Hebrew Word Study – Wisdom – Part I

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Wisdom

400   40   20   8

Tav  Mem  Kaf  Chet

The dictionary defines Wisdom as: 

the quality or state of being wise; wisdom is having knowledge of what is true or right coupled with the ability to make a just judgment or perform a just action. 

 

Wisdom includes the twin concepts to discernment and insight.

Wisdom can also be scholarly knowledge or learning.

Wisdom is also defined as a precept, teaching or saying that is wise.

The purpose of this investigation of the Hebrew words for Wisdom is to answer the most common perplexing questions that surround the word Wisdom.

Wisdom is, by its very definition, filled with mysteries.

The first question I would like to address is this:

Is there more than one kind of Godly Wisdom?

The answer is yes, there are several disclosures regarding Godly Wisdom.

Creation Wisdom

There is a Wisdom that is foundational to the creation of the world. This is a Wisdom that is not attainable by man, it is out of man's reach. This is a Wisdom that belongs to God alone.

Psalm 136:5

To him that by wisdom made the heavens:

 

Proverbs 3:19

The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth;

 

Jeremiah 10:12

It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.

 

Wisdom From Above

The second thing we need to understand is that true Wisdom only comes from above. 

James 3:14

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above,

 

James 3:17 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

 

Seek Wisdom

The third thing we need to understand is that God delights to fortify His children with true Wisdom and encourages us to seek and search for Wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:

 

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy:

 

Beginning of Wisdom

The fourth thing we need to understand about true Wisdom is that it always starts with one condition.  The condition is also the first foundational lesson in Godly Wisdom. The first step on the pathway of Wisdom is the Fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:

 

Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom;

 

Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;

The first mention of the word Wisdom when connected with the promises of Israel is found in Deuteronomy. Here we find Moses instructing the Children of Israel to keep the precepts and the laws that God has given to them. Listen to what the Lord says:

Deuteronomy 4:6

Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

In this one verse, we learn that Wisdom has a purpose that is larger than any one person. Wisdom is meant to be observed and practiced as a testimony to others. Wisdom displayed is a sign of greatness and understanding that is meant to reveal something about the source of all true Wisdom. 

Where does Wisdom come from? 

The answer is found in the first picture that is embedded in the first letter of the Hebrew word we translate as Wisdom.

 Picture Meaning of Wisdom

What else can we learn by investigating the Picture meaning of the Hebrew words for Wisdom that we do not already know? 

The first thing we learn is that in the Hebrew there are actually two words for Wisdom in the Scriptures and each has a special meaning.

Let’s explore what this Hebrew word Wisdom means by investigating the Picture language just under each of the four Hebrew letters Chet, Kaf, Mem, and Tav that is revealed in the first mention of the word Wisdom disclosed in Deuteronomy 4:6.

Wisdom

400   40   20   8

Tav  Mem  Kaf  Chet

 

 Chet  8

Private – To Separate – To Protect – Place of Protection
To be cut off – Grace – Favor – A place of Refuge
A Protected Garden – Quiet Place – Silent and Still
in Security – Fence – Inner Room
Sanctuary

 

 Kaf    20

To Cover –  A Covering
To Open – To Allow 
 To Atone – Atonement
To make an Atonement
Palm

 

 Mem  40  

Liquid – Mighty Waters like the Ocean
Massive as the waves of the Sea
Chaotic and Destructive like a Tsunami
Water coming down like a Stream Rain Water
that makes the Desert Bloom
The Word of God that brings Life
Living Water – Waters

 

       22 Tav  400  

To Seal – To Covenant – A Sign
Crossed Wooden Sticks
Cross

Chet is the picture of a private sanctuary, a secure, hidden place of protection.
Kaf is a picture of a hand and it means to cover or uncover.
Mem is the picture of waters and can mean living waters or waters of destruction.
Tav is a picture of crossed stick and can mean a cross, a sign or a covenant.

While there is more than one message that emerges from these four pictures, let me share the most obvious one first.

Chet informs us that Wisdom is pictured as something that comes from a private sanctuary, a hidden place.

Kaf informs us that Wisdom can either be covered and withheld or it can be uncovered and released.

Mem informs us that the Wisdom that comes from above is meant to bring life.

Tav informs us that the Wisdom that comes from above and brings life will be a sign to other nations and people groups. 

What is the sign?  

The answer if found in the first mention of the word Wisdom in the Scriptures in Deuteronomy 6:4b:

 ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

How is this Wisdom attained?

Moses tells us the answer. The Wisdom in view with this particular Hebrew word is attained by hearing, understanding and following the precepts of YHVH.


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15 Comments Add yours

  1. Glenda Lowery says:

    I think this is a five star study, but every time I try to click the stars, I am able to only click two. That is not how I vote. I vote 5!

  2. Pamela Michaels says:

    Love these posts. I am beginning to use what I have learned to look up other Hebrew words that the Lord impresses me to study out. Thanks again for being a vessel in the Lord’s hands.

  3. Linda Heard says:

    This was great!! Opening my understanding with deeper meaning.

  4. jane z mazzola says:

    This is the first post I’ve watched. “Wisdom” is a word & quality that has ALWAYS intrigued me, & Solomon’s prayer for that inspired me as a youth. Still intrigues & inspires me to search. Love your presentation. I’d rate 5+!

    I have purchased one of your books, the Picture Hebrew book” Amazing! Thank you for your posts & books to help continue studies into the Biblical Hebrew. Jane z. Mazzola

  5. David Butler says:

    When i try clicking on stars it only does one. I wanted to click 5 since i think this teaching was very good.

  6. Yolanda says:

    Thank you! Will be listening & reading this over a few more times. It is very interesting & so much to absorb.
    I will eventually buy the book.

    Thank you!

  7. Janice says:

    I love your posts! Thank you for offering these insightful messages.

  8. Sarah says:

    Thank you for helping us to obtain wisdom, for His people perish for lack of knowledge. It is my hope and desire to prosper…to grow in my relationship with Him.

  9. david says:

    I am a better listener than reader. Is there a way to continue with the books WITH liste ning ?

    1. Jackie says:

      Love this study! It a so helpful and recommended for anyone who wants to really dive deep into the Bible.

  10. Jerry C says:

    In Gematria (not the same as astrology), the Hebrew word wisdom has an ordinal & nominal value of 37 & 73 respectively. Interesting is that these are both prime numbers. Also, geometrically these are hexagons & stars (star of David & Israel!). In addition, the product of these two numbers 37×73 is 2701; which happens to be the total of Genesis 1:1 in Hebrew! So, this is another gem YHVH has given us to show wisdom at the Creation of the heavens & earth! YHVH’s Word is as deep as anyone is willing to go!

    http://www.biblewheel.com/GR/GR_37.php

  11. Te says:

    In looking at the summary description of Wisdom below, I feel that each interpretation points to Yeshua, because in Colossians 2:3 it states: “in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

    Chet: Yeshua Ha Mashiach is hidden from those who don’t believe.
    Kaf: The Father by the Holy Spirit reveals Yeshua to some.
    Mem: Yeshua Ha Mashiach comes from above and is meant to give Life.
    Tav: Yeshua Ha Mashiach and the Cross bring Life and are meant to be a sign to nations and people.

    Wisdom points to Yeshua Ha Mashiach
    Blessings! 🙂

    Chet informs us that Wisdom is pictured as something that comes from a private sanctuary, a hidden place.
    Kaf informs us that Wisdom can either be covered and withheld or it can be uncovered and released.
    Mem informs us that the Wisdom that comes from above is meant to bring life.
    Tav informs us that the Wisdom that comes from above and brings life will be a sign to other nations and people groups.

  12. Kathleen Demers says:

    Your wisdom is enlightening the world a lamp unto our feet a beautiful picture and truth that Yahweh has given in the Almighty work of His Alphabet. His creation is marvelous! Thank you so very much!

  13. Pastor Susan Kirkpatrick says:

    Been enjoying Rock Island books and news letter for over 5 years now. Have seen knowledge and wisdom and understanding continually increase. The Wisdom one revealed a major part of the mystery Kim Clement was unable to unlock. Then Jesus said put it away.Now I saw my next set of picture cards I’m going to buy along with book on Love. Thank you for these extra special resources available to the public. Pastor Susan Kirkpatrick

  14. Joseph Blay says:

    This is really an insightful lesson. It is deep yet put in very simple language.

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