from חָכַם; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful); cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man).
Transliteration:châkâm
Pronunciation:khaw-kawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word châkâm (חָכָם - `{{H2450}}`) is primarily an adjective meaning "wise," but it also functions as a noun, "wise person" or "sage." It is derived from the verb châkam (חָכַם - `{{H2449}}`), "to be wise" or "to act wisely." The semantic range of châkâm is remarkably broad, encompassing several facets of wisdom:
* **Intellectual Acuity:** This refers to discernment, understanding, good judgment, and the ability to make sound decisions. It implies a deep insight into matters of life and truth.
* **Practical Skill and Craftsmanship:** châkâm can describe someone highly skilled in a particular trade or art, such as a master craftsman, artisan, or musician. It denotes technical expertise and dexterity.
* **Strategic Acumen and Cunning:** In certain contexts, châkâm can refer to shrewdness, astuteness, or even a manipulative cleverness. This aspect can carry a negative connotation, implying a worldly wisdom or craftiness used for self-serving or deceptive purposes.
* **Moral and Ethical Wisdom:** Especially prominent in the wisdom literature, châkâm signifies a person who lives righteously, adheres to divine commands, and understands the principles of a well-ordered life based on the fear of the Lord.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term châkâm occurs frequently throughout the Old Testament, with particular prominence in the wisdom books (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job). Its usage highlights different dimensions of wisdom:
* **Divine Endowment for Craftsmanship:** châkâm is used to describe those divinely gifted with skill for sacred tasks. For example, Bezalel and Oholiab, and all those "wise of heart" (חֲכְמֵי לֵב - chakmey lev), were filled with the Spirit of God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings ([[Exodus 28:3]], [[Exodus 31:6]], [[Exodus 35:10]], [[Exodus 35:31]]). This demonstrates that practical skill, when used for God's purposes, is a form of divine wisdom.
* **Royal and Governmental Advisors:** The word often refers to counselors, scribes, and those who offer advice to kings or rulers ([[Jeremiah 9:17]], [[Isaiah 19:11]]). Their wisdom is often contrasted with God's ultimate wisdom, highlighting the limitations of human counsel apart from divine truth.
* **Moral and Ethical Conduct:** In the book of Proverbs, a châkâm person is one who listens to instruction, accepts discipline, fears the Lord, and walks in righteous paths ([[Proverbs 10:1]], [[Proverbs 13:20]], [[Proverbs 15:20]]). They are contrasted with the "fool" (kesil - `{{H3684}}` or 'evil - `{{H200}}`), who despises wisdom and instruction. True wisdom leads to life and blessing.
* **Negative Connotations:** châkâm can describe a worldly or deceptive shrewdness. Pharaoh's counsel to deal "shrewdly" (derived from châkam) with the Israelites in [[Exodus 1:10]] exemplifies this. While châkâm itself isn't applied to the serpent in Eden (which is arum - `{{H6175}}`, "cunning"), the concept of deceptive intelligence falls within the broader semantic potential of worldly châkâm. [[Isaiah 5:21]] pronounces a woe upon those "who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight," indicating a self-referential wisdom that is ultimately foolish.
* **Solomon as the Paradigm:** King Solomon is presented as the quintessential châkâm figure in the Old Testament, having received an unparalleled gift of wisdom directly from God ([[1 Kings 3:12]], [[1 Kings 4:29-30]]). His wisdom extended to judgment, understanding, and knowledge of the natural world.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **chokmah (חָכְמָה - `{{H2451}}`):** This is the direct noun form, meaning "wisdom" itself. châkâm is the individual who possesses chokmah. These two terms are intrinsically linked.
* **binah (בִּינָה - `{{H998}}`):** Meaning "understanding" or "discernment." It often accompanies chokmah, as a truly châkâm person also possesses deep understanding.
* **da'at (דַּעַת - `{{H1847}}`):** "Knowledge." Wisdom builds upon knowledge, and a châkâm person is characterized by both.
* **tushiyah (תּוּשִׁיָּה - `{{H8439}}`):** "Sound wisdom" or "effective counsel." This term often describes the practical, beneficial outcome of wisdom.
* **'arum (עָרוּם - `{{H6175}}`):** "Shrewd," "subtle," or "crafty." While it can denote prudence in a positive sense, its negative connotation of cunning overlaps with the less desirable aspects of châkâm when used to describe worldly or deceptive intelligence.
* **Fear of the Lord:** This is the foundational principle of true biblical wisdom ([[Proverbs 1:7]], [[Psalm 111:10]]). A châkâm person is one who lives in reverence and obedience to God.
* **Folly:** The antithesis of châkâm. The wisdom literature frequently contrasts the châkâm (wise person) with the various types of fools (kesil, 'evil, natsal), highlighting the consequences of choosing folly over wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of châkâm is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Origin:** Ultimately, all true wisdom resides with God ([[Job 12:13]], [[Romans 11:33]]). Human chokmah and the state of being châkâm are presented as gifts from God, bestowed for specific purposes within His divine plan.
* **Moral and Ethical Imperative:** In the biblical worldview, particularly in the wisdom tradition, being châkâm is not merely about intellectual prowess but about a moral orientation. True wisdom is inextricably linked to righteousness, obedience to God's commands, and living a life that honors Him. It is a practical wisdom that leads to flourishing.
* **Distinction from Worldly Wisdom:** The Scriptures often draw a sharp contrast between divine wisdom and human, worldly wisdom. While human châkâm can be beneficial for practical matters, it is ultimately limited and can even be seen as foolishness in God's sight if it operates independently of or in opposition to His truth ([[1 Corinthians 1:20-25]]). The negative connotations of châkâm (cunning, craftiness) highlight this distinction.
* **Redemptive Purpose:** God's wisdom is supremely demonstrated in His creation, His governance of the world, and His plan of salvation. Those who are châkâm are called to discern and walk in His ways, participating in His redemptive purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word châkâm (חָכָם - `{{H2450}}`) describes one who is "wise," encompassing a wide semantic range from intellectual acumen and practical skill to strategic cunning. Rooted in the verb châkam (`{{H2449}}`), it is deeply intertwined with the noun chokmah (`{{H2451}}`), "wisdom." Biblically, châkâm individuals are often divinely empowered for craftsmanship (e.g., Tabernacle artisans), serve as royal advisors, or embody moral uprightness in the wisdom literature. While it can occasionally denote a negative, worldly shrewdness, its most significant theological meaning points to a wisdom sourced from God, characterized by the fear of the Lord, and leading to righteous living. The châkâm person, in the truest biblical sense, is one who understands and lives by God's principles, standing in stark contrast to the fool.
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