Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, sages are individuals recognized for their wisdom, understanding, and insight, often serving as counselors, teachers, and leaders within the community. The concept of wisdom is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, and sages are frequently associated with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, including books such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job.
Old Testament ContextThe Hebrew word for sage, "ḥākām," is often translated as "wise" or "wise man." Sages in the Old Testament are depicted as those who possess not only knowledge but also the ability to apply it in practical and godly ways. They are seen as conduits of divine wisdom, offering guidance that aligns with God's will.
The Book of Proverbs is a primary source of wisdom literature, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who is considered one of the greatest sages. Solomon's wisdom is renowned, as seen in
1 Kings 4:29-30 : "Now God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt."
Sages are also mentioned in other parts of the Old Testament. For example, in the Book of Job, Job's friends are portrayed as wise men who come to offer counsel, though their understanding is ultimately shown to be limited compared to God's wisdom.
Role and CharacteristicsSages are characterized by their fear of the Lord, which is considered the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding"). This reverence for God is foundational to their ability to discern and impart wisdom.
The role of sages extends beyond personal piety; they are often involved in teaching and advising others. They are seen as custodians of tradition and interpreters of the law, providing instruction that helps individuals and communities live in accordance with God's commandments.
New Testament ContextWhile the term "sage" is not explicitly used in the New Testament, the concept of wisdom continues to be significant. Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate source of wisdom, surpassing even Solomon. In
Matthew 12:42 , Jesus states, "The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now one greater than Solomon is here."
The apostles and early church leaders are also depicted as wise men who, through the Holy Spirit, provide guidance and teaching to the early Christian communities. The Apostle Paul, in particular, emphasizes the wisdom that comes from God, contrasting it with worldly wisdom (
1 Corinthians 1:25: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength").
Wisdom Literature and InfluenceThe wisdom literature of the Bible, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, reflects the teachings and insights of the sages. These texts explore themes such as the nature of God, the human condition, and the moral order of the universe. They offer practical advice for living a righteous life and emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom as a divine gift.
Sages have had a lasting influence on both Jewish and Christian thought, shaping theological and ethical perspectives throughout history. Their teachings continue to be valued for their depth, relevance, and ability to guide believers in their spiritual and moral lives.
Strong's Hebrew
94. Agur -- "hired," an author of proverbs... Agur. Passive participle of 'agar; gathered (ie Received among the
sages); Agur,
a fanciful name for Solomon -- Agur. see HEBREW 'agar. 93, 94. Agur. 95 .
...Library
The HebrewSages and their Proverbs
... X THE HEBREWSAGES AND THEIR PROVERBS. [Sidenote: Role of thesages in Israel's
life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jeremiah...
Hence the Mere Word-Sages are Confuted, who Say and yet Act Not.
... Argument X."Hence the Mere Word-Sages are Confuted, Who Say and Yet Act
Not. Now I beg of the philosophers of this present time...
That the SevenSages Flourished in the Reign of Romulus, when the...
... Chapter 24."That the SevenSages Flourished in the Reign of Romulus, When the Ten
Tribes Which Were Called Israel Were Led into Captivity by the Chaldeans...
Let the AncientSages, Then, Make Known their Sayings to those who...
... Chapter III. Let the ancientsages, then, make known their sayings to those
who are capable of? Let the ancientsages, then, make...
Saints,Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service
... SAINTS,SAGES, AND SAVIORS: THE LAW OF SERVICE. The spirit of Love which
is manifested as a perfect and rounded life, is the crown...
"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the SevenSages...
... Chapter VI "Nothing is impossible to industry, "said one of the sevensages
of Greece.? "Nothing is impossible to industry, "said...
The Interpretation of the Mutilation of Atys which the Doctrine of...
... Book VII. Chapter 25."The Interpretation of the Mutilation of Atys Which
the Doctrine of the GreekSages Set Forth. Varro has...
What Philosophers were Famous when Tarquinius Priscus Reigned Over...
... Pittacus of Mitylene, another of thesages, is reported to have lived at
that time. And Eusebius writes that, while the people of...
The Longing of the Heathen for a Saviour. --The Star of the Wise...
... Thus it happened that a fewsages in Arabia (or in some part of the Parthian kingdom),
who inquired for the course of human events in that of the stars, became...
Introductory Note to Gregory Thaumaturgus.
... Most suggestive is what he says of this school: "I refer to those admirable laws
of oursages, by which the affairs of all the subjects of the Roman Empire are...
Thesaurus
Sages (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sages (4 Occurrences). Matthew 11:25 About that
time Jesus exclaimed, "I heartily praise Thee, Father, Lord
...Exclaimed (45 Occurrences)
... 11:25 About that time Jesus exclaimed, "I heartily praise Thee, Father, Lord of
Heaven and of earth, that Thou hast hidden these things fromsages and men of...
Education (4 Occurrences)
... EDUCATION IN LATER ISRAEL 1. Educational Significance of the Prophets 2. The Book
of the Law 3. Wise Men orSages 4. The Book of Proverbs 5. Scribes and...
Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... This book is an anthology of sayings or lessons of thesages on life, character,
conduct; and as such embodies the distinctively educative strain of Hebrew...
Unveiled (7 Occurrences)
... 11:25 About that time Jesus exclaimed, "I heartily praise Thee, Father, Lord of
Heaven and of earth, that Thou hast hidden these things fromsages and men of...
Ucal (1 Occurrence)
... UCAL. u'-kal ('ukhal (see below)): This name occurs along with that of Ithiel (Proverbs
30:1), both being taken by older interpreters as those of ancientsages....
Occasion (53 Occurrences)
... "I give Thee fervent thanks," He exclaimed, "O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth,
that Thou hast hidden these things fromsages and men of understanding, and...
Gracious (106 Occurrences)
... "I give Thee fervent thanks," He exclaimed, "O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth,
that Thou hast hidden these things fromsages and men of understanding, and...
Fervent (10 Occurrences)
... "I give Thee fervent thanks," He exclaimed, "O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth,
that Thou hast hidden these things fromsages and men of understanding, and...
Rapturous (1 Occurrence)
... "I give Thee fervent thanks," He exclaimed, "O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth,
that Thou hast hidden these things fromsages and men of understanding, and...
Resources
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