Original Word: חָכָם
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: chakam
Pronunciation: khaw-KAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-kawm')
KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man)
NASB: wise, wise men, wise man, skilled men, shrewd, skilled, wise man's
Word Origin: [from H2449 (חָכַם - wise)]

1. wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)

cunning man, subtil, wisehearted,

From chakam; wise, (i.e. Intelligent, skilful or artful) -- cunning (man), subtil, ((un-)), wise((hearted), man).

see HEBREW chakam

Word Origin
from chakam
Definition
wise
NASB Translation
expert (1), men who are skillful (1), sage (1), shrewd (2), skilled (2), skilled men (3), skilled men and with those (1), skilled* (1), skillful (1), skillful man* (1), skillful men (1), skillful men* (1), skillful persons* (1), skillful* (3), unwise* (1), wailing women (1), who (1), who are wise (1), wise (64), wise man (21), wise man's (2), wise men (22), wise son (1), wisehearted (1), wiser (2), wisest (1).

חָכָם adjective wise, ׳ח Deuteronomy 4:6 67t.; construct חֲכַם Isaiah 3:3 9t.; plural חֲכָמִים Deuteronomy 1:13 39t.; construct חַכְמֵי Exodus 28:3 4t.; suffix חֲכָמֶיךָ Isaiah 19:12 etc. + 8 t.; feminine חֲכָמָה 2 Samuel 14:2; 2 Samuel 20:16; construct חַכְמַת Exodus 35:25; plural חֲכָמוֺת Jeremiah 9:16; construct חַכְמוֺת Judges 5:29; Proverbs 14:1(but read חָכְמוֺת De) —

1 skilful in technical work; artificers Isaiah 3:3; sailors Ezekiel 27:8, so (probably) Ezekiel 27:9; mourning women Jeremiah 9:16; artisans of tabernacle and temple and their furniture Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:10; Exodus 36:1,2,4,8 (P), 1 Chronicles 22:15; 2Chron 2:6; 2 Chronicles 2:12; 2 Chronicles 2:13 (twice in verse); women in spinning Exodus 35:25 (P); goldsmiths and other artisans Jeremiah 10:9; makers of idol-images Isaiah 40:20.

2 wise in the administration of affairs: Joseph in Egypt Genesis 41:33,39 (E); heads of tribes Deuteronomy 1:13,15; Judges 16:19; David 2 Samuel 14:20, of Solomon 1 Kings 2:9; 1 Kings 3:12; 1 Kings 5:21 2Chron 2:11; the prince of Tyre, in satire Ezekiel 28:3; of kings in General Proverbs 20:26; class of political advisers of Judah Isaiah 29:14; Jeremiah 18:18, apparently also Isaiah 5:21; of Egypt Isaiah 19:11 (twice in verse); Isaiah 19:12, Edom Obadiah 8, the nations Jeremiah 10:7; so of God Isaiah 31:2.

3 shrewd, crafty, cunning: Jonadab 2 Samuel 13:3; the princesses Judges 5:29; אשׁה חכמה wise woman 2 Samuel 14:2; 2 Samuel 20:16; Generally, Jeremiah 9:22; intelligent animals Proverbs 30:24; בערמם ׳לכד ח taking the cunning in their craft Job 5:13; חכם בעיני wise in one's own eyes Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 26:5,12,16; Proverbs 28:11; חכמי לב wise of mind (in their own mind) Job 37:24.

4 plural class of learned and shrewd men, including astrologers, magicians and the like, of Egypt Genesis 41:8 (E), Exodus 7:11 (P; compare Isaiah 19:11 (twice in verse); Isaiah 19:12); Babylon Isaiah 44:25; Jeremiah 50:35; Jeremiah 51:57; Persia Esther 1:13; Esther 6:13.

5 prudent, towards king Proverbs 16:14; in controversies Proverbs 11:29; Proverbs 29:8,9,11; religious affairs Hosea 13:13; Hosea 14:10; Jeremiah 4:22; Jeremiah 8:8,9; Deuteronomy 4:6; Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalm 107:43; אישׁ ׳ח Jeremiah 9:11.

6 wise, ethically and religiously,. in Wisdom Literature:

a. as adjective, חֲכַם לֵב wise of mind Proverbs 10:8; Proverbs 16:21; לֵב חָכָם Ecclesiastes 8:5; of the son Proverbs 10:1 = Proverbs 15:20; Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 23:24; Ecclesiastes 2:19; ׳ילד ח Ecclesiastes 4:13 wise boy; ׳גבר ח Job 34:34 wise man; ׳מוכיח ח wise reprover Proverbs 25:12.

b. = substantive: (1) as a wise learner in school of wisdom, he fears God and departs from evil Proverbs 14:16; is silent Proverbs 17:28; hearkens to counsel Proverbs 12:15; hears and increases in learning Proverbs 1:5; his ear seeketh knowledge Proverbs 18:15; he receives it Proverbs 21:11; and stores it up Proverbs 10:14; his ears hearken to the reproof which giveth life Proverbs 15:31; and he becomes wiser through it Proverbs 9:8,9. (2) as a wise teacher, a sage, he does not answer with windy knowledge Job 15:2; he tells the experience of the past Job 15:48; has knowledge Job 34:2; teaches it Ecclesiastes 12:9; disperses it Proverbs 15:7; his tongue is health Proverbs 12:18; it utters knowledge aright Proverbs 15:2; his mind instructs his mouth and adds learning to his lips Proverbs 16:23; his words are gracious Ecclesiastes 10:12; it is good to hear his rebuke Ecclesiastes 7:5; his instruction is a fountain of life Proverbs 13:14; one walking with him becomes wiser Proverbs 13:20. The חכמים recall the Greek σόφοι, having their schools, pupils (בֵן), discipline (מוּסָר), principles and collections of wisdom, דברי חכמים Proverbs 1:6; Proverbs 22:17 (compare Proverbs 24:23), Ecclesiastes 9:17; Ecclesiastes 12:11; God himself is חכם לבב Job 9:4. (3) the wise are prosperous: true, in sceptical view of Ecclesiastes, they have no advantage over the fool Ecclesiastes 6:8; but die as the fool Ecclesiastes 2:16 (twice in verse); Psalm 49:11; they will not be able to find the works of God Ecclesiastes 8:17; like others are in the hands of God Ecclesiastes 9:1; they do not secure bread Ecclesiastes 9:11; but elsewhere reverse is true: precious treasure is in his dwelling Proverbs 21:20; his lips preserve him Proverbs 14:3; they inherit glory Proverbs 3:35; wealth is their crown Proverbs 14:24; the wise man is strong Proverbs 24:5; Ecclesiastes 7:19; his eyes are in his head Ecclesiastes 2:14; his mind is at his right hand Ecclesiastes 10:2; he interprets things Ecclesiastes 8:1 (4) the wise man is a blessing to others: he wins men Proverbs 11:30; scales the city of the mighty Proverbs 21:22; though poor he delivers the city Ecclesiastes 9:15; is a reproof to scorners Proverbs 15:12; his mind is in the house of mourning Ecclesiastes 7:4; injustice makes him foolish Ecclesiastes 7:7; Job finds no wise men among his cruel friends Job 17:10.

Overview

Rooted in the Hebrew adjective חָכָם (chakam), “wise” or “skillful,” the term occurs about 137 times across the Old Testament. It portrays wisdom as an attribute encompassing moral insight, practical skill, artistic craftsmanship, political discernment and theological depth. Scripture consistently presents such wisdom as a divine endowment to be sought in reverent dependence on God.

Wisdom as Divine Gift

Wisdom is repeatedly shown to originate with God rather than human ingenuity. Joseph’s discernment in Egypt leads Pharaoh to declare, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you” (Genesis 41:39). Bezalel, Oholiab and their helpers are “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship” (Exodus 31:3). Solomon stands as the archetypal example: “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29). This divine sourcing guards against any notion that true wisdom can be attained apart from the Lord.

Wisdom for Governance and Leadership

Moses instructs Israel, “Choose for your tribes wise, discerning, and respected men” (Deuteronomy 1:13), establishing wisdom as requisite for judges and administrators. David entrusts matters to “all the wise men of Israel” (2 Samuel 13:34). Solomon’s reign illustrates how wisdom stabilizes government, adjudicates disputes (1 Kings 3:16-28) and nurtures national prosperity (1 Kings 10:23-24). The prophets contrast righteous administrators who are wise (Isaiah 32:1-4) with foolish or self-serving rulers who bring ruin (Jeremiah 4:22).

Wisdom in Craftsmanship and Artistry

חָכָם also describes those endowed with technical skill. “Tell all the skilled craftsmen whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom to make Aaron’s garments” (Exodus 28:3). The tabernacle, priestly vestments, and later the temple were products of such divinely bestowed expertise (1 Kings 7:14). Wisdom here merges creativity with covenant purpose, revealing that art and architecture can serve redemptive ends when inspired by God.

Wisdom Literature and Didactic Use

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job revolve around the contrast between the wise (חָכָם) and the fool. Typical maxims include: “A wise son brings joy to his father” (Proverbs 10:1) and “Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands” (Proverbs 14:1). Ecclesiastes probes the limits of wisdom, yet still commends it: “Wisdom preserves those who have it” (Ecclesiastes 7:12). Job’s dialogue showcases the tension between experiential suffering and traditional wisdom, climaxing in God’s declaration, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom” (Job 28:28).

Contrasts with Folly

Wisdom is measured not merely by knowledge but by righteous conduct. Proverbs 14:16 says, “A wise man fears the Lord and turns from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” Wise speech heals (Proverbs 12:18), wise planning saves (Proverbs 21:20), and wise restraint avoids strife (Proverbs 29:11). Folly, by contrast, produces moral collapse, social discord and divine judgment.

Prophetic Evaluations of Wisdom

The prophets expose counterfeit wisdom divorced from divine revelation. “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes” (Isaiah 5:21). Jeremiah laments, “The wise men will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and caught” (Jeremiah 8:9). Yet the Lord offers true wisdom to anyone who seeks Him: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom… but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Ecclesiastes: Limitations of Human Wisdom

While affirming wisdom’s relative superiority to folly (Ecclesiastes 2:13), the Preacher confesses its inability to solve life’s enigmas or escape death (Ecclesiastes 2:14-16). This tension drives readers to yearn for a wisdom greater than Solomon’s, one that transcends mortality and injustice.

Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord

Foundational to all uses of חָכָם is reverence for God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10; cf. Psalm 111:10). Conversely, moral rebellion nullifies any claim to wisdom: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

Messianic and Eschatological Dimensions

Isaiah foresees a royal Deliverer on whom “the Spirit of the Lord will rest—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding” (Isaiah 11:2). Daniel predicts, “Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens” (Daniel 12:3), hinting at the ultimate vindication of the godly. The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as “wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30), fulfilling the Old Testament ideal and granting believers the Spirit who imparts wisdom (Ephesians 1:17).

Pastoral and Ministry Application

1. Pursue wisdom prayerfully, confident that “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5).
2. Teach that wisdom is inseparable from obedience; moral compromise empties leadership, counsel and artistry of eternal value.
3. Model craftsmanship and excellence in church service, echoing the tabernacle artisans whose skill honored God.
4. Emphasize Christ as the culmination of חָכָם, urging believers to walk “not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Thus, חָכָם invites God’s people to a life shaped by divine insight, holy skill and covenant fidelity, anticipating the full revelation of wisdom in the kingdom of Christ.

הֶֽחָכָ֗ם הֶֽחָכָ֤ם הֶֽחָכָם֙ הֶחָכָ֖ם הַ֣חֲכָמִ֔ים הַֽחֲכָמִ֗ים הַחֲכָמ֥וֹת החכם החכמות החכמים וְ֝חָכָ֗ם וְֽחַכְמֵ֔י וְהַחֲכָמִ֛ים וְחָכָ֑ם וְחָכָ֖ם וַ֝חֲכָמִ֗ים וַחֲכַ֥ם וַחֲכָמֶ֙יהָ֙ וַחֲכָמֶ֜יהָ והחכמים וחכם וחכמי וחכמיה וחכמים חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים חֲ֭כָמִים חֲכַ֣ם חֲכַם־ חֲכָ֘מִ֤ים חֲכָמִ֑ים חֲכָמִ֔ים חֲכָמִ֖ים חֲכָמִ֛ים חֲכָמִ֣ים חֲכָמִ֥ים חֲכָמִ֧ים חֲכָמִים֙ חֲכָמֶ֑יהָ חֲכָמֶ֔יךָ חֲכָמֶֽיהָ׃ חֲכָמַ֤יִךְ חֲכָמָ֑ה חֲכָמָ֔יו חֲכָמָ֖ה חֲכָמָ֜יו חַכְמ֥וֹת חַכְמֵ֧י חַכְמֵי֙ חַכְמֵי־ חַכְמַת־ חָ֝כָ֗ם חָ֭כָם חָכָ֑ם חָכָ֔ם חָכָ֖ם חָכָ֗ם חָכָ֛ם חָכָ֡ם חָכָ֣ם חָכָ֥ם חָכָֽם׃ חָכָם֙ חכם חכם־ חכם׃ חכמה חכמות חכמי חכמי־ חכמיה חכמיה׃ חכמיו חכמיך חכמים חכמת־ כְּהֶ֣חָכָ֔ם כהחכם לְ֝חָכָ֗ם לְ֭חָכָם לֶחָכָ֑ם לֶחָכָ֖ם לֶחָכָ֛ם לַֽחֲכָמִ֑ים לַֽחֲכָמִ֖ים לַחֲכַם־ לַחֲכָמִ֖ים לַחֲכָמִ֥ים לחכם לחכם־ לחכמים מֵֽחָכָ֔ם מחכם chacham chachaMah chachaMav chachaMayich chachaMeicha chachaMeiha chachaMim chachmat chachmei chachMot Chachom ha·ḥă·ḵā·mîm ha·ḥă·ḵā·mō·wṯ ḥă·ḵā·ma·yiḵ ḥă·ḵā·māh ḥă·ḵā·māw ḥă·ḵā·me·hā ḥă·ḵā·me·ḵā ḥă·ḵā·mîm ḥă·ḵam ḥā·ḵām ḥă·ḵam- hachachaMim hachachaMot haḥăḵāmîm haḥăḵāmōwṯ ḥaḵ·maṯ- ḥaḵ·mê ḥaḵ·mê- ḥaḵ·mō·wṯ ḥăḵam ḥāḵām ḥăḵam- ḥăḵāmāh ḥăḵāmāw ḥăḵāmayiḵ ḥăḵāmehā ḥăḵāmeḵā ḥăḵāmîm ḥaḵmaṯ- ḥaḵmê ḥaḵmê- ḥaḵmōwṯ he·ḥā·ḵām hechaCham heḥāḵām kə·he·ḥā·ḵām keHechaCham kəheḥāḵām la·ḥă·ḵā·mîm la·ḥă·ḵam- lachacham lachachaMim laḥăḵam- laḥăḵāmîm le·ḥā·ḵām lə·ḥā·ḵām lechaCham Lechachom leḥāḵām ləḥāḵām mê·ḥā·ḵām mechaCham mêḥāḵām vachaCham vachachaMeiha vachachaMim vechaCham vechachMei vehachachaMim wa·ḥă·ḵā·me·hā wa·ḥă·ḵā·mîm wa·ḥă·ḵam waḥăḵam waḥăḵāmehā waḥăḵāmîm wə·ha·ḥă·ḵā·mîm wə·ḥā·ḵām wə·ḥaḵ·mê wəhaḥăḵāmîm wəḥāḵām wəḥaḵmêInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts