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.

JUDGES 14:13KJV
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Judges 14:13 (KJV)

What does Judges 14:13 mean?

Judges 14:13 records Samson telling the Philistines that if they cannot solve his riddle, they must give him thirty sheets and thirty changes of clothes, and the Philistines respond by inviting him to present the riddle. This sets up a wager between Samson and his wedding guests, where the outcome depends on whether they can answer his challenge.

In this scene, Samson is speaking to a group of Philistine men at his wedding feast. He proposes a bet involving a riddle, with the stakes being valuable clothing—"sheets" and "changes of garments" were costly items in that time. The Philistines agree to the challenge, showing their willingness to compete with Samson and setting the stage for the events that follow in the story.

The Hebrew behind Judges 14:13

  • "Sheets" (סְדִינִים, sedinim): This word refers to fine linen garments or sheets, often understood as undergarments or valuable cloth. In this context, it highlights the high value of the wager Samson proposes.
  • "Riddle" (חִידָה, chidah): This word means a puzzle or enigmatic saying. Samson’s use of a "chidah" shows he is challenging the Philistines’ cleverness and understanding, not just their luck.
  • "Declare" (נָגַד, nagad): This verb means to explain or make something known. Samson is asking if the Philistines can truly explain the meaning behind his riddle, not just guess.

Why Judges 14:13 matters

  • This verse shows the cultural importance of riddles and wagers in ancient feasts, especially as a form of entertainment and competition among guests.
  • The use of valuable garments as the prize emphasizes the seriousness of the bet and the wealth involved, making the challenge more than just a game.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify the tension that develops between Samson and the Philistines, which becomes a key turning point in the larger story of Samson’s conflict with them.

Where else these words appear

“sheets” Hebrew H5466 · used in 4 verses

  • 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:
  • Proverbs 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
  • Isaiah 3:23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.

“forth” Hebrew H2330 · used in 4 verses

  • 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:
  • Judges 14:16 And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
  • Ezekiel 17:2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

“change” Hebrew H2487 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 45:22 To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.
  • 1 Kings 5:14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.
  • 2 Kings 5:23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

“riddle” Hebrew H2420 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 12:8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
  • Judges 14:17 And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.
  • Psalms 49:4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.