apparently from דַּר and דֵּעַ; pearl of knowledge; Darda, an Israelite; Darda.
Transliteration:Dardaʻ
Pronunciation:dar-dah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun דַּרְדַּע (Dardaʻ, `{{H1862}}`) is understood etymologically to mean "pearl of knowledge." This interpretation is derived from a proposed compound of two elements: דַּר (dar), which can relate to "pearl" or "mother-of-pearl," and דֵּעַ (dea), meaning "knowledge," stemming from the verb יָדַע (yadaʻ, `{{H3045}}`), "to know." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual. The name itself, however, carries an inherent meaning that aligns with the individual's biblical portrayal, suggesting a person of profound understanding and insight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dardaʻ is mentioned in two key passages within the Hebrew Bible:
1. [[1 Kings 4:31]]: "For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about." In this verse, Dardaʻ is presented as one of the preeminent wise men of his time, serving as a standard against which King Solomon's unparalleled wisdom is measured. The phrase "sons of Mahol" might indicate a family or a guild of wise individuals or musicians, though its precise meaning is debated.
2. [[1 Chronicles 2:6]]: "The sons of Zerah: Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all." Here, Dardaʻ (listed as "Dara" in some translations, a variant spelling of the same name) is genealogically placed as a son of Zerah, who was a son of Judah. This passage firmly situates him within the tribe of Judah, providing his lineage. The list of names (Ethan, Heman, Calcol, Dardaʻ) closely parallels that in 1 Kings, confirming the identity of these figures as renowned for their wisdom.
The consistent portrayal of Dardaʻ as a man of great wisdom in both historical and genealogical contexts reinforces the aptness of his name, "pearl of knowledge." His inclusion among a select group of wise men underscores his significant reputation in ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **דֵּעַ (dea):** As the second component of Dardaʻ's name, this word directly links him to the concept of "knowledge." This connection highlights the value placed on intellectual and experiential understanding in biblical thought.
* **יָדַע (yadaʻ, `{{H3045}}`):** The root verb from which דֵּעַ is derived, meaning "to know," encompasses a broad spectrum of knowledge, from intellectual comprehension to intimate, personal acquaintance.
* **חָכְמָה (chokhmah, `{{H2451}}`):** "Wisdom." Dardaʻ's reputation is directly related to this core biblical concept. His wisdom, though great, is implicitly contrasted with Solomon's divinely-imparted wisdom, which is of a different order.
* **Ethan, Heman, Calcol:** These individuals are consistently mentioned alongside Dardaʻ as fellow men of great wisdom. Their collective mention establishes a benchmark for human sagacity in their era. Notably, Heman and Ethan are also associated with musical leadership in the temple ([[1 Chronicles 6:33]], [[1 Chronicles 15:19]]), suggesting that "wisdom" in this context might have encompassed artistic and spiritual understanding beyond mere intellect.
* **Solomon's Wisdom:** The ultimate standard against which Dardaʻ's wisdom is measured. Solomon's wisdom is presented as a unique divine gift ([[1 Kings 3:12]]), surpassing all human wisdom, including that of Dardaʻ and his contemporaries.
### Theological Significance
Dardaʻ, as a figure of eminent human wisdom, serves a significant theological purpose in the biblical narrative. His existence and renown establish a high standard for human intellectual capacity and insight. However, his wisdom is ultimately depicted as finite when compared to the divinely-imparted wisdom of King Solomon. This contrast underscores a crucial theological principle: while human wisdom can be profound and valuable, it is always limited and ultimately surpassed by the wisdom that originates from God ([[Proverbs 9:10]]).
The name "pearl of knowledge" itself carries theological resonance, suggesting that true knowledge is a precious and highly valued commodity. While Dardaʻ's knowledge was worldly, the name implicitly points to the high esteem in which knowledge was held in ancient Israel, particularly knowledge that leads to wisdom and understanding. Dardaʻ's story implicitly affirms God's sovereignty in bestowing gifts, whether it be the remarkable human wisdom of Dardaʻ or the unparalleled divine wisdom granted to Solomon. Every good and perfect gift, including wisdom, comes from above ([[James 1:17]]). His inclusion in the genealogies of Judah further highlights the importance of lineage and continuity within God's covenant people.
### Summary
Dardaʻ (`{{H1862}}`, דַּרְדַּע), meaning "pearl of knowledge," is a proper noun designating an Israelite renowned for his exceptional wisdom. He is mentioned in [[1 Kings 4:31]] as one of the wisest men of his era, alongside Ethan, Heman, and Calcol, though his sagacity was ultimately surpassed by King Solomon's divinely-granted wisdom. [[1 Chronicles 2:6]] places him genealogically within the tribe of Judah as a son of Zerah. His name perfectly reflects his biblical portrayal as a man of profound understanding. Theologically, Dardaʻ serves as a crucial benchmark for human wisdom, highlighting by contrast the unique and transcendent nature of wisdom that emanates directly from God. His presence in the biblical text underscores the value placed on knowledge and the profound truth that all genuine wisdom, whether humanly acquired or divinely bestowed, ultimately flows from the Creator.
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