Judges 14:12

12. I will now put forth a riddle unto you Literally, I will twist you a knot. The custom of telling riddles at banquets for the purpose of entertainment was an ancient custom, and is often mentioned or alluded to by Greek writers.

Within the seven days That is, within the rest of the seven days which now remained of the feast. See notes on Judges 14:14; Judges 14:17. Probably the amusement of telling and guessing riddles had been going on for several days of the feast before Samson proposed this one.

Thirty sheets One for each guest. Sheets is not a proper rendering of the Hebrew word, but shirts, as in the margin. They were under-garments woven of fine linen, and probably very costly.

Change of garments Costly dresses, which were frequently changed on festal occasions. Compare Genesis 45:22; 2 Kings 5:5. The prize of such inner and outer garments was therefore worth contending for.