Proverbs 4:7 — Word Study
WLCרֵאשִׁ֣ית חָ֭כְמָה קְנֵ֣ה חָכְמָ֑ה וּבְכָל־ קִ֝נְיָנְךָ֗ קְנֵ֣ה בִינָֽה׃
BSAWisdomchokmâh [the principal thing, supreme] is supremerêʼshîyth so acquireqânâh [get, purchase] wisdomchokmâh [skill, prudence, or good judgment] And whateverkôl you may acquireqinyân [get, obtain] gainqânâh [with all your getting] understandingbîynâh [discernment, knowledge, or insight]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| רֵאשִׁ֣ית | [is] first | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| חָ֭כְמָה | wisdom | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| קְנֵ֣ה | acquire | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine singular |
| חָכְמָ֑ה | wisdom | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וּבְכָל־ | and by all | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| קִ֝נְיָנְךָ֗ | acquisition your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| קְנֵ֣ה | acquire | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine singular |
| בִינָֽה׃ | understanding | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. |
| KJV | Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. |
| ASV | Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding. |
| YLT | The first thing [is] wisdom — get wisdom, And with all thy getting get understanding. |
| WEB | Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding. |
| BBE | The first sign of wisdom is to get wisdom; go, give all you have to get true knowledge. |
Translations generally agree on the rendering of the key terms in this verse.
The verse consists of a main clause followed by imperative phrases that instruct the reader on what to pursue.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbקָנָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 4:7
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Value of Wisdomgenerated
Proverbs 4:7 teaches that wisdom is the most important thing to acquire in life. It is not just about gaining knowledge, but about understanding and applying it wisely. This verse is situated within a larger discourse on the benefits of wisdom, urging the reader to prioritize it above all else. The surrounding verses highlight the protective and guiding nature of wisdom, reinforcing its significance in making sound decisions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:12 | For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 9:16–18 | And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” |
| 3 | Matthew 13:44–46 | The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. |
| 4 | Luke 10:42 | But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” |
| 5 | Philippians 3:8 | More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָ֭כְמָה, chokh.mahgenerated
The Hebrew word חָכְמָה (chokmah) denotes wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including practical knowledge in areas such as administration and ethics. It is derived from the root word חָכַם (chakam), which also means to be wise.
In this verse, wisdom is presented as the principal thing, underscoring its primacy. The parsing indicates it is a feminine singular noun, which is consistent with its usage in contexts that emphasize the nurturing and protective qualities of wisdom.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations generally agree on the rendering of the key terms in this verse.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse is built around two main verbs: קְנֵ֣ה (acquire) and קְנֵ֣ה (gain), which govern the phrases that follow. The first verb introduces the imperative to acquire wisdom, while the second emphasizes gaining understanding.
The overall flow of the verse highlights the relationship between acquiring wisdom and understanding, with the imperative form underscoring the urgency of these pursuits.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 4:7 tells us that wisdom is the most important thing to seek in life. It encourages us to acquire wisdom and understanding, highlighting their value in guiding our decisions and actions.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To acquire wisdom means to actively seek and obtain knowledge, skill, and good judgment that can guide one's actions and decisions.
Understanding is important because it allows us to discern and apply knowledge wisely in our lives, leading to better choices and outcomes.
Gaining wisdom can involve studying, learning from experiences, and seeking counsel from those who are wise.
Wisdom and understanding are closely related; wisdom involves the application of knowledge, while understanding provides the insight needed to make sound judgments.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek more wisdom?
- How can I apply the understanding I gain to my daily decisions?
- What practical steps can I take to prioritize wisdom in my life?
- Who can I turn to for wise counsel and guidance?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Christian writers often referenced wisdom in their teachings. Quotations from the Desert Fathers and Bede illustrate the enduring significance of wisdom in spiritual life.
A brother asked a hermit, ‘Abba, look here, I ask my elders questions, and they talk to me for the good of my soul, and I remember nothing they say.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 4 →
And in all your possessions acquire prudence. In all the good things you possess, remember to act wisely, or in all your possessions acquire prudence. Contemn all the earthly possessions you hold; provided you acquire wisdom.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 4 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 4:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleWisdom [is] the principal thing,.... Or principal, one; the principal of persons and things; the principal of persons, angels or men: Christ is superior to angels, having a more excellent name and
Read John Gill on Proverbs 4 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryWisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Wisdom is the principal thing; (therefore) get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 4 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe principal thing; the most excellent of all possessions. With all; even with the price of all, though it cost thee the loss of all which thou hast. Or, or among all. Whilst you labour for other things, do not neglect this.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 4 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 4:7 Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.Ver. 7. Wisdom is the principal thing.] Say the world what it will, a drachma of this wisdom is worth a pound of wit. Let others censure with the scribes, let me wonder with the multitude. And for wealth he is rich, not that hath the world, but that can contemn it. As for honour, virtue is a thousand escutcheons. And that is the true nobility, whereof God is the top of the kin, religion the root. For without this, well may a man be notable or notorious, but truly noble he can never be. Lastly, for learning, the Greeks express learned and good by one word, as if they were not…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 4 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(7) Wisdom is the principal thing . . .—This may also be translated, The beginning of wisdom is Get (or, to get, comp. Proverbs 16:16) wisdom: and with (i.e., at the price of) all thou hast gotten (thy possessions) get understanding.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 4 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 7. Wisdom is the principal thing] ראשית חכמה reshith chochmah, "wisdom is the principle." It is the punctum saliens in all religion to know the true God, and what he requires of man, and for what he has made man; and to this must be added, under the Christian dispensation, to know Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, and for what end HE was sent, the necessity of his being sent, and the nature of that salvation which he has bought by his own blood. Get wisdom] Consider this as thy chief gain; that in reference to which all thy wisdom, knowledge, and endeavours should be directed. And with all thy getting] Let this be thy chief property. While thou art passing through things temporal, do…
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges7. Wisdom is &c.] So also R.V. text. Others, with R.V. marg., The beginning of wisdom is, Get wisdom, Comp. Proverbs 2:1-5. with all thy getting] Rather, with all thou hast gotten, R.V., at the price or cost of all thy possessions. Comp. Matthew 13:44; Matthew 13:46.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 4 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible7. Wisdom is the principal thing — Some render, The beginning of wisdom is to get wisdom. This is allowable, but our version is supported by good authorities. “Wisdom is the beginning.” — Geneva Bible.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 4 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
Tyndale line
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: yea, with all thou hast gotten get understanding.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Wisedome is the beginning: get wisedome therefore: and aboue all thy possession get vnderstanding.
Strictly literal
The beginning of wisdom [is], Get wisdom; and with all thy getting get intelligence.
The first thing [is] wisdom — get wisdom, And with all thy getting get understanding.
The first thing [is] wisdom—get wisdom, || And with all your getting get understanding.
The beginning of wisdom is, Acquire wisdom: and with all thy acquisition acquire understanding.
Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom and spend all you own so you can get understanding.
From the Latin
The beginning of wisdom, get wisdom, and with all thy possession purchase prudence.
Simplified
The first thing in becoming wise is to get wisdom! Whatever else you gain, gain insight.
The first sign of wisdom is to get wisdom; go, give all you have to get true knowledge.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree on the wording of this verse, with 7 of the 8 words matched. The Septuagint's phrasing may differ but conveys the same essential message regarding wisdom and understanding.
רֵאשִׁ֣ית חָ֭כְמָה קְנֵ֣ה חָכְמָ֑ה וּבְכָל־ קִ֝נְיָנְךָ֗ קְנֵ֣ה בִינָֽה׃
7 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 4:7
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רֵאשִׁית (re'shiyth) means 'beginning' or 'chief.' It is derived from a root meaning 'first' and covers concepts like the first in time, order, or rank, including firstfruits. The entries consistently emphasize its meanings related to primacy and importance.
רֵאשִׁית n.f. beginning, chief
beginning
first
first, chief
base
H7225 רֵאשִׁית beginning, chief . . beginning
. first
. first, chief
7225 re'shiyth ray-sheeth'
from the same as 7218; the first, in place, time, order or
rank (specifically, a firstfruit):--beginning, chief(-est),
first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing.
see HEBREW for 07218
רֵאשִׁית (re.shit) — first: beginning.
: beginning
1) first, beginning, best, chief
1a) beginning
1b) first
1c) chief
1d) choice part
Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
רֵאשִׁית (re.shit) — first: best.
: best
1) first, beginning, best, chief
1a) beginning
1b) first
1c) chief
1d) choice part
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
furst ('echadh, ri'shon; proton, to proton, protos):
Of these words, which are those most frequently used for "first," ri'shon is from rosh, "the head, and is used for the highest, chief, etc.; also of time, the beginning, e.g. Ge 8:13, in the first month"; in Isa 44:6; 48:12, it is used of Yahweh as Eternal and solely Supreme--the First and the Last (compare Isa 41:4). Special usages are in connection with "firstborn," "first- fruit," etc.; proton is used of that which is first in order; but also of that which is first or chief in importance, etc. (Mt 6:33; Jas 3:17). In
חָכְמָה (chokmah) means wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including in war and administration, as well as shrewdness and ethical prudence. It is built from the root word for wisdom, חָכַם (chakam). The term appears in contexts related to both practical and religious matters.
חָכְמָה n.f. wisdom
skill in war
wisdom, in administration
shrewdness, wisdom
wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
wisdom, ethical and religious
base
H2451 חָכְמָה wisdom . skill in war
. wisdom, in administration
. shrewdness, wisdom
. wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
. wisdom, ethical and religious
2451 chokmah khok-maw'
from 2449; wisdom (in a good sense):--skilful, wisdom,
wisely, wit.
see HEBREW for 02449
חׇכְמָה (chokh.mah) — wisdom.
1) wisdom
1a) skill (in war)
1b) wisdom (in administration)
1c) shrewdness, wisdom
1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)
1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wiz'-dum:
1. Linguistic
2. History
3. Religious Basis
4. Ideals
5. Teaching of Christ
6. Remainder of the New Testament
(1) James
(2) Paul
7. Hypostasis
LITERATURE
1. Linguistic:
In the Revised Version (British and American) the noun "wisdom" and its corresponding adjective and verb ("be wise," "act wisely," etc.) represent a variety of Hebrew words: bin (binah, and in the English Revised Version tebunah), sakhal (sekhel, sekhel), lebh (and in the English Revised Version labhabh), tushiyah (and in the English Revised Version Te`em, `ormah, piqqach. None of these, however, is of very frequent occurrence and by far the most common group is the verb chakham, with the adjective chakham, and the nouns chokhmah, chokhmoth, with something over 300 occurrences in the Old Testament (of which rather more than half are in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes). Cokhmah, accordingly, may be treated as the Hebrew…
The Hebrew word קָנָה (*qanah*) primarily means to get, acquire, or buy. It can also imply creating or procuring something, often in a poetic context. The entries indicate various usages, including God acquiring His people and Eve acquiring knowledge. There is an Aramaic equivalent, קְנָא (*qe.na*), which also means 'to buy.'
קָנָה 84 vb. get, acquire
Qal 81
get, acquire (all poet.)
elsewhere buy
Niph. be bought
Hiph. caused (one) to purchase me, i.e. made me a bondman
base
H7069 קָנָה get, acquire .. get, acquire (all poet.)
. elsewhere buy
. be bought
. caused (one) to purchase me, i.e. made me a bondman
7069 qanah kaw-naw'
a primitive root; to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to
procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by
implication to own:--attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle,
get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover,
redeem, X surely, X verily.
קָנָה (qa.nah) — to buy.
1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to get, acquire, obtain
1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people
1a1a1) possessor
1a1b) of Eve acquiring
1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom
1a2) to buy
1b) (Niphal) to be bought
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess
Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singularHVqv2ms
חָכְמָה (chokmah) means wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including in war and administration, as well as shrewdness and ethical prudence. It is built from the root word for wisdom, חָכַם (chakam). The term appears in contexts related to both practical and religious matters.
חָכְמָה n.f. wisdom
skill in war
wisdom, in administration
shrewdness, wisdom
wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
wisdom, ethical and religious
base
H2451 חָכְמָה wisdom . skill in war
. wisdom, in administration
. shrewdness, wisdom
. wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
. wisdom, ethical and religious
2451 chokmah khok-maw'
from 2449; wisdom (in a good sense):--skilful, wisdom,
wisely, wit.
see HEBREW for 02449
חׇכְמָה (chokh.mah) — wisdom.
1) wisdom
1a) skill (in war)
1b) wisdom (in administration)
1c) shrewdness, wisdom
1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)
1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wiz'-dum:
1. Linguistic
2. History
3. Religious Basis
4. Ideals
5. Teaching of Christ
6. Remainder of the New Testament
(1) James
(2) Paul
7. Hypostasis
LITERATURE
1. Linguistic:
In the Revised Version (British and American) the noun "wisdom" and its corresponding adjective and verb ("be wise," "act wisely," etc.) represent a variety of Hebrew words: bin (binah, and in the English Revised Version tebunah), sakhal (sekhel, sekhel), lebh (and in the English Revised Version labhabh), tushiyah (and in the English Revised Version Te`em, `ormah, piqqach. None of these, however, is of very frequent occurrence and by far the most common group is the verb chakham, with the adjective chakham, and the nouns chokhmah, chokhmoth, with something over 300 occurrences in the Old Testament (of which rather more than half are in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes). Cokhmah, accordingly, may be treated as the Hebrew…
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Conj | Prep | N-ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHC/R/Ncmsc
ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.
(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.
(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).
קִנְיָן (qinyan) refers to an acquisition or possession, encompassing things that are obtained, such as property or wealth. It is derived from a root meaning 'to create' and can also refer to creatures in a broader sense. The entries consistently highlight its connection to ownership and material goods.
קִנְיָן n.[m.] thing got or acquired, acquisition
base
H7075 קִנְיָן thing got or acquired, acquisition
7075 qinyan kin-yawn'
from 7069; creation, i.e. (concretely) creatures; also
acquisition, purchase, wealth:--getting, goods, X with money,
riches, substance.
see HEBREW for 07069
קִנְיָן (qin.yan) — acquisition.
1) thing acquired, acquisition, possession, purchased property, wealth
1a) thing acquired (by purchase)
1b) creatures (more general)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms
The Hebrew word קָנָה (*qanah*) primarily means to get, acquire, or buy. It can also imply creating or procuring something, often in a poetic context. The entries indicate various usages, including God acquiring His people and Eve acquiring knowledge. There is an Aramaic equivalent, קְנָא (*qe.na*), which also means 'to buy.'
קָנָה 84 vb. get, acquire
Qal 81
get, acquire (all poet.)
elsewhere buy
Niph. be bought
Hiph. caused (one) to purchase me, i.e. made me a bondman
base
H7069 קָנָה get, acquire .. get, acquire (all poet.)
. elsewhere buy
. be bought
. caused (one) to purchase me, i.e. made me a bondman
7069 qanah kaw-naw'
a primitive root; to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to
procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by
implication to own:--attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle,
get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover,
redeem, X surely, X verily.
קָנָה (qa.nah) — to buy.
1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to get, acquire, obtain
1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people
1a1a1) possessor
1a1b) of Eve acquiring
1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom
1a2) to buy
1b) (Niphal) to be bought
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess
Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singularHVqv2ms
בִּינָה (biynah) means understanding and encompasses the act, faculty, and object of knowledge, even personified in some contexts. It is derived from the root meaning to discern or comprehend. The Aramaic equivalent is בִּינָה (H0999).
בִּינָה n.f. understanding
the act
the faculty
the object of knowledge
personified
base
H998 בִּינָה understanding . the act
. the faculty
. the object of knowledge
. personified
998 biynah bee-naw'
from 995; understanding:--knowledge, meaning, X perfectly,
understanding, wisdom.
see HEBREW for 0995
בִּינָה (bi.nah) — understanding.
1) understanding, discernment
1a) act
1b) faculty
1c) object
1d) personified
Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa