from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly).
Transliteration:daʻath
Pronunciation:dah'-ath
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word דַּעַת (daʻath), transliterated as daʻath, is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root יָדַע (yadaʻ, `{{H3045}}`), meaning "to know." As a noun, daʻath primarily signifies "knowledge." Its semantic range is remarkably broad, encompassing various facets of knowing:
* **Cognitive Understanding:** Intellectual apprehension, facts, information, and comprehension (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:6]]).
* **Practical Skill/Discernment:** Expertise, cunning, or the ability to apply understanding effectively (e.g., implied in the base definition's "cunning").
* **Moral Awareness:** The capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil (e.g., [[Genesis 2:9]]).
* **Experiential Knowledge:** Knowledge gained through direct experience, often implying a deep, personal, and relational understanding, particularly in the context of knowing God (e.g., [[Hosea 6:6]]).
* **Absence of Knowledge:** The term can also highlight a lack thereof, leading to ignorance or unawareness, often with negative consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Daʻath appears over 90 times in the Old Testament, with significant concentrations in the Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) and the Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea).
* **In Creation and the Fall:** The "tree of the knowledge (daʻath) of good and evil" ([[Genesis 2:9]]) is a foundational instance. Here, daʻath refers to moral discernment, the ability to make ethical judgments, which humanity sought to acquire independently of God, leading to the Fall.
* **In Wisdom Literature:** Daʻath is often presented as a divine gift and a cornerstone of wisdom (חָכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`). [[Proverbs 1:7]] states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (daʻath); fools despise wisdom and instruction." It is the raw material, the understanding from which wisdom is applied. [[Proverbs 24:5]] highlights its strength: "A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge (daʻath) increases strength."
* **In the Prophets:** A profound and critical theme emerges in the prophetic books where a lack of daʻath is a primary cause of Israel's downfall. [[Hosea 4:6]] famously declares, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (daʻath)." This is not merely intellectual ignorance but a profound deficiency in their covenantal relationship with God, a failure to know Him personally and to live according to His revealed will. Similarly, [[Isaiah 5:13]] laments, "Therefore My people have gone into captivity because they have no knowledge (daʻath)." This points to a spiritual blindness and moral decay resulting from a failure to acknowledge and obey God.
* **As a Divine Attribute:** God Himself is characterized by perfect daʻath. [[1 Samuel 2:3]] proclaims, "For the Lord is a God of knowledge (daʻath), and by Him actions are weighed." His knowledge is comprehensive and absolute.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **יָדַע (yadaʻ, `{{H3045}}`):** The verbal root from which daʻath is derived. This verb encompasses knowing in all its forms: cognitive, experiential, relational, and even intimate (e.g., [[Genesis 4:1]], "Adam knew Eve"). Daʻath is the nominalized state of this knowing.
* **חָכְמָה (chokmah, `{{H2451}}`):** "Wisdom." Often paired with daʻath. While daʻath is the possession of understanding, chokmah is the skillful application of that understanding in practical living. One needs daʻath to develop chokmah.
* **בִּינָה (binah, `{{H998}}`):** "Understanding" or "discernment." This term often appears alongside daʻath and chokmah, signifying the ability to distinguish between things, to discern patterns, and to comprehend relationships.
* **תְּבוּנָה (tevunah, `{{H8394}}`):** Another term for "understanding" or "insight," similar in meaning to binah, often implying practical skill or discernment.
* **מַדָּע (maddaʻ, `{{H4093}}`):** A less common noun for "knowledge," also from yadaʻ, often referring to intellectual or scientific knowledge.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of daʻath is profound and multifaceted:
* **The Knowledge of God as Covenantal Relationship:** Perhaps the most critical theological use of daʻath is in relation to knowing God. In the prophets, particularly Hosea, daʻath signifies not merely intellectual assent to facts about God, but a deep, personal, and covenantal relationship with Him, characterized by obedience, faithfulness, and intimacy. [[Hosea 6:6]] explicitly states, "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge (daʻath) of God rather than burnt offerings." This highlights that true daʻath of God transcends ritual and legalism, demanding a transformed heart and life.
* **Moral Responsibility and Accountability:** The "knowledge of good and evil" in Genesis establishes humanity's moral capacity and, crucially, the responsibility that comes with it. The Fall demonstrates the danger of pursuing such knowledge independently of God's guidance. True moral daʻath is therefore rooted in God's revealed will.
* **Foundation for Righteous Living:** For the wise, daʻath is a prerequisite for living righteously and discerning God's ways. It is the light by which one navigates life's complexities, leading to prudence, discernment, and ultimately, a life pleasing to God.
* **Consequences of Ignorance:** The prophetic warnings about "lack of knowledge" underscore that spiritual ignorance is not benign; it leads to moral decay, covenant infidelity, and divine judgment. This emphasizes the vital importance of seeking and cultivating daʻath concerning God and His ways.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience:** God's attribute of daʻath ([[1 Samuel 2:3]]) reinforces His absolute sovereignty and perfect understanding of all things, past, present, and future.
### Summary
דַּעַת (daʻath) is a pivotal Hebrew term for "knowledge," derived from the verb יָדַע (yadaʻ). Its semantic range is broad, encompassing cognitive understanding, practical skill, and moral discernment. Theologically, its most profound meaning lies in the "knowledge of God," which is presented not merely as intellectual assent but as an intimate, covenantal, and transformative relationship. The Old Testament consistently emphasizes that genuine daʻath is a divine gift, foundational to wisdom, and essential for righteous living. Conversely, a lack of daʻath concerning God is depicted as a grave spiritual deficiency leading to moral decay, covenant infidelity, and severe consequences. Thus, daʻath is far more than mere information; it is the very essence of a life lived in conscious, obedient, and loving relationship with the Creator.
TRV