### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châkâm**, represented by `{{H2450}}`, is a key term for being **wise**, meaning intelligent, skilful, or artful. It appears **137 times** across **133 unique verses** in the Bible, demonstrating a broad application that encompasses divine insight, practical skill, and worldly cunning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2450}}` is used to describe a range of individuals. Pharaoh, for instance, called upon his **wise men** and magicians to interpret his dreams ([[Genesis 41:8]], [[Exodus 7:11]]). The term also denotes master artisans, such as Aholiab and others who were **wise** hearted, filled by God with wisdom to construct the sanctuary ([[Exodus 31:6]], [[Exodus 36:1]]). However, it can also describe those who are **wise** to do evil [[Jeremiah 4:22]], and Job notes that God "taketh the **wise** in their own craftiness" [[Job 5:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of wisdom and folly:
* `{{H2449}}` **châkam** (to be wise): The root verb from which `{{H2450}}` is derived. It signifies the process of becoming wise, as seen in the promise that one who walks with **wise** men "shall be **wise**" [[Proverbs 13:20]].
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): The noun form representing the quality of wisdom itself. God grants this quality to the **wise** hearted [[Exodus 28:3]], and Jeremiah warns the **wise** man not to glory in his **wisdom** [[Jeremiah 9:23]].
* `{{H995}}` **bîyn** (understand): Often paired with `{{H2450}}`, this term emphasizes discernment and prudence. God gave Solomon a **wise** and **understanding** heart [[1 Kings 3:12]], and a great nation is described as a **wise** and **understanding** people [[Deuteronomy 4:6]].
* `{{H3684}}` **kᵉçîyl** (fool): This word serves as the direct opposite of `{{H2450}}`. A **wise** son brings a father gladness, but a **foolish** son is a mother's heaviness [[Proverbs 10:1]]. The companion of **fools** will be destroyed, in contrast to one who walks with the **wise** [[Proverbs 13:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2450}}` centers on the distinction between divine and human wisdom.
* **Divine Source of Wisdom:** God is presented as the ultimate source of wisdom, being "**wise** in heart, and mighty in strength" [[Job 9:4]]. He grants wisdom for specific tasks, such as the building of the tabernacle [[Exodus 28:3]], and for righteous leadership [[1 Kings 3:12]].
* **The Folly of Human Wisdom:** Scripture repeatedly warns against self-reliant wisdom. God frustrates the knowledge of the **wise** [[Isaiah 44:25]], and the wisdom of the **wise** will perish [[Isaiah 29:14]]. Believers are explicitly commanded, "Be not **wise** in thine own eyes" [[Proverbs 3:7]].
* **Characteristics of True Wisdom:** A genuinely **wise** person fears the LORD and departs from evil [[Proverbs 14:16]]. Such a person accepts rebuke [[Proverbs 9:8]], uses gracious words [[Ecclesiastes 10:12]], and seeks knowledge [[Proverbs 18:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2450}}` is a multifaceted term that extends beyond mere intellect. It can describe the God-given skill of an artisan, the counsel of kings, or the cunning of those who do evil. The Bible consistently elevates wisdom that stems from fearing God [[Proverbs 3:7]] while cautioning against human wisdom that is prone to failure and pride [[Jeremiah 9:23]]. Ultimately, to be truly **châkâm** is to align one's mind and actions with divine counsel.
TRV