Judges 14:13
Judges 14:13 in Multiple Translations
But 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.”
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.
but if ye cannot declare it unto me, then shall ye give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.
But if you are not able to give me the answer, then you will have to give me thirty linen robes and thirty changes of clothing. And they said to him, Put your hard question and let us see what it is.
But if you can't explain it to me, you'll give me thirty linen cloaks and thirty sets of clothes.” “Fine,” they replied. “Let's hear your riddle!”
But if you cannot declare it mee, then shall yee giue mee thirty sheetes and thirtie change of garments. And they answered him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may heare it.
and if ye are not able to declare [it] to me, then ye have given to me thirty linen shirts, and thirty changes of garments.' And they say to him, 'Put forth thy riddle, and we hear it!'
but if you can’t tell me the answer, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing.” They said to him, “Tell us your riddle, that we may hear it.”
But if ye cannot declare it to me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said to him, propose thy riddle, that we may hear it.
But if you shall not be able to declare it, you shall give me thirty shirts and the same number of coats. They answered him: Put forth the riddle that we may hear it.
But if you cannot tell me the meaning, you must each give me a linen robe and an extra set of clothes.” They replied, “All right. Tell us your riddle.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 14:13
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 14:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
לֹ֣א
תוּכְלוּ֮
לְ/הַגִּ֣יד
לִ/י֒
וּ/נְתַתֶּ֨ם
אַתֶּ֥ם
לִ/י֙
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
סְדִינִ֔ים
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים
חֲלִיפ֣וֹת
בְּגָדִ֑ים
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְרוּ
ל֔/וֹ
ח֥וּדָ/ה
חִידָתְ/ךָ֖
וְ/נִשְׁמָעֶֽ/נָּה
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תוּכְלוּ֮
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לְ/הַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לִ/י֒
Prep | Suff
וּ/נְתַתֶּ֨ם
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
אַתֶּ֥ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Adj
סְדִינִ֔ים
çâdîyn
H5466
linen
N-mp
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Conj | Adj
חֲלִיפ֣וֹת
chălîyphâh
H2487
change
N-fp
בְּגָדִ֑ים
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
ח֥וּדָ/ה
chûwd
H2330
to riddle
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
חִידָתְ/ךָ֖
chîydâh
H2420
riddle
N-fs | Suff
וְ/נִשְׁמָעֶֽ/נָּה
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 14:13
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | 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.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תוּכְלוּ֮
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לְ/הַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
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.
לִ/י֒
""
Prep | Suff
וּ/נְתַתֶּ֨ם
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
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.
אַתֶּ֥ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לִ/י֙
""
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.
חֲלִיפ֣וֹת
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.
בְּגָדִ֑ים
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.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
ח֥וּדָ/ה
chûwd
H2330
"to riddle"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.
חִידָתְ/ךָ֖
chîydâh
H2420
"riddle"
N-fs | Suff
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.
וְ/נִשְׁמָעֶֽ/נָּה
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — Judges 14:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Samson’s Riddle
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. 15So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?”Judges 14:13 Summary
In Judges 14:13, Samson proposes a riddle to the thirty Philistine men, with a wager that if they can solve it, he will give them thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes, but if they cannot, they must give him the same. This verse shows Samson's boldness and trust in God, as seen in Judges 14:6, and it sets the stage for the rest of the story. Just like Samson, we can trust God to give us wisdom and guidance, as seen in James 1:5, and we can use our gifts and talents to glorify Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31. By looking to God for wisdom and trusting in His plan, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Samson's riddle in Judges 14:13?
Samson's riddle is part of a wager with the thirty Philistine men who were chosen to accompany him, as seen in Judges 14:11, with the terms of the wager stated in Judges 14:12 and Judges 14:13.
Why did the Philistines want to hear Samson's riddle?
The Philistines wanted to hear Samson's riddle so they could try to solve it within the seven days of the feast and win the thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes, as stated in Judges 14:12.
What is the significance of the number thirty in this verse?
The number thirty likely represents a complete or perfect number, as seen in other biblical contexts such as the thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:12, and it may symbolize the completeness of the challenge or the perfection of the reward.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Judges?
This verse fits into the broader theme of Judges, which explores the cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance in the book of Judges, as seen in Judges 2:10-19, and Samson's story is part of God's plan to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines, as stated in Judges 13:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of faith and trust, as seen in Samson's boldness in proposing the riddle, to my own life and relationships?
- How can I, like Samson, use my gifts and talents to glorify God and point others to Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the spiritual battles that are taking place around me, as seen in Ephesians 6:12, and how can I prepare myself for those battles through prayer and scripture?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for wisdom and guidance, just as Samson trusted God to give him the riddle, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 14:13
But if ye cannot declare it unto me,.... Explain the riddle in the space of time allowed: then shall ye give me thirty sheets, and thirty change of garments; so many shirts and suits of apparel: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 14:13
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 14:13
Judges 14:13 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.Ver. 13. Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.] Et intelligemus illud, that is, by expounding it we will manifest that we understand it: so Junius. Carnal men are too confident of their own abilities: but can no more understand gospel mysteries, than a swain can the profundities of the mathematics: they can judge no better of them than a blind man can do of colours, or a sick man of food.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 14:13
13. The loss of the wager would leave the thirty companions practically naked; no wonder they express themselves strongly in Judges 14:15!