or מַדַּע; from יָדַע; intelligence or consciousness; knowledge, science, thought.
Transliteration:maddâʻ
Pronunciation:mad-daw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun maddâʻ (`{{H4093}}`), transliterated as *maddâʻ*, is derived from the verb yāḏaʿ (`{{H3045}}`), meaning "to know," "to perceive," or "to discern." As a noun, maddâʻ refers to the faculty of knowing, the act of perceiving, or the content of what is known. Its semantic range encompasses "intelligence," "consciousness," "knowledge," "science," and "thought." It signifies not merely a superficial acquaintance with facts, but often a deeper, more comprehensive understanding and intellectual acumen. The term points to a cognitive capacity that enables apprehension, discernment, and the acquisition of specialized information.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word maddâʻ (`{{H4093}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel within the Hebrew Bible, underscoring its specific contextual significance.
* **[[Daniel 1:4]]**: In this verse, maddâʻ is used to describe a quality sought in the young men chosen for Nebuchadnezzar's service: "youths without blemish, handsome, skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge (מַדָּע), and understanding science, and having ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans." Here, maddâʻ is presented as a high intellectual attribute, closely associated with wisdom (ḥokmâ, `{{H2451}}`) and the capacity for learning and understanding specialized "science" or knowledge (מַדָּע וּמַשְׂכִּילִים דַּעַת). It denotes a superior mental aptitude necessary for royal service and the assimilation of foreign erudition.
* **[[Daniel 1:17]]**: This verse explicitly attributes the intellectual prowess of Daniel and his companions to divine origin: "As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge (מַדָּע) and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams." maddâʻ is here presented as a direct gift from God, enabling comprehensive proficiency in various fields of study and a heightened capacity for wisdom. This divine endowment distinguishes their knowledge from mere human acquisition.
* **[[Daniel 2:21]]**: In Daniel's prayer of thanksgiving, he proclaims God's sovereignty over all things, including intellectual gifts: "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge (מַדָּע) to those who have understanding." Again, maddâʻ is portrayed as a divine bestowal, granted to those who already possess wisdom (ḥokmâ, `{{H2451}}`) and understanding (bînâ, `{{H998}}`). This suggests that God augments and perfects the cognitive faculties of those who are receptive, enabling them to grasp deeper truths.
Across these occurrences, maddâʻ consistently signifies a profound, often divinely-imparted, intellectual capacity, encompassing both the ability to acquire and process information, and the inherent understanding of complex subjects.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of maddâʻ is illuminated by its relationship to other key Hebrew terms:
* **yāḏaʿ (`{{H3045}}`):** As its root, this verb "to know" is foundational. maddâʻ represents the outcome or the faculty of this knowing, moving beyond simple acquaintance to deeper comprehension.
* **ḥokmâ (`{{H2451}}`):** "Wisdom." Frequently paired with maddâʻ in Daniel. While maddâʻ denotes the intellectual capacity or the body of knowledge, ḥokmâ often refers to the practical application of that knowledge, skill, and insight for right living or effective governance.
* **bînâ (`{{H998}}`):** "Understanding" or "discernment." Also closely associated with maddâʻ. bînâ implies the ability to distinguish, differentiate, and comprehend complex relationships. maddâʻ provides the cognitive content, while bînâ processes and interprets it.
* **da'at (`{{H1847}}`):** Another common noun for "knowledge," also derived from yāḏaʿ. While da'at can be a general term for knowledge, maddâʻ in Daniel's context seems to emphasize a more specialized, elevated, or divinely-infused form of intellectual acumen, particularly in areas of learning and interpretation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of maddâʻ (`{{H4093}}`) is profound, especially given its exclusive use in the book of Daniel:
* **Divine Source of Intellect:** The most prominent theological implication is that true maddâʻ is a gift from God. This is explicitly stated in [[Daniel 1:17]] and [[Daniel 2:21]]. This elevates human intellectual capacity from a purely natural faculty to a divinely endowed and sustained ability. It teaches that even the ability to excel in worldly systems ultimately originates with the Creator.
* **Knowledge for God's Purpose:** The maddâʻ granted to Daniel and his companions was not for personal gain or worldly ambition alone, but for God's specific purposes. It enabled them to serve in a foreign court, to interpret dreams and visions, and ultimately to bear witness to God's sovereignty before pagan rulers. This demonstrates that divine knowledge is purposeful and is given to advance God's redemptive plan.
* **Distinction and Purity in a Pagan Context:** Despite being immersed in the "learning and tongue of the Chaldeans," Daniel and his friends maintained their spiritual integrity. Their divinely-given maddâʻ allowed them to engage with and even surpass the wisdom of Babylon without being corrupted by its idolatry. This highlights the capacity for believers, empowered by God, to navigate and excel in secular environments while remaining distinct and faithful.
* **Foundation for Discernment and Revelation:** The maddâʻ bestowed upon Daniel was crucial for his ability to understand God's prophetic revelations, including dreams and visions. This suggests that a divinely-imparted intellectual capacity is a prerequisite for grasping deeper spiritual truths and discerning God's will.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun maddâʻ (`{{H4093}}`), derived from yāḏaʿ (`{{H3045}}`), signifies "intelligence," "consciousness," "knowledge," or "thought," particularly emphasizing a deep, comprehensive understanding. Its occurrences are confined to the book of Daniel, where it consistently describes a superior intellectual capacity and learned skill. Crucially, maddâʻ is presented as a direct gift from God ([[Daniel 1:17]], [[Daniel 2:21]]), often in conjunction with ḥokmâ (`{{H2451}}`, wisdom) and bînâ (`{{H998}}`, understanding). Theologically, maddâʻ underscores the divine origin of true intellectual prowess, indicating that such knowledge is purposeful, equipping believers to serve God's plan, maintain integrity in challenging environments, and discern His profound truths. It represents a divinely-empowered cognitive ability essential for both practical service and spiritual insight.
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