חׇכְמָה (chokh.mah)
chokh.mah
wisdom
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The term chokhmah denotes wisdom, specifically in its Aramaic form found in Ezra and Daniel. In these books, it describes a practical skill or expertise rather than abstract philosophical insight. The sources highlight its use for technical proficiency, such as the artistic craftsmanship required to build the temple or the administrative ability needed to govern an empire.
This usage distinguishes it from the Hebrew chokhmah, which often carries moral or spiritual connotations. Here, wisdom is closely tied to competence and knowledge of specific trades or laws. For instance, in Daniel, it refers to the interpreters’ skill in understanding dreams and decrees, showcasing a functional intelligence valued by foreign rulers.
The word underscores how ancient Near Eastern cultures viewed expertise as a divine gift. Kings sought out those with chokhmah because their abilities ensured stability and order. This perspective frames wisdom not just as personal virtue, but as a vital resource for the community’s survival and success under challenging political circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the books of Ezra and Daniel, this Hebrew word for wisdom appears in its Aramaic form. It points to practical skill and expertise rather than abstract philosophy. Kings valued those who could interpret dreams or govern with competence because such abilities ensured stability and order.
When you read Daniel 2:21, you see that God gives wisdom to the wise. This reminds us that true understanding is a gift from Him. Whether in technical trades or administrative duties, our capabilities reflect His provision.
This perspective frames wisdom as a vital resource for the community. It is not just personal virtue but a tool for survival and success. You can trust that God equips those who serve Him with the necessary insight for their tasks.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ wisdom3×
- and/ wisdom2×
- like/ [the] wisdom of1×
- by/ wisdom1×
- according to/ [the] wisdom of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָכְמְתָ֛/א2×
- וְ/חָכְמָ֥ה2×
- כְּ/חָכְמַת\־1×
- כְּ/חָכְמַ֨ת1×
- חָכְמְתָ/א֙1×
- בְ/חָכְמָה֙1×
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 explicitly states that God is the source who gives wisdom to the wise, establishing divine sovereignty over human capability.
-
Daniel 2:30
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.
Daniel clarifies that his ability to interpret the king's secret did not come from his own superior intellect but solely to reveal God's will.
-
Ezra 7:25
You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, who all know the laws of your God; and teach him who doesn’t know them.
Here, wisdom is linked to the practical authority to appoint judges and teach the laws of God to the exiles.