חִידָה (chi.dah)
chi.dah
riddle
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chidah refers to a riddle, enigma, or dark saying that requires insight to solve. In the Old Testament, it appears fifteen times, often in contexts where wisdom is tested or divine truth is veiled in metaphor. Judges 14 records Samson’s famous challenge to the Philistines, while Proverbs uses the term to describe the puzzling nature of certain paths and decisions (Proverbs 1:6; 25:2). The word implies a statement that is not immediately clear but can be understood through careful thought.
Its root suggests something hidden or obscure, which explains why chidah often carries a sense of mystery. Unlike simple questions, it demands interpretation, making it a tool for teaching and reflection. Translators typically render it as "riddle" or "enigma," though the Hebrew concept extends beyond mere entertainment to include profound spiritual or moral insights wrapped in difficult language.
One notable feature is its use in Psalm 78:2, where the psalmist speaks of opening his mouth in parables and chidot from ancient times. This shows how the word functioned as a vehicle for preserving and transmitting cultural and religious memory. By framing truths in enigmatic forms, biblical writers invited listeners to engage deeply with Scripture rather than passively receive it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chidah points to truths that are hidden beneath the surface, requiring us to look deeper than the obvious. In Judges, Samson uses a riddle to test his guests, showing how these puzzles can reveal character and wisdom. Yet, the Bible also contrasts this with Moses, who speaks to God plainly, without such veiled language. This reminds us that while mystery has its place in learning, our relationship with God is built on clear communication and trust.
We see this word again in Proverbs and Psalms, where it describes the wise sayings of old. These were not just games for entertainment but tools to help people understand life’s complexities. When we read Scripture, we are invited to engage with these difficult passages rather than skip them. This engagement helps us grow in insight and appreciate the depth of God’s wisdom.
Even in Daniel, a ruler is described as one who understands riddles, highlighting the value of discernment in leadership. For us, this means that seeking understanding in our faith journey is a noble pursuit. It encourages patience and careful thought when facing life’s confusing moments. May we find comfort in knowing that God gives us the wisdom to uncover these hidden meanings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ riddle4×
- riddles2×
- by/ difficult matters2×
- riddle/ your1×
- riddle/ my1×
- of intrigue<s>1×
- by/ riddles1×
- and/ parables/ their1×
- a riddle1×
- <of> the/ riddle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/חִידָ֖ה2×
- חִידֽוֹת\׃1×
- חִידָתִֽ/י\׃1×
- חִידָתְ/ךָ֖1×
- חִידָ֑ה1×
- חִיד֣וֹת1×
- חִ֝יד֗וֹת1×
- וְ/חִידֹתָֽ/ם\׃1×
- הַֽ/חִידָ֥ה1×
- הַ֣/חִידָ֔ה1×
- הַ/חִידָ֑ה1×
- בְּ/חִידֽוֹת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 12:8
With him, I will speak mouth to mouth, even plainly, and not in riddles; and he shall see Yahweh’s form. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?”
This verse establishes a stark contrast between Moses’ direct communication with God and the indirect, riddling nature of prophecy for others.
-
Judges 14:14
He said to them, “Out of the eater came out food. Out of the strong came out sweetness.” They couldn’t in three days declare the riddle.
Here, the riddle itself is recorded, showing how imagery from nature (lion and honey) conceals a specific historical event requiring interpretation.
-
Psalms 78:2
I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old,
The psalmist uses this term to explain how ancient truths were preserved through enigmatic forms that required active engagement from the listener.
-
Proverbs 1:6
to understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.
This occurrence links riddles directly to wisdom literature, suggesting they are educational tools for understanding the words of the wise.