Quick Answer: How to Say Wisdom in Hebrew
Wisdom in Hebrew is:
Meaning: Wisdom, skill, prudence, practical understanding
How to Pronounce Chokmah
The Hebrew word חכמה (chokmah) is pronounced khok-MAH.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- חָכְ (khok) - Sounds like "khok" (the "kh" is a guttural sound like the "ch" in Scottish "loch", the "o" as in "go")
- מָה (mah) - Sounds like "MAH" (the "a" as in "father", emphasis on this syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the final syllable: khok-MAH
Practice Saying Chokmah
Try saying it slowly: khok (pause) MAH
Then say it faster: khok-MAH
Tip: The "kh" sound (ח) is pronounced from the back of the throat, similar to clearing your throat gently.
What Does Chokmah Mean?
While חכמה (chokmah) is translated as "wisdom," its meaning in Hebrew is more practical and skill-based than the English word suggests. Chokmah comes from the root ח.כ.ם (ch.k.m), which means "to be wise" or "to be skillful." This root reveals that chokmah is not just about knowing facts—it's about skillfully applying knowledge in practical life. Chokmah encompasses:
🧠 Practical Wisdom
Skill in applying knowledge to real-life situations
🎯 Prudence
Good judgment and discernment in decision-making
⚒️ Skill
Expertise and craftsmanship in any field
💡 Understanding
Deep insight into how things work and relate
Key Insight: The Hebrew concept of chokmah (wisdom) is fundamentally practical. It's not about accumulating information, but about skillfully living life according to God's ways. This is why the same word (chokmah) is used for the wisdom of Solomon and the skill of craftsmen (Exodus 31:3). True wisdom is practical skill in living righteously before God.
How to Use Chokmah
Chokmah appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, especially in the wisdom literature. Here's how it's used:
1. The Beginning of Wisdom
The most famous use of chokmah in Scripture:
Proverbs 1:7:
יִרְאַת יְהוָה רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה
yirat Adonai reshit chokmah
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"
True wisdom (chokmah) starts with reverent awe and respect for God.
2. Wisdom as a Skill
Chokmah can refer to practical skill or craftsmanship:
Exodus 31:3:
וָאֲמַלֵּא אֹתוֹ רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים בְּחָכְמָה
va'amalei oto ruach Elohim bechokmah
"And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom (chokmah)"
Bezalel was given chokmah (skill) to craft the tabernacle, showing wisdom as practical expertise.
3. Wisdom for Rulers
Chokmah is especially important for leaders and kings:
1 Kings 3:9:
וְנָתַתָּ לְעַבְדְּךָ לֵב שֹׁמֵעַ לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת עַמְּךָ לְהָבִין בֵּין טוֹב לְרָע כִּי מִי יוּכַל לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת עַמְּךָ הַכָּבֵד הַזֶּה
venatata le'avdekha lev shome'a lishpot et amekha lehavin bein tov lera ki mi yukhal lishpot et amekha hakaved hazeh
"Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil"
Solomon asked for chokmah (wisdom/understanding) to rule God's people skillfully.
Biblical Significance of Chokmah
Chokmah is central to the biblical understanding of how to live skillfully before God. Here are key biblical concepts involving chokmah:
Proverbs 4:7 - Get Wisdom
רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה קְנֵה חָכְמָה
reshit chokmah keneh chokmah
"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom"
The book of Proverbs emphasizes that acquiring chokmah (wisdom) is the most important pursuit in life.
Proverbs 3:13-15 - Wisdom More Precious Than Gold
אַשְׁרֵי אָדָם מָצָא חָכְמָה וְאָדָם יָפִיק תְּבוּנָה
ashrei adam matza chokmah ve'adam yafik tevunah
"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding"
Finding chokmah brings true happiness and blessing, more valuable than material wealth.
Proverbs 8:22-23 - Wisdom from the Beginning
יְהוָה קָנָנִי רֵאשִׁית דַּרְכּוֹ קֶדֶם מִפְעָלָיו מֵאָז
Adonai kanani reshit darko kedem mif'alav me'az
"The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old"
Wisdom (chokmah) is personified as existing with God from the very beginning of creation.
Practical Tips for Pursuing Chokmah
How to Seek Wisdom
- Practice pronunciation: Say "khok-MAH" slowly, emphasizing the final syllable
- Start with fear of the Lord: Remember that true wisdom begins with reverent awe of God (Proverbs 1:7)
- Study Proverbs: The book of Proverbs is a practical guide to chokmah
- Apply it practically: Wisdom is not just knowledge—it's skill in living righteously
- Seek understanding: Ask God for wisdom like Solomon did (1 Kings 3:9)
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