What riddles are found in the Bible?

Definition and Nature of Biblical Riddles

A riddle, in the broader sense, is a puzzling statement or question formulated to test one’s ingenuity and understanding. In the Bible, riddles often appear in poetic or metaphorical contexts and require discernment to grasp deeper layers of meaning. The original Hebrew term often translated as “riddle” is חִידָה (ḥîḏâ), which can also be rendered as “dark saying” or “enigma.” These riddles are not mere word games; they serve to conceal truth from the irreverent while inviting the faithful to seek divine wisdom.

Samson’s Riddle (Judges 14:12–20)

One of the most famous riddles in the Hebrew Scriptures is found in the life of Samson. During his wedding feast, Samson proposes a challenge to his Philistine guests:

“Let me propose a riddle to you. If you can give me the correct answer within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. But if you cannot answer it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” (Judges 14:12–13)

Samson’s riddle refers to his personal encounter with a lion and bees:

“Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” (Judges 14:14)

The puzzle arises from the unexpected scenario where Samson found honey in the carcass of a lion he had killed. The Philistines could not solve it until they extracted the answer from Samson’s bride by coercion. This serves as a vivid example of how riddles in Scripture point to deeper spiritual truths—something powerful (the lion) containing something life-giving (the honey). Themes of God’s deliverance and unexpected providence shine through even in this cryptic narrative.

The Riddle in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 17:1–10)

Ezekiel 17 opens with the prophet receiving a divine command: “Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel.” (Ezekiel 17:2). The riddle describes two eagles and a vine, symbolizing earthly kings and the fate of Judah. Rather than presenting a mere brain-teaser, it depicts the spiritual and political dimensions of Israel’s unfaithfulness. It is “riddling” in the sense that it veils profound realities—God’s sovereignty over nations, and the consequences of rebellion—behind metaphorical images of eagles and vines.

Queen of Sheba and Solomon’s “Hard Questions” (1 Kings 10:1–9)

While the term “riddle” (chidah) does not explicitly appear in every English translation of 1 Kings 10, the queen of Sheba is described as testing Solomon with “hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1). The sense of the Hebrew text suggests riddles or difficult philosophical puzzles. Solomon’s ability to answer all the queen’s questions underscores his God-given wisdom:

“So Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain.” (1 Kings 10:3)

This episode emphasizes that divine wisdom surpasses human ingenuity. Though the queen’s prospected “riddles” might have been sophisticated, they were no match for the discernment and understanding granted to Solomon by God (1 Kings 3:9–12).

Proverbs and “Dark Sayings”

The Book of Proverbs acknowledges the existence of riddles and “dark sayings.” In its introductory verses, it declares that a primary purpose of the proverbs is:

“…to understand the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.” (Proverbs 1:6)

These “dark sayings” often require insight, reflection, and a fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) to be properly interpreted. In ancient Israel, riddles and proverbs were a primary means of cultivating wisdom. By pondering a riddle, a lover of wisdom exercises the mind and heart to seek divine instruction.

Daniel and the Interpretation of Puzzles

Though the term “riddle” is not always employed in Daniel, the prophet’s remarkable ability to interpret dreams and enigmas (Daniel 1:17; 5:12) parallels the solving of riddles. King Belshazzar’s puzzling writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5–8) and Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams (Daniel 2 and 4) are prime examples of “hard questions” requiring Divine illumination. Daniel’s role illustrates how, in Scripture, riddles and mysteries can highlight God’s sovereignty and the necessity of spiritual discernment.

Riddles and the Teachings of Jesus

While the Gospels do not typically label Jesus’ sayings as “riddles,” He frequently used parables and enigmatic statements that function similarly. In Matthew 13:10–11, Jesus explains that He speaks in parables to reveal knowledge to those who genuinely seek after God while concealing it from those with hardened hearts. Though not exactly “riddles” in the Samson sense, parables often confront listeners with puzzling scenarios—the “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven”—requiring humble hearts to perceive their eternal significance.

Symbolic Imagery in Revelation

The Book of Revelation employs symbolic imagery that can feel riddle-like. For instance, the cryptic reference to the number of the beast:

“This calls for wisdom: Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and that number is 666.” (Revelation 13:18)

The text invites discernment, similar to decoding a riddle. Elsewhere, symbolic depictions of dragons, beasts, and seals (Revelation 5–13) are revealed through visions that require God-given insight. In this sense, Revelation’s apocalyptic language can be considered “riddling,” pointing to spiritual realities behind earthly events.

Purpose and Function of Riddles in Scripture

Biblical riddles serve several vital purposes:

• They test the sincerity of the listener’s desire for truth.

• They challenge the mind and heart to higher understanding.

• They conceal truth from those who scoff at divine wisdom and reveal it to those who approach in faith.

• They illustrate that God’s ways can only be discerned by spiritual insight rather than mere human logic.

By employing riddles, Scripture reminds readers that profound revelation often emerges through thoughtful meditation on even the most puzzling passages.

Cultural and Historical Context of Riddles

In ancient Near Eastern culture, riddles were a common form of entertainment and intellectual challenge. They not only showcased linguistic skill but also theological insight. Samson’s riddle took place at a wedding feast (Judges 14), a setting where guests would expect forms of amusement and mental trials. Similarly, the queen of Sheba’s tests for Solomon reflect a widespread tradition of royal courts exchanging difficult questions and riddles to display the prowess of their counselors and gods.

Archaeological findings in regions of the Near East confirm the presence of inscriptions that posed or recorded riddles, paralleling the biblical use. The structure and style of such ancient riddles bear resemblance to those found in Scripture, highlighting a shared cultural milieu. This alignment with known history adds credibility to the biblical accounts and situates them plausibly in the larger tapestry of the ancient world.

Practical Reflections

1. Seeking Divine Wisdom: Biblical riddles encourage us to seek understanding from God (James 1:5). Just as Daniel and Solomon relied on divine assistance to interpret mysteries, believers today are reminded to pray for insight into Scripture.

2. Embracing Mystery: Riddles teach that not every matter is immediately clear. This invites humility as we approach the Word of God, acknowledging that His thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).

3. Spiritual Depth: Engaging with riddles and parables intensifies our relationship with God, as we keep digging for the gold of truth. Jesus Himself highlighted the importance of meditating on His words to unlock the “mysteries of the kingdom” (Matthew 13:11).

4. Testimony to Inspiration: The complexity and variety of riddles, parables, and “dark sayings” in Scripture demonstrate the unity and divine origin of the text. Far from being contradictory or haphazard, they align with the Bible’s overarching themes of redemption and the revelation of God’s character.

Conclusion

Riddles in the Bible are more than literary curiosities. They reflect deep spiritual realities, inviting seekers to press into God’s presence for revelation. Whether in Samson’s challenge to the Philistines, Ezekiel’s cryptic descriptions, or the hidden wisdom of Christ’s parables, biblical riddles underscore that living truth is found by those who diligently search.

As Scripture consistently testifies, true understanding comes when we “trust in the LORD with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Engaging with riddles in the Word unveils eternal truths that glorify the Author behind them—One who challenges our minds, transforms our hearts, and draws us closer to Himself.