חוּד (chud)
chud
to riddle
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chud means to pose a riddle or enigma. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within the book of Judges. In these instances, it describes a challenge issued by Samson to the Philistines, who demanded he solve their puzzle before his wedding feast.
As a denominational term, chud is rare and specific. It does not refer to general wisdom or proverbs but to a formal contest of wits. The context in Judges 14 highlights the tension between Samson and his oppressors, using the riddle as a tool for both deception and revelation.
Its rarity makes it a unique lexical marker. When translators encounter chud, they consistently use "riddle" to capture this specific act of posing a difficult question in a competitive setting. This distinguishes it from other Hebrew words for wisdom or teaching, focusing instead on the puzzle-like nature of the speech.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Samson’s riddle was more than a party game; it was a sharp tool in a conflict with his oppressors. The Hebrew word chud describes this specific act of posing a difficult, competitive puzzle. It shows how language can be used to test loyalty and reveal hidden truths under pressure.
In our own lives, we face moments where clarity is needed. Like Samson’s challenge, some questions demand more than surface answers. They invite us to look deeper into our relationships and our faith. This rare word reminds us that wisdom often comes through careful thought and honest engagement with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you have asked [the] riddle1×
- let me ask a riddle1×
- ask [the] riddle/ !1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַ֙דְתָּ֙1×
- ח֥וּדָ/ה1×
- אָחֽוּדָה\־1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 14:12
Samson said to them, “Let me tell you a riddle now. If you can tell me the answer within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing;
Samson uses chud to set a formal wager, turning a riddle into a high-stakes contest of wits with the Philistines.
-
Judges 14:16
Samson’s wife wept before him, and said, “You just hate me, and don’t love me. You’ve told a riddle to the children of my people, and haven’t told it to me.” He said to her, “Behold, I haven’t told my father or my mother, so why should I tell you?”
The word highlights the relational breach, as Samson’s wife feels excluded from the private challenge he issued to her people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chud mean in the Bible?
Why is chud significant in Judges 14?
How is chud different from other words for wisdom?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Judges 3 verses
Samson said to them, “Let me tell you a riddle now. If you can tell me the answer within the seven days of the feast,…
Judges 14:13but if you can’t tell me the answer, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing.” They…
Judges 14:16Samson’s wife wept before him, and said, “You just hate me, and don’t love me. You’ve told a riddle to the children of…