Old Testament
Judges 14:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Samson said to them, "Let me give you a riddle. If you can solve it during the 7 days of the feast, I'll give you 30 linen garments and 30 sets of clothing."
Compare translations
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:
What Judges 14:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Samson challenges his guests at a wedding feast with a riddle, promising a reward of thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothing if they can solve it within seven days. This riddle serves as a test of their wit and intelligence. The context of the feast indicates a celebratory atmosphere, but Samson's riddle also hints at his desire to assert his strength and cleverness. The garments he offers as a prize symbolize wealth and status, which were significant in ancient cultures. This moment foreshadows the tension that will arise as the guests struggle to solve the riddle, leading to further conflict. Samson's use of a riddle reflects his complex character—he is both a man of strength and a figure who enjoys playing games with others, revealing a layer of his personality that is both playful and competitive.
How to apply Judges 14:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to engage in healthy competition and use our intellect in social settings. It reminds us that challenges can foster camaraderie and excitement, but we should also be mindful of how our actions may lead to conflict or misunderstandings with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Samson's story: Samson's Riddle (Judges 14:10–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Samson
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Judges 14:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Judges 14:12
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 14:12 mean?
Judges 14:12 describes Samson presenting a riddle to his wedding guests, offering a reward of thirty garments if they can solve it within seven days. This moment highlights his cleverness and sets the stage for future conflict.
What is the significance of the riddle in Judges 14:12?
The riddle in Judges 14:12 serves as a test of intelligence among Samson's guests and reflects his playful yet competitive nature. It also foreshadows the tension that will arise as they struggle to solve it.
What does Samson promise in Judges 14:12?
In Judges 14:12, Samson promises to give thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothing to anyone who can solve his riddle within the seven days of the feast.
What themes are present in Judges 14:12?
Judges 14:12 includes themes of riddles, challenge, cleverness, and conflict. It also touches on the concepts of strength and wealth, as the garments symbolize status in ancient culture.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.