דַּעַת
Da'at
Knowledge, awareness, intimate knowing
Da'at (דַּעַת) is a Hebrew word meaning “knowledge, awareness, intimate knowing,” pronounced “DA-aht.” Derived from the root י-ד-ע, da'at appears 93 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H1847).
| Hebrew | דַּעַת |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Da'at |
| Pronunciation | DA-aht |
| Meaning | Knowledge, awareness, intimate knowing |
| Root Letters | י-ד-ע |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 93× |
| Key Verse | Hosea 6:6 |
| Strong's Number | H1847 |
| Category | Abstract & Philosophical |
When the Bible speaks of 'knowledge' — da'at (דַּעַת) — it means something profoundly different from what we typically imagine. In English, knowledge is information stored in the brain. In Hebrew, da'at is intimate, experiential, relational knowing. The same root (yada) is used for the most intimate act between husband and wife: 'Adam knew (yada) Eve' (Genesis 4:1). When Hosea 6:6 says God desires 'da'at Elohim' (knowledge of God) rather than sacrifices, it is not asking for theological data — it is asking for intimate relationship. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (da'at tov v'ra) in Eden offered not mere information but experiential awareness — the kind of knowing that changes you forever. Biblical da'at is not about what you know but Who you know and how deeply. This transforms how Christians understand faith: it is not intellectual assent but intimate, life-changing encounter with the living God.
Key Bible Verse: Hosea 6:6
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge (da'at) of God rather than burnt offerings.”
What Is the Root of Da'at in Hebrew?
Da'at comes from the root י-ד-ע (yod-dalet-ayin), meaning 'to know, to perceive, to be intimate with.' Hebrew knowledge is experiential and relational — you cannot truly 'know' something in Hebrew without being personally affected by it.
What Does Da'at Mean in the Bible?
Da'at appears 93 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes the Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:9), intimate knowledge of God (Hosea 6:6), the wisdom that begins with da'at of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7), and the eschatological vision that 'the earth will be full of the da'at of the LORD' (Isaiah 11:9).
How Is Da'at Used in Modern Hebrew?
In modern Hebrew, 'da'at' means 'opinion' or 'mind.' The phrase 'al da'at atzmo' means 'on his own understanding/initiative.' The ancient depth of experiential knowledge still echoes in how Israelis speak about awareness and understanding.
How to Use Da'at in Prayer & Worship
Pursue da'at Elohim — intimate, experiential knowledge of God. Don't settle for knowing about God; seek to know Him personally. Like Paul, count everything as loss for the surpassing value of knowing (yada) Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:8).
Frequently Asked Questions About Da'at
How do you say “Knowledge” in Hebrew?
“Knowledge” in Hebrew is Da'at (דַּעַת), pronounced “DA-aht.” Da'at comes from the root י-ד-ע (yod-dalet-ayin), meaning 'to know, to perceive, to be intimate with.' Hebrew knowledge is experiential and relational — you cannot truly 'know' something in Hebrew without being personally affected by it.
What does Da'at mean in the Bible?
Da'at (דַּעַת) means “Knowledge, awareness, intimate knowing” in Biblical Hebrew. Da'at appears 93 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes the Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:9), intimate knowledge of God (Hosea 6:6), the wisdom that begins with da'at of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7), and the eschatological vision that 'the earth will be full of the da'at of the LORD' (Isaiah 11:9).
How do you pronounce Da'at?
Da'at is pronounced “DA-aht.” The word comes from the Hebrew root י-ד-ע.
Why does Hebrew use the same word for knowledge and intimacy?
The root yada (to know) describes both intellectual awareness and marital intimacy because Hebrew does not separate head knowledge from heart knowledge. To truly know someone or something in Hebrew is to have deep, personal, experiential connection with them. This is why 'knowing God' (da'at Elohim) is the highest calling — it's relationship, not theology.
What was the Tree of Knowledge in Eden?
The 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil' (da'at tov v'ra) offered experiential knowledge — not just information about good and evil, but the personal experience of both. Before eating, Adam and Eve knew good through direct relationship with God. After eating, they knew evil through personal experience of separation from God. Da'at here is transformative awareness that cannot be undone.
What does Hosea 6:6 mean about knowing God?
God says He desires 'da'at Elohim' — intimate knowledge of Himself — more than burnt offerings. This is not rejecting worship but prioritizing relationship over ritual. Jesus quoted this verse twice (Matthew 9:13, 12:7). God wants to be known personally, not merely served religiously. Da'at is the heart behind the actions.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H1847: Da'at
- Bible Gateway — Hosea 6:6 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for י-ד-ע
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