מַנְדַּע (man.da)
man.da
knowledge
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun mandda signifies the faculty of knowing or acquired knowledge, functioning as a direct cognate to the Hebrew mad-da. In the biblical text, it appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, reflecting the linguistic shift of the narrative into the imperial court language of Babylon and Persia.
Its usage highlights a specific type of insight often associated with divine revelation or administrative expertise. For instance, Daniel exercises this knowledge to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, demonstrating that true understanding comes from God rather than human wisdom alone (Daniel 2:19-30). The word underscores the theme that even in a foreign land, God grants His servants the power of knowing to fulfill His purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Aramaic word mandda appears only twice in Scripture, both within the book of Daniel. It describes a deep insight that goes beyond mere facts or intellectual accumulation. In the context of Babylon’s royal court, this knowledge was not something Daniel earned through study alone, but a gift granted by God to reveal hidden truths.
This reminds us that true understanding is rooted in divine grace. When we face situations that seem impossible to solve, we can look to Daniel as an example. He relied on God’s spirit to interpret dreams and resolve doubts. This word encourages us to seek wisdom from above when our own resources feel insufficient.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ understanding1×
- and/ <the>/ understanding1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מַנְדַּ֡ע1×
- וּ/מַנְדְּעָ֖/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 establishes that God is the ultimate source who gives knowledge to those who have understanding, linking insight directly to His sovereign will.
-
Daniel 5:12
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
Here the word highlights Daniel’s specific gift of interpreting dark sentences and dissolving doubts, showing how divine knowledge operates in practical crisis management.