חַכִּים (chak.kim)
chak.kim
wise
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chakkim refers to those who possess practical wisdom and discernment. In the ancient world, this was a highly valued trait, often associated with officials who could interpret complex situations and provide guidance. It suggests a mind that is sharp, experienced, and capable of seeing beyond surface-level events.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that true understanding comes from God. The book of Daniel shows how human wisdom has its limits, yet God grants insight to those who seek Him. You can trust that He provides the clarity needed for difficult decisions, not through magic or secret knowledge, but through His gracious gift of discernment.
When you face uncertainty, remember that wisdom is a divine provision. It invites you to rely on God’s perspective rather than your own limited view. This assurance brings peace, knowing that He guides those who ask for understanding with a humble heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] wise men of4×
- <obj.>/ [the] wise men of3×
- wise men/ the1×
- wise men1×
- to/ wise men1×
- to/ [the] wise men of1×
- and/ wise men/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַכִּימֵ֥י3×
- לְ/חַכִּימֵ֣י2×
- לְ/חַכִּימֵ֤י1×
- לְ/חַכִּימֵ֖י1×
- לְ/חַכִּימִ֔ין1×
- חַכִּימֵ֣י1×
- חַכִּימִ֣ין1×
- חַכִּֽימַיָּ/א֙1×
- וְ/חַכִּֽימַיָּ֖/א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding.
This verse highlights that God is the ultimate source of wisdom, granting it to the wise as a gift rather than something earned by human effort alone.
-
Daniel 2:27
Daniel answered before the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded can’t be shown to the king by wise men, enchanters, magicians, or soothsayers;
Here Daniel distinguishes between ordinary wise men and divine insight, showing that true interpretation of secrets requires God’s direct involvement.
-
Daniel 5:8
Then all the king’s wise men came in; but they could not read the writing, and couldn’t make known to the king the interpretation.
The failure of Babylon's wise men to read the writing demonstrates the limits of human wisdom when faced with God’s sovereign judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chakkim mean in the Bible?
How is chakkim different from other words for wisdom?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 11 verses
Because of this, the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed.
Daniel 2:13So the decree went out, and the wise men were to be slain. They sought Daniel and his companions to be slain.
Daniel 2:14Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to…
Daniel 2:18that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not…
Daniel 2:21He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to…
Daniel 2:24Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said…
Daniel 2:27Daniel answered before the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded can’t be shown to the king by wise…
Daniel 2:48Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts, and made him rule over the whole province of Babylon and…
Daniel 5:7The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the…
Daniel 5:8Then all the king’s wise men came in; but they could not read the writing, and couldn’t make known to the king the…
Daniel 5:15Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to…