### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chokmôwth**, represented by `{{H2454}}`, is a term for **wisdom**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This word is used both as a quality, such as in "every wise woman," and as a personified figure who acts and speaks.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H2454}}` is primarily found in the book of Proverbs, where it is often personified as a woman. Wisdom is depicted as an active, constructive force that **buildeth** her house and hews out her pillars [[Proverbs 9:1]]. This same principle is applied individually, where every **wise** woman also builds her house [[Proverbs 14:1]]. Beyond building, Wisdom is shown as a public figure who **crieth** without and uttereth her voice in the streets [[Proverbs 1:20]]. It is also presented as a profound concept that the mouth should **speak** of [[Psalms 49:3]] and is too **high** for a fool to attain [[Proverbs 24:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illustrate the actions and contrasts associated with wisdom:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word is central to the work of wisdom, which **buildeth** her house [[Proverbs 9:1]], establishing a theme of divine and personal order.
* `{{H2040}}` **hâraç** (to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy): This serves as the direct contrast to wisdom's constructive nature. While the wise woman builds, the foolish **plucketh it down** with her hands [[Proverbs 14:1]].
* `{{H191}}` **ʼĕvîyl** (fool): This term represents the one who cannot grasp wisdom. Scripture notes that wisdom is too high for a **fool** [[Proverbs 24:7]].
* `{{H7442}}` **rânan** (to shout (usually for joy)): This word describes wisdom's public proclamation, as she **crieth** out in the streets, making her call accessible to all [[Proverbs 1:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2454}}` is demonstrated through its consistent characterization.
* **A Constructive Principle:** Wisdom is not passive knowledge but an active force that **builds** and establishes. This is seen both in the personified figure of Wisdom building her house and in the practical application of a wise woman building her family ([[Proverbs 9:1]], [[Proverbs 14:1]]).
* **A Public Call:** Wisdom is not hidden or esoteric; it is proclaimed openly. It **crieth** in the streets, uttering its voice for all to hear [[Proverbs 1:20]], indicating that the path to understanding is made available.
* **An Elevated Standard:** While publicly available, wisdom is described as being too **high** for a fool [[Proverbs 24:7]]. It requires a receptive heart and is linked to the meditation of the heart and understanding [[Psalms 49:3]], separating it from mere folly.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2454}}` represents **wisdom** as a dynamic and personified force. It is the principle that builds, orders, and establishes, whether in the abstract sense of creating a stable foundation or in the practical life of a wise woman. It stands in stark opposition to folly, which destroys and pulls down. By crying out in the streets, wisdom is presented as a divine call to order and understanding, accessible yet simultaneously too high for those who reject it.
TRV