and (feminine) תְּבוּנָה; or תּוֹבֻנָה; from בִּין; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice; discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8394}}` (tâbûwn) is derived from the root `{{H995}}` (bîn), which fundamentally means "to discern," "to perceive," or "to understand." As a noun, tâbûwn signifies the *faculty* or *possession* of this understanding. Its core meaning encompasses intelligence, discernment, and comprehension.
The semantic range of tâbûwn is broad and rich:
* **Intelligence/Understanding:** The primary sense, referring to the mental capacity to grasp concepts, perceive distinctions, and comprehend truth.
* **Discretion:** Implies practical understanding, the ability to make wise judgments and navigate complex situations.
* **Reason:** Denotes the logical thought process and the capacity for rational thought.
* **Skilfulness:** Extends to practical application, indicating the ability to perform tasks with expertise and insight, particularly in craftsmanship or administration.
* **Wisdom:** Often used synonymously or in conjunction with `{{H2451}}` (chokmâ), tâbûwn contributes to a holistic understanding that guides moral and spiritual life.
* **Argument:** By implication, the ability to understand and reason can lead to reasoned discourse or debate.
* **Caprice:** This is a less common and more nuanced extension, potentially referring to understanding that is misdirected or used for unpredictable, perhaps even foolish, ends, though its primary biblical usage is overwhelmingly positive.
It is important to note that the Strong's entry for `{{H8394}}` also includes the feminine forms tᵉbûnâ and tôbûnâ, which are often used interchangeably or with slight nuances to refer to the same concept of understanding or discernment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word tâbûwn and its related forms appear throughout the Old Testament, frequently in wisdom literature and prophetic books, highlighting its significance in both divine and human realms.
* **Divine Attribute:** tâbûwn is repeatedly ascribed to God, emphasizing His infinite and unsearchable understanding. In [[Job 12:13]], it states, "With Him are wisdom and strength; He has counsel and understanding." Similarly, [[Isaiah 40:28]] proclaims, "There is no searching of His understanding," underscoring God's incomprehensible intellect that undergirds His creation and governance of the cosmos.
* **Human Virtue and Pursuit:** In the book of Proverbs, tâbûwn is presented as a highly desirable human quality, often paired with `{{H2451}}` (chokmâ - wisdom). [[Proverbs 3:13]] declares, "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding." Possessing tâbûwn enables individuals to make sound judgments ([[Proverbs 11:12]]), speak wisely ([[Proverbs 17:27]]), and avoid the pitfalls of folly ([[Proverbs 10:23]]).
* **Practical Skill and Craftsmanship:** The concept of tâbûwn is not limited to abstract intellectualism. God bestows tâbûwn for practical purposes, as seen in the gifting of Bezalel for the construction of the Tabernacle: "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" [[Exodus 31:3]]. Here, tâbûwn is directly linked to the skill required for sacred craftsmanship.
* **Lack of Understanding:** Conversely, the absence of tâbûwn leads to negative consequences. [[Deuteronomy 32:28]] laments, "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them," attributing their downfall to a lack of discernment. A prince lacking understanding is described as a great oppressor ([[Proverbs 28:16]]), illustrating the societal impact of its absence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term `{{H8394}}` (tâbûwn) exists within a rich semantic field of intellectual and spiritual virtues in the Hebrew Bible.
* **Root `{{H995}}` (bîn):** This is the foundational verb "to discern," "to perceive," "to understand." tâbûwn is the noun form, representing the *result* or *quality* of this discernment.
* **`{{H2451}}` (chokmâ - wisdom):** Frequently paired with tâbûwn, chokmâ often denotes a broader, more comprehensive wisdom that encompasses practical skill, moral insight, and deep knowledge. tâbûwn can be seen as the specific faculty of discernment and comprehension that contributes to chokmâ. One might possess tâbûwn (understanding) to apply chokmâ (wisdom).
* **`{{H1847}}` (da'at - knowledge):** While da'at refers to accumulated facts and information, tâbûwn signifies the ability to process, interpret, and apply that knowledge effectively. tâbûwn transforms raw knowledge into meaningful insight.
* **`{{H6110}}` ('etsah - counsel):** tâbûwn is often linked to etsah because true understanding is essential for providing or receiving good counsel. Without tâbûwn, counsel can be misguided or ineffective.
* **Antonyms:** The conceptual opposite of tâbûwn is folly or foolishness. Words like `{{H3684}}` (kᵉsîl - fool) or `{{H200}}` ('evîl - morally perverse fool) represent those who lack tâbûwn and therefore act unwisely or destructively.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8394}}` (tâbûwn) is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the ideal for humanity, and the path to righteous living.
* **Divine Origin and Attribute:** tâbûwn is first and foremost an attribute of God. His understanding is infinite, perfect, and the source of all order and wisdom in the universe. This divine tâbûwn is not merely intellectual capacity but an active, creative, and sustaining force.
* **Gift from God:** Any true tâbûwn found in humanity is ultimately a gift from God. As [[Proverbs 2:6]] states, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." This underscores human dependence on divine revelation and grace for genuine insight.
* **Foundation for Righteous Living:** For humanity, tâbûwn is crucial for navigating life in accordance with God's will. It enables discernment between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and wise decision-making that honors God. It is a vital component of biblical wisdom, guiding individuals in their walk with God and their interactions with others.
* **Enabling for Service:** God bestows tâbûwn not only for personal spiritual growth but also for practical service within the community, such as in the skilled craftsmanship for the Tabernacle. This demonstrates that divine understanding equips individuals for various forms of ministry and contribution.
* **Contrast with Folly and Idolatry:** The absence of tâbûwn is consistently portrayed as a path to destruction, spiritual blindness, and ultimately, alienation from God. Idolatry, for instance, is often depicted as a profound lack of tâbûwn, as it involves worshipping created things rather than the Creator.
### Summary
`{{H8394}}` (tâbûwn) is a foundational Hebrew term signifying "intelligence," "discernment," and "understanding." Rooted in `{{H995}}` (bîn), it describes the mental faculty to perceive, comprehend, and make wise judgments. Biblically, tâbûwn is a sublime attribute of God, whose understanding is boundless and the ultimate source of all wisdom. For humanity, it is a highly valued virtue, a divine gift essential for righteous living, practical skill, and discerning God's will. Its presence leads to blessing and flourishing, while its absence results in folly, misguided decisions, and ultimately, destruction. The pursuit of tâbûwn is therefore a pursuit of God's mind and a pathway to a life aligned with His divine purposes.
TRV