The Aramaic word bîynâh, represented by H999, means understanding or knowledge. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating a very specific application of the term. Its sole use highlights understanding as a divinely imparted gift.
The single appearance of H999 is in Daniel's praise to God, where he declares that God "giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding" Daniel 2:21. This places the concept of understanding directly within the context of God's sovereignty, as the same verse affirms that God changes times and seasons and controls the rise and fall of kings. Understanding here is presented not as a human achievement, but as a capacity that makes one receptive to divine knowledge.
Several related words from its only context clarify the meaning of H999:
- H2452 chokmâh (wisdom): Defined as wisdom, this word is used in parallel with H999. God gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those with understanding, linking these concepts as divine gifts Daniel 2:21.
- H4486 mandaʻ (knowledge): Meaning wisdom or intelligence, this is the specific gift given to those who already "know understanding." It suggests that understanding is the foundation upon which divine knowledge is built Daniel 2:21.
- H3046 yᵉdaʻ (to know): This verb, meaning to know, describes the state of the person who receives knowledge. The text says God gives knowledge "to them that know understanding," emphasizing that possessing understanding is a key attribute for receiving further divine insight Daniel 2:21.
- H3052 yᵉhab (to give): This word, meaning to give, establishes the source of wisdom and knowledge. It is God who gives these things to humanity, positioning understanding as a divine endowment Daniel 2:21.
The theological weight of H999 is concentrated in its single appearance:
- Divine Origin: The primary theological point is that understanding is a faculty that enables one to receive knowledge which originates from God. God is the ultimate giver of this insight Daniel 2:21.
- Sovereign Gifting: The act of bestowing knowledge upon those with understanding is framed alongside God's absolute power over human affairs, such as removing H5709 and setting up H6966 kings H4430. This connects spiritual insight directly to God's sovereign control over the world.
- Receptive Faculty: The phrasing in Daniel 2:21 implies that bîynâh is a state or capacity. It is something one can "know" or possess, which then qualifies them to receive further gifts of knowledge and wisdom from God.
In summary, bîynâh H999 provides a specific Aramaic term for understanding. Though it appears only once, its context in Daniel 2:21 is profound. It is not merely human intellect but a capacity that positions a person to receive divine gifts of wisdom and knowledge. Its use firmly establishes God as the sovereign source of all true insight, linking the ability to understand with His power to govern all creation.
TRV