Judges 14:13

13 But if you can't explain it to me, you must give me 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothes." "Tell us your riddle," they replied.^[a] "Let's hear it."

Judges 14:13 Meaning and Commentary

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 they said unto him, put forth thy riddle that we may hear it;
not thereby to judge whether they would agree to his proposals, but hereby suggesting that they accepted his terms and conditions, either to give or receive the above premium, if they did or did not hit on the explanation of the riddle.

Judges 14:13 In-Context

11 When the Philistines saw him, they brought 30 men to accompany him.

12 "Let me tell you a riddle," Samson said to them. "If you can explain it to me during the seven days of the feast and figure it out, I will give you 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothes.

13 But if you can't explain it to me, you must give me 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothes." "Tell us your riddle," they replied. "Let's hear it."

14 So he said to them: Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet. After three days, they were unable to explain the riddle.

15 On the fourth day they said to Samson's wife, "Persuade 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?"

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit replied to him