or חַכְמוֹת; collateral forms of חׇכְמָה; wisdom; wisdom, every wise (woman).
Transliteration:chokmôwth
Pronunciation:khok-moth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term chokmôwth (`{{H2454}}`) is presented as a collateral form of chokmah (`{{H2451}}`), the primary Hebrew word for "wisdom." As such, its core meaning encompasses the full semantic range of chokmah: skill, insight, prudence, understanding, and sagacity. This wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living, often implying a divine origin or a divinely-imparted capacity for discernment and righteous conduct. The plural ending (-ôth) on chokmôwth can function as an intensive plural, emphasizing the fullness or profundity of wisdom, or it can refer to a collective of wise individuals. The definition specifically notes its use in reference to "every wise (woman)," indicating a particular application in certain contexts, alongside its more common usage for personified Wisdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chokmôwth (`{{H2454}}`) primarily appears in the book of Proverbs, revealing two distinct, yet related, contextual applications:
1. **Personified Wisdom:** In several key passages, chokmôwth is used to personify Wisdom as a divine entity.
* In [[Proverbs 1:20]], "Wisdom cries aloud in the street; in the markets she raises her voice." Here, chokmôwth is depicted as an active, public figure, urgently calling out to humanity, making herself accessible to all. Her cry is a summons to heed instruction and turn from folly, emphasizing the pervasive and insistent nature of divine wisdom.
* Similarly, [[Proverbs 9:1]] states, "Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars." This verse portrays chokmôwth as a builder and provider, preparing a feast and inviting the simple to partake of her sustenance. This imagery underscores Wisdom's foundational role in creation and her generous provision for those who seek her.
2. **Practical Wisdom in a Woman:** One significant instance uses a variant of this term, chakmôth (also listed under `{{H2454}}`), to describe the practical wisdom embodied by a woman.
* [[Proverbs 14:1]] declares, "Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands." In this context, chakmôth refers to a woman who possesses and applies wisdom in the domestic sphere, demonstrating skill, foresight, and prudence in managing her household and fostering its well-being. This contrasts sharply with the destructive actions of a foolish woman, highlighting the tangible, life-affirming impact of wisdom in everyday life.
These contexts reveal that chokmôwth can represent both the transcendent, universal principle of divine wisdom and the immanent, practical application of wisdom in human experience, particularly in the life of a righteous woman.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a collateral form of chokmah (`{{H2451}}`), chokmôwth is intrinsically linked to the broader concept of wisdom in the Hebrew Bible. Other related terms illuminate its multifaceted nature:
* **Understanding/Discernment:** Binah (`{{H998}}`) and tevunah (`{{H8394}}`) often appear alongside chokmah, denoting the ability to discern, comprehend, and apply knowledge.
* **Knowledge:** Da'at (`{{H1847}}`) refers to factual knowledge and acquaintance, which wisdom transforms into practical insight.
* **Instruction/Discipline:** Musar (`{{H4123}}`) signifies the moral instruction and discipline necessary for acquiring and living out wisdom.
* **Counsel:** Etsah (`{{H6098}}`) or the verb ya'ats (`{{H3286}}`) often relates to the wise counsel that wisdom provides.
* **Antithetical Concepts:** Wisdom is frequently contrasted with folly ('ivvelet `{{H200}}`), foolishness (kesilut `{{H3684}}`), and wickedness, emphasizing the moral and ethical dimensions of wisdom.
* **Fear of the Lord:** The "fear of the Lord" (yir'at YHWH `{{H3374}}`) is consistently presented as the beginning or foundation of wisdom, linking wisdom directly to reverent obedience and right relationship with God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chokmôwth is profound, particularly in its personified form within the wisdom literature.
* **Divine Attribute and Agent:** Personified Wisdom (Chokmôwth) in Proverbs is more than an abstract concept; she is depicted with agency, speaking, building, and inviting. This strongly suggests that wisdom is an inherent attribute of God, present with Him from eternity and active in creation (cf. [[Proverbs 8:22-31]], where chokmah is used, but the concept is identical). This prefigures the New Testament concept of the *Logos* (Word) as the agent of creation and divine revelation (cf. [[John 1:1-3]]).
* **Call to Life:** Wisdom's public cry in Proverbs 1 and 9 represents God's persistent and accessible invitation to humanity to choose life over death, righteousness over folly. To embrace wisdom is to embrace a life ordered according to divine principles, leading to blessing and flourishing. To reject her is to invite destruction.
* **Ethical and Practical Living:** The wise woman of [[Proverbs 14:1]] illustrates that divine wisdom is not merely theoretical but profoundly practical. It empowers individuals, particularly in the domestic and communal spheres, to build, nurture, and sustain life. This emphasizes that true wisdom is manifested in righteous living, sound decision-making, and the cultivation of healthy relationships and environments.
* **Source of Moral Order:** Wisdom, as depicted by chokmôwth, embodies the moral order of the universe established by God. Following her precepts leads to harmony with this divine order, while rejecting them leads to chaos and self-destruction.
### Summary
Chokmôwth (`{{H2454}}`) is a significant collateral form of the Hebrew word for wisdom, chokmah (`{{H2451}}`). Its usage in Proverbs highlights two primary facets: the personification of divine Wisdom as an active, inviting agent of God's creative and moral order, and the practical, life-building quality of wisdom embodied by a righteous woman. Theologically, chokmôwth underscores wisdom as an inherent attribute of God, a pervasive call to humanity for righteous living, and the foundational principle for a flourishing life in harmony with divine design. It bridges the gap between transcendent divine truth and immanent human experience, emphasizing that true wisdom is both God-given and practically applied.
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