English · KJV
H2420

חִידָה

chîydâh /khee-daw'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom חוּד
Meaninga puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim
KJV usagedark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of chîydâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word chîydâh, represented by H2420, refers to a puzzle, riddle, or dark saying. It is derived from the root H2330 chûwd, meaning "to propound a riddle." Appearing 17 times in 17 unique verses, it describes enigmatic statements or hard questions that require wisdom and discernment to understand.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H2420 is used to denote challenges of wit and wisdom. Samson famously put forth a riddle H2420 to his companions, a test that ultimately leads to conflict Judges 14:12. The Queen of Sheba traveled to prove H5254 Solomon's renowned wisdom with hard questions H2420 1 Kings 10:1. The term also describes a form of divine communication. God distinguishes his direct relationship with Moses by stating he speaks with him "mouth to mouth... and not in dark speeches H2420" Numbers 12:8. In wisdom literature, understanding proverbs and dark sayings H2420 is presented as a hallmark of the wise Proverbs 1:6.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning and use of H2420:

  • H2330 chûwd (put forth): As the primitive root of H2420, this verb means to propound a riddle. It is used when God commands Ezekiel to "put forth a riddle" to the house of Israel Ezekiel 17:2.
  • H4912 mâshâl (parable, proverb): This word for a pithy or metaphorical saying is often paired with H2420. The psalmist declares he will "utter dark sayings H2420" in a parable H4912 Psalms 78:2.
  • H5046 nâgad (declare, expound): This word signifies the act of explaining or solving a riddle. Samson's companions were unable to expound the riddle H2420 he posed to them Judges 14:14.
  • H4426 mᵉlîytsâh (interpretation, taunting): An aphorism or satire. It appears alongside H2420 to describe complex forms of speech that require understanding, such as proverbs and their interpretation Proverbs 1:6.

Theological Significance

The theological and intellectual weight of H2420 is significant, highlighting several key concepts:

  • A Test of Wisdom: Riddles and hard questions are frequently used as a test of one's intelligence and character. The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon is a primary example, using hard questions H2420 to verify his fame 1 Kings 10:1.
  • A Vehicle for Profound Truth: A "dark saying" is not necessarily deceptive but rather a profound truth veiled in figurative language, requiring spiritual insight. The prophet Ezekiel is instructed to speak a riddle H2420 and a parable to convey God's message to Israel Ezekiel 17:2.
  • The Nature of Divine Revelation: The word underscores that God communicates in different ways. While He spoke to Moses with unique clarity, not in dark speeches H2420 Numbers 12:8, at other times He employs parables and riddles that require careful thought and a receptive heart to be understood Psalms 78:2.

Summary

In summary, H2420 chîydâh represents much more than a simple puzzle. It is a tool for testing wisdom, a literary device for conveying complex truths, and a concept that illustrates the varying nature of divine communication. From a wedding feast challenge to prophetic pronouncements, this term shows how enigmatic language can conceal and reveal profound meaning.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 17 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • חִידָה
  • חִידוֹת
  • חִידָתִ
  • חִידֹתָ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H2330 חוּד a primitive root; properly, to tie a knot, i.e. (figuratively) to propound a riddle; put forth. H5254 נָסָה a primitive root; to test; by implication, to attempt; adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. H4912 מָשָׁל apparently from מָשַׁל in some original sense of superiority in mental action; properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metap H5046 נָגַד a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figurat H4426 מְלִיצָה from לוּץ; an aphorism; also a satire; interpretation, taunting.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 17 verses across 9 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Judges (8 verses); never once in the other 30.

1
Numbers
8
Judges
1
1 Kings
1
2 Chronicles
2
Psalms
1
Proverbs
1
Ezekiel
1
Daniel
1
Habakkuk

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.