Bible Dictionary
Riddle
A riddle is a puzzling saying that requires interpretation. Scripture records Samson’s riddle and also uses the term for figurative or obscure speech.
Definition
A riddle is a puzzling or figurative saying whose meaning requires interpretation. It may be presented as a question, an enigmatic statement, or an allegory.
Biblical Usage
Samson’s saying in Judges is the clearest biblical example of a riddle. Ezekiel calls a parabolic prophecy a riddle, though it is more properly an allegory. Paul uses the expression “in a riddle” for seeing obscurely.
Historical Background
Ancient peoples, especially Orientals, valued riddles and difficult questions. The questions brought by the queen of Sheba to Solomon were profound inquiries, while riddles such as Samson’s were commonly expressed in verse.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the only example of a riddle was that propounded by Samson (Judg. 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 Cor. 13:12 is the rendering of the Greek enigma; marg., “in a riddle.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
It 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)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>rid'-'-l (chidhah; ainigma).</p><p>See GAMES.</p>