Original Word: חָכְמָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: chokmah
Pronunciation: khok-MAH
Phonetic Spelling: (khok-maw')
KJV: wisdom
NASB: wisdom
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H2451 (חָכמָה - wisdom)]

1. wisdom

wisdom

(Aramaic) corresponding to chokmah; wisdom -- wisdom.

see HEBREW chokmah

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to chokmah
Definition
wisdom
NASB Translation
wisdom (8).

חָכְמָה noun feminine wisdom; — ׳ח absolute Daniel 2:30 +, emphatic תָכְמְתָא Daniel 2:20 +, construct חָכְמַת Daniel 5:11; Ezra 7:25; — wisdom, attribute of God Daniel 2:20; of gods Daniel 5:11; of man Daniel 2:30; of God imparted to man Ezra 7:25 (practical wisdom), Daniel 2:21; = occult knowledge (see foregoing) imparted to men Daniel 2:23; Daniel 5:11.Daniel 5:14.

Semantic Field and Canonical Setting

The Aramaic term appears only in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Daniel, both written partly in Aramaic to address Jews living under foreign rule. Within these settings wisdom is never presented as a merely human attainment; it is always portrayed as a divine endowment granted for the preservation of God’s people and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes during Gentile domination.

Narrative Occurrences

Ezra 7:25 situates wisdom in the hand of Ezra, “according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand,” empowering him to appoint judges and teach God’s Law throughout Persian provinces west of the Euphrates. Here wisdom validates both civil and spiritual authority, integrating the Law of Moses with imperial administration.

In Daniel 2, the term frames the entire revelation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream:
• Daniel 2:20–23 twice ascribes wisdom to God alone. “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him” (2:20); “He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (2:21).
• Daniel 2:30 underscores that the mystery is disclosed “not because I have more wisdom than anyone living,” highlighting divine initiative over human merit.

Daniel 5 repeats the theme when the queen recalls “an excellent spirit, knowledge, and wisdom” in Daniel (5:11, 12) and when Belshazzar tells him, “I have heard that the Spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight, and extraordinary wisdom are found in you” (5:14). Wisdom is recognized by pagan rulers yet sourced in the Holy Spirit.

Historical and Redemptive Significance

1. Post-exilic stewardship: Both Ezra and Daniel function as paradigms of faithful Jews serving Gentile powers without compromise. Wisdom equips them to interpret dreams, draft decrees, and shape policy, demonstrating that the fear of the Lord transcends geopolitical exile.
2. Preservation of covenant identity: Wisdom safeguards Israel’s distinctiveness. Ezra uses it to re-establish Torah observance; Daniel uses it to interpret history and prophecy, assuring the captives that God controls emperors and epochs.
3. Anticipation of Messianic wisdom: By revealing mysteries and installing righteous administration, the term foreshadows the greater revelation in Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Theological Themes

God’s sovereignty: Wisdom is inseparable from divine rule; the One who “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21) also dispenses wisdom.

Revelation over speculation: In every occurrence the initiative lies with God. Human insight begins only after God discloses His counsel.

Spirit empowerment: Daniel is repeatedly described as possessing wisdom because “an excellent spirit” is in him (Daniel 5:12). The Spirit mediates God’s wisdom to human agents.

Intertextual Connections

Though distinct from the Hebrew form in Proverbs, the Aramaic occurrences resonate with Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” They also prefigure New Testament teaching: James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom; 1 Corinthians 1:24 identifies Christ as “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Thus the Aramaic term links Old Testament exile theology to the incarnational fulfillment.

Ministry Implications

Leadership: Ezra 7:25 legitimizes the appointment of judges on the basis of God-given wisdom. Church elders and ministry leaders likewise require divine wisdom for doctrinal fidelity and pastoral governance.

Apologetics: Daniel’s wise answers to pagan authorities model intellectual engagement without theological compromise, guiding believers who serve in secular spheres.

Intercession: Daniel 2:18 depicts a prayer meeting that precedes the reception of wisdom. Effective ministry still depends on prayerful dependence for revelation.

Pastoral Application

Believers in diaspora-like conditions—corporate offices, universities, or governments—can expect God to grant wisdom for cultural navigation and gospel witness. The eight occurrences assure Christians that divine wisdom is operative in hostile environments and that faithful presence can influence empires.

Eschatological Orientation

Daniel’s wisdom visions look forward to the kingdom that “will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). Wisdom therefore functions as an eschatological compass, orienting exiles toward the consummation under the Messiah, when knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth.

Summary

Aramaic חָכְמָה appears sparingly but strategically. In Ezra it establishes covenant justice; in Daniel it unveils divine mysteries and vindicates God’s servants before kings. Across both contexts wisdom is a gift rooted in the character of God, mediated by His Spirit, and ultimately embodied in Christ, equipping His people for faithful service until His kingdom is fully manifest.

בְחָכְמָה֙ בחכמה וְחָכְמָ֥ה וחכמה חָכְמְתָ֛א חָכְמְתָא֙ חכמתא כְּחָכְמַ֨ת כְּחָכְמַת־ כחכמת כחכמת־ ḇə·ḥā·ḵə·māh ḇəḥāḵəmāh chachemeTa ḥā·ḵə·mə·ṯā ḥāḵəməṯā kə·ḥā·ḵə·maṯ kə·ḥā·ḵə·maṯ- kechacheMat kəḥāḵəmaṯ kəḥāḵəmaṯ- vechacheMah wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh wəḥāḵəmāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts