Judges 14:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if ye cannot {H3201} declare {H5046} it me, then shall ye give {H5414} me thirty {H7970} sheets {H5466} and thirty {H7970} change {H2487} of garments {H899}. And they said {H559} unto him, Put forth {H2330} thy riddle {H2420}, that we may hear {H8085} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you can't solve it, you give me thirty linen shirts and thirty changes of good clothes." They answered, "Tell us the riddle, we want to hear it."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:13 captures a pivotal moment at Samson's wedding feast in Timnath, where he proposes a high-stakes riddle to his thirty Philistine companions. This verse formalizes the wager: if the Philistines fail to solve the riddle within the seven days of the feast, they must pay Samson thirty fine linen garments and thirty changes of festive apparel; conversely, if they succeed, Samson is obligated to provide the same to them. This challenge, born of Samson's cunning and confidence, sets the stage for escalating conflict and deception, highlighting the tension between Israel's divinely appointed judge and their Philistine oppressors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 14:13 is situated within the broader narrative of Samson, a Nazirite whose life is marked by both divine empowerment and personal failings. This specific verse occurs during his wedding feast to a Philistine woman from Timnah, an alliance explicitly against God's law for Israel ([Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")). The preceding verses describe Samson's initial encounter with the lion and the subsequent discovery of honey within its carcass, the secret upon which his riddle is based ([Judges 14:5-9](/judges/14-5 "Judges 14:5-9 - Samson's Encounter with the Lion and Honey")). The proposal of the riddle in [Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12 - Samson Proposes the Riddle") immediately precedes this verse, establishing the terms of the wager. Following this verse, the narrative details the Philistines' inability to solve the riddle, their subsequent coercion of Samson's wife ([Judges 14:15-17](/judges/14-15 "Judges 14:15-17 - The Philistines Coerce Samson's Wife")), and Samson's violent fulfillment of the wager, leading to further conflict and the unraveling of his marriage ([Judges 14:19-20](/judges/14-19 "Judges 14:19-20 - Samson's Rage and Departure")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of proposing riddles at feasts was a common form of entertainment and intellectual contest in the ancient Near East, often accompanied by wagers. Samson's choice to engage in this custom, particularly with Philistine companions, underscores the cultural intermingling and tension between the Israelites and their Philistine overlords during the period of the Judges. The "thirty companions" provided by the father-in-law were customary attendants, often young men, serving as a retinue for the groom. The value of the wager—thirty fine linen garments and thirty changes of festive apparel—was substantial, indicating considerable wealth. Such garments were not merely utilitarian but also symbols of status and prosperity, making the potential loss a significant economic burden for the losing party. This context highlights the high stakes, not just of intellectual wit, but of honor and financial standing in ancient society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader Samson narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Samson's flawed character** and his tendency to operate outside conventional wisdom and divine instruction, particularly in his pursuit of personal desires and his engagement with the Philistines. Secondly, it highlights the **ongoing conflict and oppression** faced by Israel from the Philistines, even in seemingly social settings, as the riddle quickly devolves into a power struggle. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **deception and betrayal**, which becomes a recurring motif in Samson's life, foreshadowing the ultimate betrayal by Delilah. Finally, the high stakes of the wager underscore the theme of **consequences for choices**, demonstrating how Samson's actions, though clever, often lead to unintended and destructive outcomes, further complicating his role as a deliverer for Israel ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Prophecy of Deliverance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheets (Hebrew, _sadîn'_):** This term refers to fine linen garments, often used as outer wraps or undergarments. In ancient societies, linen was a valuable commodity, requiring significant labor to produce. Possessing thirty such garments would represent considerable wealth and luxury, far beyond mere bedding. The term implies a high-quality, perhaps even ceremonial, textile.
* **Change of garments (Hebrew, _ḥălîpôt bĕgādîm'_):** This phrase specifically denotes sets of festive or ceremonial clothing, intended for special occasions. "Change" implies a complete set of attire, not just a single piece. In a culture where clothing was a significant indicator of status and wealth, owning multiple sets of such apparel was a clear sign of affluence. The combined value of these two types of garments made the wager an enormous financial burden, reflecting Samson's confidence in his riddle's insolubility and the high stakes of the challenge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if ye cannot declare [it] me":** This clause sets the condition for the Philistines' failure. Samson, having just proposed his riddle in [Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12 - Samson Proposes the Riddle"), now articulates the negative outcome. The phrase "declare [it] me" means to explain or solve the riddle to his satisfaction. It implies a challenge to their intellect and a test of their ability to discern hidden meaning.
* **"then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments.":** This is the consequence of their failure. The specific items and quantity underscore the immense value of the wager. Samson demands a substantial prize, not only for the material gain but also as a public acknowledgment of his superior wit and their intellectual defeat. This demand highlights his confidence and the competitive nature of the interaction.
* **"And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.":** This response from the Philistine companions indicates their acceptance of the wager. Their eagerness to hear the riddle suggests initial confidence or perhaps a lack of understanding of the true difficulty of the challenge. Their collective voice ("they said") implies a unified agreement to the terms, binding them to the high stakes set by Samson. This sets the immediate stage for Samson to reveal the riddle in [Judges 14:14](/judges/14-14 "Judges 14:14 - Samson's Riddle").

#### Literary Devices
Judges 14:13 employs several literary devices to heighten the narrative tension and underscore the themes. The entire interaction functions as a **Wager/Contest**, a common narrative trope where opposing parties agree to a challenge with significant stakes, driving the plot forward. This specific verse formalizes the terms of this contest. There is also clear **Foreshadowing** at play; the exorbitant demand for garments, coupled with the Philistines' acceptance, subtly hints at the desperate measures they will take to avoid payment, leading directly to the coercion of Samson's wife and subsequent violence. The situation also contains an element of **Irony**, as Samson, a judge appointed to deliver Israel from the Philistines, is here engaging in a social contest that ultimately deepens the conflict rather than resolving it. Furthermore, the "thirty sheets and thirty change of garments" serve as **Symbolism** of wealth, status, and the high cost of deception and betrayal that will soon unfold in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 14:13, while seemingly a straightforward account of a wager, carries significant theological weight. It underscores the recurring theme in Judges of Israel's spiritual decline and the consequences of compromising with the surrounding pagan cultures. Samson's decision to marry a Philistine and engage in this culturally ambiguous contest reflects a broader pattern of Israel's failure to maintain separation and purity, leading to entanglement and oppression rather than true liberation. The high stakes of the riddle serve as a microcosm for the larger spiritual battle: Samson's reliance on his own cunning rather than divine wisdom, and the Philistines' eventual resort to deceit, illustrate the destructive nature of human pride and unrighteousness. This episode highlights the dangers of being "unequally yoked" ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")) and the inevitable conflict that arises when God's people compromise their distinct identity for worldly gain or acceptance.

* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - You Reap What You Sow")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 14:13 serves as a potent reminder that even seemingly innocuous social engagements can carry profound spiritual and practical consequences, especially when we compromise our values or align ourselves with those who do not share our commitment to truth and integrity. Samson's cleverness, though impressive, was ultimately self-serving and led to a cycle of deceit and violence. For believers today, this passage challenges us to examine our motivations in competitive situations and our willingness to engage in "games" where the rules of integrity might be bent. It highlights the importance of wisdom, not just cunning, in our dealings, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God and leads to life, not further entanglement. The story of Samson reminds us that even divinely gifted individuals can fall prey to their own desires and pride, leading to painful outcomes. We are called to live with discernment, understanding that our choices, particularly in relationships and challenges, have ripple effects that impact not only ourselves but also those around us and our witness for God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to rely on my own cunning or strength rather than seeking God's wisdom and guidance?**
* **How do the "stakes" in my personal or professional challenges influence my ethical decisions?**
* **Am I discerning about the company I keep, ensuring that my relationships align with my spiritual values and do not lead me into compromise?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of seeking immediate gratification or victory through deceptive means, as illustrated by Samson's story?**

### FAQ
**Why was the wager so valuable?**

Answer: The wager of "thirty sheets and thirty change of garments" was extremely valuable in ancient times because these items represented significant wealth and status. "Sheets" (Hebrew _sadîn_) were fine linen garments, often luxurious and costly to produce. "Change of garments" (Hebrew _ḥălîpôt bĕgādîm_) referred to complete sets of festive or ceremonial clothing, which were not everyday wear but reserved for special occasions. Possessing multiple sets of such high-quality apparel was a clear sign of affluence. Samson's demand for such a large quantity underscored the difficulty of his riddle and his confidence in its insolubility without insider knowledge, making the potential loss a considerable financial burden for the Philistines. This high value also served to heighten the dramatic tension and pressure on the Philistines to solve the riddle, leading to their desperate measures later in the chapter ([Judges 14:15](/judges/14-15 "Judges 14:15 - The Philistines Coerce Samson's Wife")).

**Why did Samson propose a riddle at his wedding feast?**

Answer: Proposing riddles at feasts was a common cultural custom in the ancient Near East, serving as a form of entertainment and an intellectual contest. Samson, known for his strength and cunning, used this tradition to challenge his thirty Philistine companions. His riddle was based on a unique personal experience ([Judges 14:8-9](/judges/14-8 "Judges 14:8-9 - Samson's Experience with the Lion and Honey")), making it virtually impossible to solve without direct knowledge of his secret. By proposing such a riddle with a high-stakes wager, Samson was asserting his dominance and wit over the Philistines, who were oppressing Israel at the time. It was a personal challenge, a display of intellectual superiority, and a strategic move that ultimately escalated the conflict between him and his Philistine adversaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 14:13 details a moment of human cunning and a high-stakes wager, it subtly points to the ultimate "riddle" and "wager" fulfilled in Christ. Samson, though a flawed deliverer, foreshadows one who would truly conquer the enemy and pay the ultimate price. Just as Samson's riddle was unsolvable by human wisdom alone, the mystery of God's redemptive plan was hidden for ages but revealed in Christ ([Ephesians 3:9-10](/ephesians/3-9 "Ephesians 3:9-10 - The Mystery Revealed in Christ")). The "wager" in Judges 14:13 involved material garments, but Christ's victory involved the shedding of His own garments and blood, ultimately securing for us the "garments of salvation" and the "robe of righteousness" ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")). Unlike Samson, whose cunning led to further conflict, Jesus, the true wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, not through a riddle that traps, but through a truth that liberates ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")). His life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate triumph over sin and death, a victory freely given to all who believe, far surpassing any earthly wager or material gain ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.