During the seven-day wedding feast, Samson poses a riddle to thirty Philistine companions assigned to him: "Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness." The wager involves thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing.

The companions, unable to solve it for three days, coerce Samson's bride through threats of burning her and her father's house. Distraught, she weeps and pleads with Samson until he reveals the answer on the seventh day: the lion (the strong eater) and the honey (something sweet to eat).