or תֻּשִׁיָּה; from an unused root probably meaning to substantiate; support or (by implication) ability, i.e. (direct) help, (in purpose) an undertaking, (intellectual) understanding; enterprise, that which (thing as it) is, substance, (sound) wisdom, working.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tûwshîyâh**, represented by `{{H8454}}`, denotes a range of concepts including **support, ability, and sound wisdom**. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses**. Its meaning extends from intellectual understanding to practical help, successful undertakings, and even substance itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8454}}` is used to describe both divine and human capabilities. It is frequently translated as "sound wisdom," something God **lays up** `{{H6845}}` for the righteous [[Proverbs 2:7]] and which is to be kept alongside discretion [[Proverbs 3:21]]. The term also refers to a successful "enterprise" that God can frustrate when planned by the crafty [[Job 5:12]]. In Isaiah, it describes the LORD's "working" which is excellent `{{H1431}}` and wonderful `{{H6381}}` [[Isaiah 28:29]]. Job's laments use the word to signify his dissolving "substance" [[Job 30:22]] and the "wisdom" that has been driven from him [[Job 6:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the dimensions of `{{H8454}}`:
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh**: This is the more common word for **wisdom (in a good sense)**, often appearing alongside `{{H8454}}` to provide a complete picture of divine insight. In Job's discourse, he asks how one can counsel him who has no **wisdom** `{{H2451}}` and plentifully declare `{{H8454}}` [[Job 26:3]].
* `{{H1369}}` **gᵉbûwrâh**: Meaning **force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength**, this term is paired with `{{H8454}}` in [[Proverbs 8:14]], where wisdom personified declares, "I am understanding; I have **strength**." This connects intellectual power with effectual force.
* `{{H6098}}` **ʻêtsâh**: This word for **advice; by implication, plan** is closely linked to `{{H8454}}`. God is described as "wonderful in **counsel**, and excellent in working `{{H8454}}`" [[Isaiah 28:29]], showing that His plans are perfectly executed.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8454}}` is significant, portraying a wisdom that is both sourced in God and highly practical.
* **God as the Source:** Scripture clearly identifies God as the origin of **tûwshîyâh**. He lays it up for the upright [[Proverbs 2:7]] and possesses it alongside strength [[Job 12:16]]. His counsel and working `{{H8454}}` are described as excellent [[Isaiah 28:29]].
* **Wisdom in Action:** This is not merely abstract knowledge but wisdom that results in a successful undertaking or "enterprise" [[Job 5:12]]. It is the substance of a matter, "the thing as it is" [[Job 26:3]], and the effective "working" of God's plans [[Isaiah 28:29]].
* **A Foundation for Righteous Living:** **tûwshîyâh** is a key attribute of the righteous. God is a buckler to those who walk uprightly, for whom He stores up this "sound wisdom" [[Proverbs 2:7]]. The man of wisdom, according to Micah, is one who will see God's name and hear His rod [[Micah 6:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8454}}` is a rich term signifying more than just intellectual acuity. It encompasses **substance, effective counsel, and successful enterprise**. It is a divine attribute, a form of sound wisdom that God provides to the righteous as both a shield and a guide for life, ensuring that right counsel leads to effective working.
TRV