חׇכְמָה
Wisdom (in a good sense)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does חׇכְמָה (ḥokmāh) mean in the Bible?
חׇכְמָה (ḥokmāh) is a Hebrew word meaning "wisdom (in a good sense)". wisdom (in a good sense) BDB: wisdom Usage: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. Proverbs is not offering trivia or hacks. It is forming skillful godliness, decisions, speech, work, and relationships under the LORD. This term runs through the canonical themes of Creation, Justice, Revelation.
Full entry for חׇכְמָה (H2451) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
Practical skill and moral discernment combined; divine attribute enabling right judgment and skillful living in covenant faithfulness
wisdom (in a good sense) BDB: wisdom Usage: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
Why This Word Matters
Proverbs is not offering trivia or hacks. It is forming skillful godliness, decisions, speech, work, and relationships under the Lord. Isaiah 28:23-29
Wisdom is portrayed as active and vocal. The issue is not access but response, whether we receive reproof and walk in God’s way. Proverbs 1:1-7
Wisdom produces speech that reflects discernment and understanding. Proverbs 1:20-33
Wisdom represents the righteous orientation of life toward God. Proverbs 10:13
Wisdom represents the moral and spiritual insight flowing from the righteous. Proverbs 10:23
Wisdom represents the practical knowledge of living rightly before God. Proverbs 10:31
Wisdom reflects the pattern by which God structured creation. Proverbs 11:2
Wisdom is the central pursuit that shapes every area of life. Proverbs 3:13-20
Wisdom protects the believer by revealing the true consequences of sin.
Wisdom provides the discernment necessary to resist temptation.
Wisdom represents the divine guidance offered to humanity.
Wisdom is portrayed as the source of life and understanding.
Divine discipline is executed with perfect discernment.
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 149 occurrences in the biblical text.
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.