Lexical Summary binah: understanding Original Word: בִּינָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance knowledge (Aramaic) corresponding to biynah -- knowledge. see HEBREW biynah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to binah Definition an understanding NASB Translation understanding (1). Topical Lexicon Definition and Thematic Summary בִּינָה highlights the faculty of God-given understanding—clear, penetrating insight that grasps the true nature of things and judges rightly. Scripture never describes this discernment as a merely human achievement; it is granted by the Lord to accomplish His purposes. Canonical Context in Daniel Daniel 2:21 sets the term within a prayer of praise after the revelation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who know understanding”. Here בִּינָה is portrayed as a gift that equips God’s servants to interpret history, dethrone counterfeit claims to sovereignty, and magnify the God who “reveals the deep and hidden things” (Daniel 2:22). The verse links understanding directly to God’s governance over world empires, implying that true political and spiritual insight flows only from Him. Theological Dimensions of Divine Bestowal 1. Source: Understanding originates in God (Proverbs 2:6). Human intellect, though valued, is insufficient without divine illumination. Wisdom Literature Connections Although 999 occurs only once, the broader concept saturates Proverbs. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) cautions against autonomous discernment. Conversely, “By understanding He established the heavens” (Proverbs 3:19) anchors בִּינָה in creation theology: the same insight God employs to order the cosmos is the insight He shares with the faithful. Christological and New Testament Trajectory Isaiah 11:2 prophesies that the Spirit of the LORD will rest on the Messiah, “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.” Jesus embodies perfect בִּינָה, reading hearts (John 2:25) and unfolding Scripture (Luke 24:45). Post-resurrection, the Spirit extends this capacity to the church (Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9), enabling believers to discern both doctrine and the times (1 Chronicles 12:32 applied). Pastoral and Practical Ministry Application • Leadership: Elders must hold “the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9), requiring Spirit-born understanding. Historical and Eschatological Significance Daniel’s era foreshadows end-time conflicts between earthly powers and God’s kingdom. Insight into “times and seasons” (Daniel 2:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:1) prepares the church to endure and testify faithfully. Understanding is thus both a present necessity and an eschatological gift that steadies believers amid shaking nations. Related Hebrew and Greek Terms • חָכְמָה (wisdom) – the comprehensive skill of godly living. Key Questions for Study and Reflection 1. How does Daniel 2:21 challenge modern notions of autonomous rationality? Select References Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 3:5-6, 19; Isaiah 11:2; James 1:5; Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9 Forms and Transliterations בִינָֽה׃ בינה׃ ḇî·nāh ḇînāh viNahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:21 HEB: וּמַנְדְּעָ֖א לְיָדְעֵ֥י בִינָֽה׃ NAS: And knowledge to men of understanding. KJV: to them that know understanding: INT: and knowledge know of understanding |
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