Overview
The Bible addresses betting across 8 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges. Closely related themes include Samson, Wives, Ox, the and Miracles Wrought Through Servants of God. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Samson.
Key Bible verses about betting
Old Testament
Judges
And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments: sheets: or, shirts
But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it. sheets: or, shirts
And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle.
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so? take: Heb. possess us, or, impoverish us?
And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people. the seven: or, the rest of the seven days
And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. spoil: or, apparel
People in the Bible and betting
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying betting for yourself
- Begin with Judges 14:12, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Samson and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Samson, Wives, Ox, the and Miracles Wrought Through Servants of God.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about betting?
The Bible addresses betting across 8 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges. Closely related themes include Samson, Wives, Ox, the and Miracles Wrought Through Servants of God. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Samson.
How many Bible verses are about betting?
The Bible references betting in 8 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention betting?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Judges 14:12: “And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments: sheets: or, shirts”
Which people in the Bible are associated with betting?
Samson.
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