999. binah
Lexical Summary
binah: understanding

Original Word: בִּינָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: biynah
Pronunciation: bee-nah'
Phonetic Spelling: (bee-naw')
NASB: understanding
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H998 (בִּינָה - understanding)]

1. knowledge

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.
2. Purpose: Whether deciphering dreams (Daniel 2:28), crafting sanctuary artistry (Exodus 31:3), or administering justice (1 Kings 3:9), בִּינָה enables covenant faithfulness.
3. Moral Quality: Scripture ties understanding to righteousness (Psalm 119:34). The faculty is ethical, not merely cognitive; it leads to obedience.

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.
• Counseling: Discernment safeguards congregations from false teaching (1 John 4:1).
• Cultural Engagement: Like Daniel, Christians equipped with בִּינָה interpret societal shifts through a biblical lens, neither retreating nor assimilating but bearing prophetic witness.
• Prayer: James 1:5 encourages seeking wisdom; Daniel 2 models a community appeal for revelation that exalts God publicly.

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.
• דַּעַת (knowledge) – factual awareness that informs wisdom.
• סֶכֶל / νοῦς (mind) and σύνεσις (understanding) – New Testament counterparts expressing Spirit-enabled comprehension.

Key Questions for Study and Reflection

1. How does Daniel 2:21 challenge modern notions of autonomous rationality?
2. In what ways can a congregation cultivate collective discernment?
3. How does recognizing Christ as the embodiment of understanding shape personal devotion and mission?

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 viNah
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman'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

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 999
1 Occurrence


ḇî·nāh — 1 Occ.

998
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