Lexical Summary
chakam: Wise, skillful, learned
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:[fromH2449 (חָכַם - wise)]
1. wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
cunning man, subtil, wisehearted,
Fromchakam; wise, (i.e. Intelligent, skilful or artful) -- cunning (man), subtil, ((un-)), wise((hearted), man).
see HEBREWchakam
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
chakamDefinitionwise
NASB Translationexpert (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).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
,
Deuteronomy 4:6 67t.; construct
Isaiah 3:3 9t.; plural
Deuteronomy 1:13 39t.; construct
Exodus 28:3 4t.; suffix
Isaiah 19:12 etc. + 8 t.;
2 Samuel 14:2;
2 Samuel 20:16; construct
Exodus 35:25; plural
Jeremiah 9:16; construct
Judges 5:29;
Proverbs 14:1(but read De) —
skilful in technical work; artificersIsaiah 3:3; sailorsEzekiel 27:8, so (probably)Ezekiel 27:9; mourning womenJeremiah 9:16; artisans of tabernacle and temple and their furnitureExodus 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 spinningExodus 35:25 (P); goldsmiths and other artisansJeremiah 10:9; makers of idol-imagesIsaiah 40:20.
wise in the administration of affairs: Joseph in EgyptGenesis 41:33,39 (E); heads of tribesDeuteronomy 1:13,15;Judges 16:19; David2 Samuel 14:20, of Solomon1 Kings 2:9;1 Kings 3:12;1 Kings 5:21 2Chron 2:11; the prince of Tyre, in satireEzekiel 28:3; of kings in GeneralProverbs 20:26; class of political advisers of JudahIsaiah 29:14;Jeremiah 18:18, apparently alsoIsaiah 5:21; of EgyptIsaiah 19:11 (twice in verse);Isaiah 19:12, Edom Obadiah 8, the nationsJeremiah 10:7; so of GodIsaiah 31:2.
shrewd, crafty, cunning: Jonadab2 Samuel 13:3; the princessesJudges 5:29;wise woman2 Samuel 14:2;2 Samuel 20:16; Generally,Jeremiah 9:22; intelligent animalsProverbs 30:24;taking the cunning in their craftJob 5:13;wise in one's own eyesProverbs 3:7;Proverbs 26:5,12,16;Proverbs 28:11;wise of mind (in their own mind)Job 37:24.
plural class oflearned andshrewd men, including astrologers, magicians and the like, of EgyptGenesis 41:8 (E),Exodus 7:11 (P; compareIsaiah 19:11 (twice in verse);Isaiah 19:12); BabylonIsaiah 44:25;Jeremiah 50:35;Jeremiah 51:57; PersiaEsther 1:13;Esther 6:13.
prudent, towards kingProverbs 16:14; in controversiesProverbs 11:29;Proverbs 29:8,9,11; religious affairsHosea 13:13;Hosea 14:10;Jeremiah 4:22;Jeremiah 8:8,9;Deuteronomy 4:6;Deuteronomy 32:6;Psalm 107:43;Jeremiah 9:11.
wise, ethically and religiously,. in Wisdom Literature:
as adjective,wise of mindProverbs 10:8;Proverbs 16:21;Ecclesiastes 8:5; of the sonProverbs 10:1 =Proverbs 15:20;Proverbs 13:1;Proverbs 23:24;Ecclesiastes 2:19;Ecclesiastes 4:13wise boy;Job 34:34wise man;wise reproverProverbs 25:12.
= substantive: (1) as awise learner in school of wisdom, he fears God and departs from evilProverbs 14:16; is silentProverbs 17:28; hearkens to counselProverbs 12:15; hears and increases in learningProverbs 1:5; his ear seeketh knowledgeProverbs 18:15; he receives itProverbs 21:11; and stores it upProverbs 10:14; his ears hearken to the reproof which giveth lifeProverbs 15:31; and he becomes wiser through itProverbs 9:8,9. (2) as awise teacher, a sage, he does not answer with windy knowledgeJob 15:2; he tells the experience of the pastJob 15:48; has knowledgeJob 34:2; teaches itEcclesiastes 12:9; disperses itProverbs 15:7; his tongue is healthProverbs 12:18; it utters knowledge arightProverbs 15:2; his mind instructs his mouth and adds learning to his lipsProverbs 16:23; his words are graciousEcclesiastes 10:12; it is good to hear his rebukeEcclesiastes 7:5; his instruction is a fountain of lifeProverbs 13:14; one walking with him becomes wiserProverbs 13:20. The recall the Greek , having their schools, pupils (), discipline (), principles and collections of wisdom,Proverbs 1:6;Proverbs 22:17 (compareProverbs 24:23),Ecclesiastes 9:17;Ecclesiastes 12:11; God himself isJob 9:4. (3)the wise are prosperous: true, in sceptical view of Ecclesiastes, they have no advantage over the foolEcclesiastes 6:8; but die as the foolEcclesiastes 2:16 (twice in verse);Psalm 49:11; they will not be able to find the works of GodEcclesiastes 8:17; like others are in the hands of GodEcclesiastes 9:1; they do not secure breadEcclesiastes 9:11; but elsewhere reverse is true: precious treasure is in his dwellingProverbs 21:20; his lips preserve himProverbs 14:3; they inherit gloryProverbs 3:35; wealth is their crownProverbs 14:24; the wise man is strongProverbs 24:5;Ecclesiastes 7:19; his eyes are in his headEcclesiastes 2:14; his mind is at his right handEcclesiastes 10:2; he interprets thingsEcclesiastes 8:1 (4) thewise man is a blessing to others: he wins menProverbs 11:30; scales the city of the mightyProverbs 21:22; though poor he delivers the cityEcclesiastes 9:15; is a reproof to scornersProverbs 15:12; his mind is in the house of mourningEcclesiastes 7:4; injustice makes him foolishEcclesiastes 7:7; Job finds no wise men among his cruel friendsJob 17:10.
Topical Lexicon
OverviewRooted 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.
Forms and Transliterations
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 wəḥaḵmê
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