Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, a riddle is a form of enigmatic or puzzling statement that requires thought and discernment to understand. Riddles are used in the Bible to convey deeper truths, challenge the listener, or reveal wisdom. They often serve as a test of intelligence or insight, and their solutions can lead to greater understanding or revelation.
Samson's RiddleOne of the most famous riddles in the Bible is found in the account of Samson, a judge of Israel, in the Book of Judges. During his wedding feast, Samson posed a riddle to his Philistine guests: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet" (
Judges 14:14). This riddle was based on an earlier event where Samson had killed a lion and later found bees and honey in its carcass. The Philistines were unable to solve the riddle until they coerced Samson's wife into revealing the answer. This incident led to a series of events that furthered the conflict between Samson and the Philistines.
Purpose and SignificanceRiddles in the Bible often serve multiple purposes. They can be a form of entertainment, a test of wisdom, or a means to convey spiritual truths. In the case of Samson, the riddle was a demonstration of his cleverness and a challenge to his enemies. However, it also foreshadowed the ongoing struggle between Israel and the Philistines, highlighting the tension and conflict that characterized Samson's life and mission.
Wisdom LiteratureRiddles are also associated with wisdom literature in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. While not always explicitly labeled as riddles, many proverbs contain enigmatic sayings that require contemplation and insight to understand. These sayings are designed to impart wisdom and encourage the reader to seek deeper understanding. For example,
Proverbs 1:6 speaks of understanding "a proverb and a parable, the words of the wise and their riddles" , indicating that riddles are a component of the wisdom tradition in Scripture.
Prophetic and Apocalyptic ContextsIn prophetic and apocalyptic literature, riddles can take the form of symbolic visions or cryptic messages that require interpretation. The Book of Daniel, for instance, contains visions and dreams that are riddles in need of divine interpretation. Daniel's ability to interpret these riddles is a testament to his God-given wisdom and insight. Similarly, the Book of Revelation is filled with symbolic language and imagery that can be seen as riddles, challenging the reader to discern their meaning in the context of God's ultimate plan for humanity.
Jesus and ParablesWhile not riddles in the traditional sense, Jesus' use of parables in the New Testament can be seen as a form of enigmatic teaching. Parables often contain hidden meanings that require spiritual insight to understand. Jesus used parables to reveal truths about the Kingdom of God, often leaving his listeners to ponder their meaning. In this way, parables function similarly to riddles, inviting the listener to seek deeper understanding and reflection.
ConclusionRiddles in the Bible serve as a tool for teaching, testing, and revealing deeper truths. Whether in the form of Samson's challenge, the wisdom of Proverbs, or the symbolic language of prophecy, riddles invite believers to engage with Scripture thoughtfully and seek the wisdom that comes from God.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
RiddleIt is known that all ancient nations, and especially Orientals, were fond of riddles. The riddles which the queen of Sheba came to ask of Solomon, (1 Kings 10:1;2 Chronicles 9:1) were rather "hard questions" referring to profound inquiries. Solomon is said, however, to have been very fond of riddles. Riddles were generally proposed in verse, like the celebrated riddle of Samson. (Judges 14:14-19)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Hebrews hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the only example of a riddle was that propounded by Samson (
Judges 14:12-18). The parabolic prophecy in
Ezek. 17:2-18 is there called a "riddle." It was rather, however, an allegory. The word "darkly" in
1 Corinthians 13:12 is the rendering of the Greek enigma; marg., "in a riddle."
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A sieve with coarse meshes, usually of wire, for separating coarser materials from finer, as chaff from grain, cinders from ashes, or gravel from sand.
2. (n.) A board having a row of pins, set zigzag, between which wire is drawn to straighten it.
3. (v. t.) To separate, as grain from the chaff, with a riddle; to pass through a riddle; as, riddle wheat; to riddle coal or gravel.
4. (v. t.) To perforate so as to make like a riddle; to make many holes in; as, a house riddled with shot.
5. (n.) Something proposed to be solved by guessing or conjecture; a puzzling question; an ambiguous proposition; an enigma; hence, anything ambiguous or puzzling.
6. (v. t.) To explain; to solve; to unriddle.
7. (v. i.) To speak ambiguously or enigmatically.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
RIDDLErid'-'-l (chidhah; ainigma).
SeeGAMES.
Greek
135. ainigma -- ariddle... a
riddle. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ainigma Phonetic Spelling:
(ah'-ee-nig-ma) Short Definition: a
riddle, an enigma Definition: a
riddle...4617. siniazo -- to sift
... sift. From sinion (a sieve); toriddle (figuratively) -- sift. (siniasai) -- 1
Occurrence. 4616, 4617. siniazo. 4617a . Strong's Numbers.
Strong's Hebrew
2420. chidah -- ariddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or...... chidah. 2421 . a
riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question. Transliteration:
chidah Phonetic Spelling: (khee-daw') Short Definition:
riddle.
...284. Achichud -- "brother of ariddle," a Benjamite
... 283, 284. Achichud. 285 . "brother of ariddle," a Benjamite. Transliteration:
Achichud Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-khood') Short Definition: Ahihud....
2330. chud -- to propound ariddle
... 2329, 2330. chud. 2331 . to propound ariddle. Transliteration: chud
Phonetic Spelling: (khood) Short Definition: propound. Word...
280. achidah -- ariddle
... 279, 280. achidah. 281 . ariddle. Transliteration: achidah Phonetic Spelling:
(akh-ee-daw') Short Definition: enigmas. Word Origin...
7001. qetar -- a joint, knot
... doubt, joint. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to qatar; a knot (as tied up),
ie (figuratively) ariddle; also a vertebra (as if a knot) -- doubt, joint....
Library
A Bible-Riddle
... A BIBLE-RIDDLE.... Thisriddle was told by Samson on his wedding-day, and nobody would
ever have guessed it if his wife had not let the secret out....
Introductory Notice by Professor MBRiddle, DD
... AN ANCIENT HOMILY, COMMONLY STYLED THE SECOND EPISTLE OF CLEMENT. Introductory Notice
by Professor MBRiddle, DD. section 1.--- text. In this volume, pp....
Samson's Wedding Feast
... And Samson said unto them, Let me now put forth ariddle unto you: if ye can declare
it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will...
Samson who did to Others as they did to Him
... And Samson said to them, "Let me now tell you ariddle. If you can... But for
six days they could not solve theriddle. On the seventh...
Introductory Notice to the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.
... with the Constitutions In order to give sufficient time, I entrusted the task, a
year ago, to the well-qualified head and hands of ProfessorRiddle of Hartford...
The Christian's Heaviness and Rejoicing
... Of all riddles, the greatestriddle is a Christian man. As to his pedigree,
what ariddle he is!... He is ariddle in his own existence....
Mr. ...
... "I don't know what ariddle is," said Diamond.... Mr. Raymond liked the old-fashioned
riddle best, and had written a few"-one of which he now read....
The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... "I will give you ariddle," said Samson.... And this was Samson'sriddle: "Out of the
eater came forth meat, And out of the strong came forth sweetness."....
Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought...
... Now as they were drinking merrily and playing, Samson said, as was usual at such
times, "Come, if I propose you ariddle, and you can expound it in these seven...
He Got up in the Morning as Soon as He Heard the Men Moving In...
... Now when Diamond had only to go straight ahead, and had not to mind so much what
he was about, his thoughts always turned to theriddle Mr. Raymond had set him...
Thesaurus
Riddle (11 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the
only example of a
riddle was that propounded by Samson (Judges 14:12-18).
...Expound (7 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To lay open the meaning of; to explain; to clear of obscurity; to interpret;
as, to expound a text of Scripture, a law, a word, a meaning, or ariddle....
Explained (25 Occurrences)
... You have put forth ariddle to the children of my people, and haven't told it me."
He said to her, "Behold, I haven't told it my father nor my mother, and...
Dark (234 Occurrences)
... DARK SAYINGS. (Proverbs 1:6 Psalm 78:2; singular, Psalm 49:4, 5; chidhoth, singular
chidhah, elsewhere rendered "riddle," "proverb"): In the heading to the...
Propound (3 Occurrences)
... church. Multi-Version Concordance Propound (3 Occurrences). Judges 14:12
Samson said to them, "Let me tell you ariddle now. If you...
Changes (27 Occurrences)
... shall be holy. It shall not be redeemed.'" (WEB BBE RSV). Judges 14:12 Samson
said to them, "Let me tell you ariddle now. If you can...
Sayings (134 Occurrences)
... DARK SAYINGS. (Proverbs 1:6 Psalm 78:2; singular, Psalm 49:4, 5; chidhoth, singular
chidhah, elsewhere rendered "riddle," "proverb"): In the heading to the...
Games (2 Occurrences)
... 7. Riddles: Riddles (chidhah; ainigma):Riddle-making andriddle-guessing were in
favor in the ancient East, both in educated circles and in comparatively...
Wraps (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wraps (6 Occurrences). Judges 14:12 Samson said
to them, "Let me tell you ariddle now. If you can declare...
Weepeth (29 Occurrences)
... Judges 14:16 And Samson's wife weepeth for it, and saith, 'Thou hast only hated
me, and hast not loved me; theriddle thou hast put forth to the sons of my...
Resources
What are some of the riddles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about manipulation / being manipulative? | GotQuestions.orgRiddle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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