from חָכַם; wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
Transliteration:chokmâh
Pronunciation:khok-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
Chokmâh (חׇכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`) primarily denotes "wisdom" in a profound and comprehensive sense, extending far beyond mere intellectual acuity. Derived from the verb chakam (חָכָם, `{{H2449}}`), "to be wise" or "to make wise," chokmâh encompasses practical skill, intellectual discernment, moral insight, and theological understanding. Its semantic range includes the ability to apply knowledge effectively and to live skillfully and righteously. It can refer to technical expertise ("skilful"), sound judgment ("wisely"), and even shrewdness or cleverness ("wit"), though always with the underlying connotation of being "in a good sense," implying a beneficial or righteous application. This wisdom is not merely human ingenuity but is often presented as a divine endowment, enabling one to navigate life's complexities in accordance with God's order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chokmâh appears extensively throughout the Hebrew Bible, revealing its multifaceted nature across various contexts.
* **Skill and Craftsmanship:** In the book of Exodus, chokmâh is attributed to individuals like Bezalel and Oholiab, whom God fills with wisdom to execute intricate artistic and architectural tasks for the tabernacle (e.g., [[Exodus 31:3]], [[Exodus 35:31]], [[Exodus 36:1]]). Here, chokmâh signifies divine enablement for skilled craftsmanship and creative design.
* **Practical Wisdom for Governance and Life:** King Solomon is the quintessential example of one endowed with chokmâh for leadership and judgment. His ability to discern truth and administer justice, as seen in the famous case of the two women and the child (e.g., [[1 Kings 3:28]]), is directly attributed to God-given wisdom (e.g., [[1 Kings 4:29-30]]). This aspect of chokmâh is practical, enabling effective rule and sound decision-making in daily life.
* **Moral and Ethical Wisdom:** The book of Proverbs is the primary locus for this understanding of chokmâh. Here, wisdom is inextricably linked to righteousness and moral conduct. It is the ability to choose the path of life over the path of folly, leading to blessing and flourishing (e.g., [[Proverbs 1:7]], [[Proverbs 3:13]], [[Proverbs 8:11]]). This wisdom is rooted in the "fear of the LORD" and guides one in ethical living.
* **Divine and Personified Wisdom:** In Proverbs 8, chokmâh takes on a profound, almost personal quality. Wisdom is personified as a pre-existent entity, present with God during creation, delighting in His works and inviting humanity to find life through her (e.g., [[Proverbs 8:1]], [[Proverbs 8:22-31]]). This portrayal elevates chokmâh beyond a mere human attribute to a divine principle or attribute of God Himself, inherent in the created order.
* **Elusive and Limited Human Wisdom:** The book of Job grapples with the limits of human chokmâh in understanding divine justice and suffering (e.g., [[Job 28:12-28]]). While acknowledging the supreme value of wisdom, Job highlights that true wisdom ultimately belongs to God and is revealed by Him. Ecclesiastes also explores the vanity of earthly chokmâh when pursued apart from God, demonstrating its limitations in providing ultimate meaning or escaping death (e.g., [[Ecclesiastes 1:17]], [[Ecclesiastes 2:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Chokmâh is often found in conjunction with, or is conceptually related to, several other key Hebrew terms that collectively define the biblical understanding of wisdom:
* **Chakam (חָכָם, `{{H2449}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to be wise" or "to act wisely." The noun chokmâh is the state or quality of being chakam.
* **Binah (בִּינָה, `{{H998}}`):** "Understanding" or "discernment." Often paired with chokmâh, binah refers to the ability to distinguish, comprehend, and grasp the meaning of things, complementing chokmâh's practical application (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:2]], [[Proverbs 4:5]]).
* **Da'at (דַּעַת, `{{H1847}}`):** "Knowledge." While chokmâh is the application of knowledge, da'at is the possession of facts and information. True chokmâh transforms da'at into practical living (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:6]]).
* **Musar (מוּסָר, `{{H4143}}`):** "Discipline," "instruction," or "correction." This term refers to the means by which wisdom is acquired and cultivated, often through parental guidance or divine teaching (e.g., [[Proverbs 1:2]], [[Proverbs 1:7]]).
* **Tushiyyah (תּוּשִׁיָּה, `{{H8439}}`):** "Sound wisdom," "effective counsel," or "success." This term often describes the practical outcome or beneficial result of possessing chokmâh (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:7]], [[Proverbs 8:14]]).
* **Yirah (יִרְאָה, `{{H3384}}`):** "Fear" or "awe." The "fear of the LORD" is consistently presented as the foundational prerequisite for true chokmâh (e.g., [[Proverbs 1:7]], [[Psalm 111:10]]). It signifies a reverential awe and submission to God that leads to obedience and right living.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chokmâh is profound and multifaceted.
* **Divine Origin:** At its core, chokmâh is understood as originating with God. [[Proverbs 2:6]] explicitly states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." This establishes chokmâh not as a human achievement but as a divine gift and attribute.
* **Foundation in the Fear of the LORD:** The most crucial theological principle associated with chokmâh is its unbreakable link to the "fear of the LORD" (yirat Yahweh). This is not a servile dread but a reverential awe, respect, and obedient submission to God's authority and character (e.g., [[Proverbs 1:7]], [[Proverbs 9:10]], [[Psalm 111:10]]). It is the starting point and continuous wellspring of true wisdom.
* **Ethical and Covenantal Living:** Chokmâh is inherently ethical. It guides individuals to live righteously, justly, and prudently, in alignment with God's moral order and covenant requirements. It is practical theology, translating divine truth into daily conduct.
* **Order and Creation:** The personification of chokmâh in Proverbs 8 highlights its role in creation. Wisdom was present with God before the world was made, indicating that the universe itself is structured according to divine wisdom and order. This implies that living wisely is living in harmony with the very fabric of creation and the will of the Creator.
* **Contrast with Folly:** The wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, starkly contrasts chokmâh with folly (e.g., 'iwwelet). This theological dichotomy underscores the two fundamental paths available to humanity: one leading to life, blessing, and God's favor, the other to destruction and alienation.
### Summary
Chokmâh (חׇכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`) is a rich and central concept in the Hebrew Bible, signifying a comprehensive wisdom that transcends mere intellectual capacity. It is a divine gift, enabling both practical skill (as seen in craftsmanship) and profound discernment for governance and daily living. More significantly, chokmâh is moral and ethical, guiding individuals toward righteous conduct rooted in the "fear of the LORD." This reverential awe and obedience to God is the indispensable foundation for acquiring and exercising true wisdom. Personified in Proverbs 8, chokmâh is depicted as a pre-existent divine attribute, inherent in creation itself, inviting humanity to embrace the path of life. Ultimately, chokmâh is about living skillfully and righteously in accordance with God's revealed will and the divine order of the cosmos.
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