questions to Christ, who surpasses even Solomon in wisdom. He encourages believers to approach Christ with a spirit o