### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **chakkîym**, represented by `{{H2445}}`, means **wise** and is often used to describe a Magian. It appears 14 times across 13 unique verses, with all occurrences found in the book of Daniel, where it designates the professional class of advisors in Babylon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **chakkîym** `{{H2445}}` consistently refers to the **wise** men of Babylon who served kings like Nebuchadnezzar. They were a collective group that included astrologers `{{H826}}`, Chaldeans `{{H3779}}`, and soothsayers `{{H1505}}` [[Daniel 5:7]]. A central theme is their repeated failure when summoned by the king to interpret dreams and mysterious writings; they were unable to provide the answers sought ([[Daniel 2:27]], [[Daniel 5:8]]). This impotence provoked the king's fury, leading to a decree that all the **wise** men of Babylon should be destroyed [[Daniel 2:12]]. This order endangered Daniel and his fellows, who were counted among their number ([[Daniel 2:13]], [[Daniel 2:18]]). Daniel ultimately saved them by demonstrating wisdom from a divine source [[Daniel 2:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the role and context of the **chakkîym**:
* `{{H2452}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): This is the quality the **wise** men were expected to possess. The narrative emphasizes that true **wisdom** is a gift from God, who "giveth **wisdom** unto the wise" [[Daniel 2:21]]. It is this divine **wisdom** that allows Daniel to succeed.
* `{{H3779}}` **Kasday** (Chaldean): This term is frequently used to identify a key group within the broader category of **wise** men. The king summoned the astrologers and the **Chaldeans** when seeking an interpretation [[Daniel 5:7]].
* `{{H826}}` **'ashshâph** (astrologer): This specifies a type of professional advisor included among the **wise** men. Daniel stated that neither the **wise** men, the **astrologers**, the magicians, nor the soothsayers could reveal the king's secret [[Daniel 2:27]].
* `{{H7328}}` **râz** (secret): This is what the **wise** men were repeatedly asked to reveal. Their inability to interpret the king's **secret** [[Daniel 2:27]] stands in stark contrast to the God of heaven who reveals secrets [[Daniel 2:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2445}}` is significant in the book of Daniel. It serves to illustrate several key themes:
* **Insufficiency of Human Wisdom:** The **wise** men of Babylon represent the best of human knowledge and occult practices, yet they consistently fail to interpret divine revelations ([[Daniel 4:18]], [[Daniel 5:8]]). Their failure highlights the limitations of worldly wisdom when confronted with the plans of God.
* **Source of True Wisdom:** The narrative uses the failure of the **chakkîym** to contrast them with Daniel. True wisdom `{{H2452}}` and knowledge `{{H4486}}` are not human achievements but gifts from the God of heaven `{{H426}}`, who alone reveals mysteries ([[Daniel 2:21]], [[Daniel 2:27]]).
* **God's Sovereignty:** The powerlessness of the king's most trusted advisors demonstrates God's ultimate authority over earthly kingdoms. He is the one who removes kings `{{H4430}}` and sets them up [[Daniel 2:21]]. As a result of his God-given ability, Daniel was made chief over all the **wise** men of Babylon [[Daniel 2:48]], showing the supremacy of divine insight.
### Summary
In summary, **chakkîym** `{{H2445}}` is more than a simple label for intellectuals; it is a critical term in the book of Daniel that represents the totality of worldly and occult wisdom. The primary narrative function of the **wise** men is to fail, thereby demonstrating the inadequacy of human knowledge and powerfully contrasting it with the true, effective wisdom that comes only from God. Their story serves to underscore God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly power and knowledge.
TRV