Original Word: שָׂכַל
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sakal
Pronunciation: sah-KAL
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-kal')
KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

consider, expert, instruct, prosper, deal prudently, give skillful, have good success, teach,

A primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent -- consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(- ly), guide wittingly.

I. שָׂכַל verb be prudent (Gerber^{47denominative} from שֶׂכֶל, but verb early; Late Hebrew סָכַל, Hithpa`el shew oneself attentive (to), look; Aramaic סְכַל (rare) understand, Ithpa`al look (at), consider, Aph`el instruct; שְׂכַל only Aph`el (for Hebrew הִשְׂכִּיל), understand, make wise; Pa`el teach, Ethpa`al understand, etc.; Samaritan Ithpa`al look (for Hebrew הִבִּיט); Assyrian šiklu, clever, šklûtu, cleverness, Meissn^Suppl.93); —

Qal Perfect3masculine singular ׳שׂ 1 Samuel 18:30 be prudent, circumspect (SS HPS); Kit Buhl Gerber and others prosper.

Hiph`il Perfect3masculine singular הִשְׂכִּיל Jeremiah 23:5; 1 Chronicles 28:19; 1singular הִשְׂכַּלְתִּי Psalm 119:99; 3masculine plural הִשְׂכִּילוּ Job 34:27 +; Imperfect יַשְׂכִּיל 1 Samuel 18:5 +; 2 masculine singular jussive תַּשְׂכַּל Daniel 9:25, etc.; Imperative masculine plural הַשְׂכִּילוּ Psalm 2:10; Infinitive absolute הַשְׂכֵּל Jeremiah 9:23 +; הַשְׂכֵּיל (Ges ^{§ 53 k}) Jeremiah 3:15; Job 34:35; construct הַשְׂכִּיל Genesis 3:6 +, etc.; Participle מַשְׂכִּיל 1 Samuel 18:14 +, feminine מַשְׂכָּ֑לֶת Proverbs 19:14; plural מַשְׂכִּילִים Daniel 11:35 +, etc.; meanings hard to classify: scholars differ greatly; —

1 look at: נְחְמָד הָעֵץ לְהַשְׂכִּיל Genesis 3:6 (J) was desirable to look upon (so ᵐ5 Ges De; AV, RV to make one wise; Ew Di Buhl SS Dr and others below 3).

2 give attention to, consider, ponder: Isaiah 41:20; Isaiah 44:18; Deuteronomy 32:29; Psalm 64:10; Psalm 106:7; Job 34:27; with לְ Proverbs 21:12; with אֶל Psalm 41:2; Nehemiah 8:13; with עַל Proverbs 16:20; with ב Psalm 101:2; Daniel 9:13.

3 have insight, comprehension: Jeremiah 9:23 ("" ׳יָדַע י), Psalm 94:8 ("" בִּין), Psalm 119:99, Daniel 1:4; Daniel 9:25 ("" יָדַע); הַשְׂכֵּ(י)ל assubstantive = insight, understanding: as ׳יs gift to ruler and teacher, "" דֵּעָה Jeremiah 3:15; "" דַּ֫עַת Job 34:35; "" מַדָּע Daniel 1:17; מוּסַר ׳הַשׂ Proverbs 1:3; ׳דֶּרֶךְ הַשׂ Proverbs 21:16.

4 cause to consider, give insight, teach: ׳י subject, accusative of thing, 1 Chronicles 28:19, accusative of person Psalm 32:8; Nehemiah 9:20; Gabriel subject, 2accusative Daniel 9:22; לֵב חָכָם subject, accusative of thing Proverbs 16:23; with לְ, Proverbs 21:11; ׳הַמַּשְׂכִּילִים שֵׂכֶל טוֺב לי2Chronicles 30:22 (but Be Ke Benz etc. who shewed good skill, that is, in music, 2 Chronicles 30:21b); (הַ)מַוְכִּילִים Daniel 11:33,35; Daniel 12:3,10 the teachers (so Ew Hi Bev; Thes Ke Behrm and others the wise).

5 act circumspectly, prudently: absolute Amos 5:13; Psalm 2:10; Psalm 36:4; מַשְׂכִּיל as substantive Psalm 14:2 = Psalm 53:3, Proverbs 10:5,19; Proverbs 14:35; Proverbs 15:24; Proverbs 17:2; Job 22:2; אִשָּׁה מַשְׂכָּ֑לֶת Proverbs 19:14. — Jeremiah 50:9 has גִּבּוֺר מַשְׁכִּיל according to Masora (van d. H. Baer Gi), compare ᵑ9, i.e. a child-slaying warrior; but ׳שׁ

Hiph`il elsewhere only Hosea 9:14, of miscarriage; ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Ew and most modern (Gf Gie Rothst) read מַשְׂכִּיל, either skilful or fortunate.

6 prosper, have success (compare Dr ^{1 Samuel 18:5}): absolute 1 Samuel 18:15; Isaiah 52:13; Jeremiah 10:21; Jeremiah 20:11; Jeremiah 23:5; Joshua 1:8 (D); with ב, Joshua 1:7 (D) 1 Samuel 18:5,14 (read בְּכָלֿ for לְכָלֿ Vrss Th HPS and others), compare 2 Kings 18:7; with אֶל, Proverbs 17:8.

7 cause to prosper: Deuteronomy 29:8; 1 Kings 2:3(D).

II. [שָׂכַל] verb Pi`el lay crosswise (so, and not √ I. ׳שׂ, ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7^Jon and modern, compare Arabic bind legs of beast, plait locks of hair); — Perfect3masculine singular שִׂכֵּל אֶתיָֿדָיו Genesis 48:14 (J); Thes Dr, however, prudentes fecit, from √ I. ׳שׂ.

Semantic Range and Theological Nuances

שָׂכַל (sāḵal) gathers into one root the ideas of insight, prudence, circumspection, and resulting success. Whenever Scripture employs the root it presents wisdom not as abstract intellect but as moral and spiritual discernment that leads to God-honoring conduct and often to tangible prosperity. The verb can be either transitive (“give insight,” “make wise”) or intransitive (“act wisely,” “prosper”), and always assumes that true understanding begins with the fear of the LORD.

Occurrences in the Pentateuch

The earliest uses concentrate on skillful administration. Joseph is described as a man “discerning and wise” (Genesis 41:39), his God-given prudence saving both Egypt and Jacob’s family. In Deuteronomy Moses exhorts Israel to “be careful to do” the statutes, “for that will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations” (Deuteronomy 4:6). Here שָׂכַל links covenant obedience with evangelistic witness: nations should see Yahweh’s people acting prudently and conclude that the LORD alone gives true wisdom.

Historical Narratives: Royal Administration and Military Strategy

Joshua “acted wisely” in conquest (Joshua 1:7-8, 1 Samuel 18:5), a pattern later embodied by David, whose “every mission … he was successful” (1 Samuel 18:14). The Chronicler regards Hezekiah’s reforms as שָׂכַל, recording that “in everything that he undertook in the service of the house of God … he acted with all his heart and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). When a king heeds prophetic counsel he is described with this verb; when he refuses, the text often contrasts his folly with the demanded שָׂכַל (2 Chronicles 30:22 versus 2 Chronicles 36:15-16).

Wisdom Literature Emphasis

Proverbs employs שָׂכַל to call the reader to disciplined reflection leading to righteous living: “My son, be wise, and guide your heart on the right course” (Proverbs 23:19). Ecclesiastes admits human limits—“the wise man has eyes in his head” (Ecclesiastes 2:14)—yet still recommends prudent conduct as a gift “from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26). Job utilizes the verb sparingly but poignantly: “Who has given understanding to the mind?” (Job 38:36). The answer, implicit and explicit, is the Creator alone.

Psalms and Worship Context

Psalms joins שָׂכַל with covenant loyalty. Psalm 14:2 depicts the LORD surveying humanity “to see if any understand,” linking understanding with seeking God. In Psalm 119 the psalmist repeatedly requests insight so he may obey: “Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law” (Psalm 119:34; cf. 119:73, 144). True worship requires thoughtful engagement with God’s revealed will.

Prophetic Applications

Prophets castigate rulers and people for lacking שָׂכַל (Isaiah 44:19; Jeremiah 10:21). Daniel highlights the eschatological dimension: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the heavens” (Daniel 12:3). God will vindicate the discerning remnant and expose the self-confident but spiritually blind. Daniel 9:22 presents divine revelation as the source of all insight: “I have come now to give you understanding.”

Messianic Foreshadowing

Isaiah repeatedly couples שָׂכַל with the promised Servant: “Behold, My Servant will prosper” (Isaiah 52:13). The Servant’s success is rooted in obedient wisdom that culminates at the cross and resurrection, providing typological foundation for New Testament presentation of Christ as “the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Intertextual Bridge to the New Testament

While the Hebrew verb itself does not cross the language boundary, its concept saturates the New Testament. Jesus increases “in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52); Paul prays that believers be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9). The Septuagint frequently renders שָׂכַל with συνετός and σόφια, terms later woven into apostolic teaching.

Practical Ministry Application

1. Scripture-Saturated Prudence: Joshua 1:8 ties success to meditating on the law “day and night.” Ministry flourishes where Scripture shapes planning.
2. Evangelistic Testimony: Deuteronomy 4:6 reveals that prudence validates witness before the world. Strategic mission work should therefore be inseparable from visible obedience.
3. Leadership Qualification: David and Hezekiah model how Spirit-given discernment guides governance. Church leaders must seek the same (1 Timothy 3:2—“able to teach,” a New Testament echo of שָׂכַל).
4. Prayer for Insight: Psalms teach believers to petition God for understanding. Pastoral intercession should regularly seek congregational wisdom (Ephesians 1:17).
5. Eschatological Hope: Daniel 12:3 assures that enduring, discerning saints will receive eternal vindication.

Conclusion

Throughout the Old Testament שָׂכַל depicts a wisdom that is God-given, Scripture-rooted, and obedience-resulting. It unites head and heart, thought and action, present prosperity and future glory. Those who embrace it walk in harmony with the Lord and become beacons to the nations—anticipating the consummate Wisdom, Jesus Christ, in whom “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

אַשְׂכִּ֤ילָה ׀ אַשְׂכִּֽילְךָ֨ ׀ אשכילה אשכילך בְהַשְׂכֵּֽיל׃ בהשכיל׃ הִשְׂכִּ֑יל הִשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ הִשְׂכִּ֬ילוּ הִשְׂכִּֽילוּ׃ הִשְׂכַּ֑לְתִּי הַמַּשְׂכִּ֛יל הַמַּשְׂכִּילִ֣ים הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ הַשְׂכֵּ֑ל הַשְׂכֵּל֮ המשכיל המשכילים השכיל השכילו השכילו׃ השכל השכלתי וְהִשְׂכִּ֔יל וְהַ֨מַּשְׂכִּלִ֔ים וְהַמַּשְׂכִּלִ֖ים וְהַשְׂכֵּ֖ל וְהַשְׂכֵּֽיל׃ וְיַשְׂכִּ֙ילוּ֙ וְתַשְׂכֵּ֜ל וּבְהַשְׂכִּ֥יל וּלְהַשְׂכִּ֖יל וּמַשְׂכִּ֣ילֵי וּמַשְׂכִּילִ֣ים ובהשכיל והמשכלים והשכיל והשכיל׃ והשכל וישכילו ולהשכיל ומשכילי ומשכילים ותשכל יַשְׂכִּ֑יל יַשְׂכִּ֔יל יַשְׂכִּ֖יל יַשְׂכִּ֣יל יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ יַשְׂכִּֽיל׃ ישכיל ישכיל׃ ישכילו לְהַשְׂכִּ֔יל לְהַשְׂכִּ֣יל לְהַשְׂכִּילְךָ֥ לְהַשְׂכִּילָ֑ם לְמַשְׂכִּ֑יל להשכיל להשכילך להשכילם למשכיל מֵהַשְׂכִּ֖יל מַשְׁכִּ֔יל מַשְׂכִּ֑יל מַשְׂכִּ֗יל מַשְׂכִּ֣יל מַשְׂכִּֽיל׃ מַשְׂכָּֽלֶת׃ מהשכיל משכיל משכיל׃ משכלת׃ שִׂכֵּל֙ שֵֽׂכֶל־ שָׂכַ֤ל שכל שכל־ תַּשְׂכִּ֔יל תַּשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ תַּשְׂכִּ֗יל תַּשְׂכִּֽיל׃ תַּשְׂכִּֽילוּ׃ תשכיל תשכיל׃ תשכילו תשכילו׃ ’aś·kî·lāh ’aś·kî·lə·ḵā ’aśkîlāh ’aśkîləḵā asKilah askileCha ḇə·haś·kêl ḇəhaśkêl ham·maś·kî·lîm ham·maś·kîl hammasKil hammaśkîl hammaskiLim hammaśkîlîm haś·kêl haś·kî·lū hasKel haśkêl hasKilu haśkîlū hiś·kal·tî hiś·kî·lū hiś·kîl hisKalti hiśkaltî hisKil hiśkîl hisKilu hiśkîlū lə·haś·kî·lām lə·haś·kî·lə·ḵā lə·haś·kîl lə·maś·kîl lehasKil ləhaśkîl lehaskiLam ləhaśkîlām lehaskileCha ləhaśkîləḵā lemasKil ləmaśkîl maś·kā·leṯ maś·kîl maš·kîl mashKil masKalet maśkāleṯ masKil maśkîl maškîl mê·haś·kîl mehasKil mêhaśkîl śā·ḵal saChal śāḵal śê·ḵel- sechel śêḵel- śik·kêl sikKel śikkêl taś·kî·lū taś·kîl tasKil taśkîl tasKilu taśkîlū ū·ḇə·haś·kîl ū·lə·haś·kîl ū·maś·kî·lê ū·maś·kî·lîm ūḇəhaśkîl ulehasKil ūləhaśkîl ūmaśkîlê umasKilei umaskiLim ūmaśkîlîm uvehasKil veHammaskiLim vehasKeil vehasKel vehisKil vetasKel veyasKilu wə·ham·maś·ki·lîm wə·haś·kêl wə·hiś·kîl wə·ṯaś·kêl wə·yaś·kî·lū wəhammaśkilîm wəhaśkêl wəhiśkîl wəṯaśkêl wəyaśkîlū yaś·kî·lū yaś·kîl yasKil yaśkîl yasKilu yaśkîlūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts